Fab 5 Awards

Jessica Licorish - Winner August 2017

In 2012 my life changed dramatically, I was diagnosed with a debilitating illness and it took a couple of years before I could realistically think about rebuilding myself as a professional. I knew I was unable to return to my previous line of work (Head Chef and Percussionist) so I felt studying an online Access Diploma would help as I had limited mobility and I had been helped by so many people in my recovery journey, that I knew I wanted to go on to help others. So in 2014, I applied to DistanceLearningCentre.com to study Access to Higher Education Diploma (Healthcare Professions).

The tutors were so helpful and appreciated me as a person. I was not very computer literate and had not studied for many (many) years. Knowing that self-development involves being willing to learn new skills, I was open minded. The tutors were always able to give good advice as to how to deal with information. Being regularly plagued by headaches and often experiencing fatigue, the Access Diploma took me twice as long than expected to complete; sometimes it all felt too much, but my family, friends and tutors encouraged and supported me every step of the way. And I kept going.

I have learnt more than I could have anticipated by undertaking this course: important skills such as computer skills, research skills and time management, as well as more subject specific knowledge. It is fair to say my recovery journey lead me to DistanceLearningCentre.com and the experience has been an amazing part of my recovery. (Jan 2017)

Tobias Collins - Winner August 2017

I began my Access to HE Diploma in Law with DistanceLearningCentre.com in October 2016, and seven months later I had completed, meeting my conditional offer from the University of Manchester with 45 graded credits at Distinction. The task was not easy and the Diploma was often challenging, but I sincerely believe that my success was largely due to choosing DistanceLearningCentre.com.

By opting for distance learning, I was forced to develop my independent research skills in far greater detail than I would have done in a classroom, whilst my skills regarding note taking, exam preparation, and self-discipline to meet deadlines were greatly tested. These skills are essential for University studies, and I believe distance learning has developed them in far greater detail than could have been possible by learning at a college.

The tutors are simply brilliant, effortlessly striking the perfect balance between providing just enough insight when I was struggling, whilst also allowing me to independently explore the subject. It is largely due to the ethos of my hardworking tutor that I was able to achieve the results that I did.

The flexibility of distance learning meant that I could study in a way which was much more accommodating of my job as a residential child care worker for children with learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, and severe autism. I was able to achieve without putting too much strain on my work or personal life. (Jun 2017)

Karen O'Neill - Winner August 2017

After being out of education for 30 years, I felt anxious about the transition back into studying. I began wondering if I would ever succeed in finding the path to my lifelong ambition! I researched distance learning courses and came across DistanceLearningCentre.com. The availability of courses was incredible and the process of enrolling was straight forward. I began studying the Access to Allied Health Professions and at my age I won't pretend it was easy.

The support given from tutors was amazing; emails were answered promptly and feedback was always constructive. My journey provided me with management, organisational and academic skills, all of which will equip to help me to succeed at University.

DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me the ability to study at my own pace and plan around my busy lifestyle. As a full-time carer to my both my in-laws, a mother of four children and wife to my husband who worked away for weeks at a time, it was hard and at times I felt defeated! My words to you are, DON'T GIVE UP!! Doing what you want to do is achievable!!

I would certainly recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to anyone else that wants to further their careers. The quality of all the tutors has exceeded my expectations. Not forgetting the Forums and Facebook (Official) Page where you will find a tutor or peer-to-peer support offering help and advice, I will continue to offer my support.

Go on - do it, take the leap, grasp that career that you've always imagined yourself doing! I did, and here I am today holding an offer from The University of Chester for the degree in Forensic Psychology. Thank you to DistanceLearningCentre.com! (Nov 2016)

Sarah Benson - Winner August 2017

There comes a point where it gets too much, and I found myself asking why exactly I'd settled for a career path which couldn't give me the job satisfaction I craved. I decided that pursing that elusive career was better done late than never.

I researched University entry requirements and potential routes into higher education, having never completed A-levels. I found DistanceLearningCentre.com, was impressed by their accreditation and course structure, and settled on an Access to HE Diploma. I opted to take a short break from employment in order to fully dedicate myself to this decision.

DistanceLearningCentre.com provided me with a flexible solution; I could begin my course in February and moderate the following November, setting me up perfectly for a UCAS application in a very short academic year. My tutors were incredibly helpful, supportive and efficient from the word go. Tutorials were to hand whenever I needed a challenging concept explained, but the distance aspect really helped me to gain independent learning skills and work at my own pace. I found it a fantastic combination, and with plenty (!) of determination I walked away with a full house of Distinction grades, which was a wonderful feeling.

I balanced my course, which I completed in a little over 6 months, with nearly 4 months of relevant work experience to support my university application. It really was a crazy period in my life, as I lunged from working 14 hour shifts on dairy farms, to observing intricate surgeries, to sitting Chemistry exams and spending days buried in TAQs, or even being involved in post-mortem examinations. It was a whirlwind of learning opportunities, emotions and reality checks, as I knew every aspect was crucial to my application. I was determined to make it the very best it could be, and my efforts proved fully worthwhile when I applied to university in September 2016. I was offered two unconditional places to study Veterinary Medicine, which absolutely floored me. I shall be starting my course in September, and I couldn't be happier.

I can't thank DistanceLearningCentre.com enough for helping me to realise the aspirations that have loitered at the back of my mind for as long as I can remember. Believe in yourself, because it's all achievable if you put your mind to it. (Nov 2016)

Lucy Harvey - Winner August 2017

DistanceLearningCentre.com was a great way for me to do my Access to Nursing and continue working at the same time. Always there if I was struggling, they understood that I was working and studying and always supported my learning needs.

I am now in university studying Adult Nursing which I could not have done without the Access to HE diploma! The skills and knowledge I gained from the course has been invaluable and given me fantastic grounding for my degree. Doing this course has given me a great advantage with my degree and without it I think I would have really struggled and felt out of my depth. I am very thankful to DistanceLearningCentre.com and my tutors, I would not be in university without them and I have learnt a lot! (Nov 2016)

Dana Hickson - David J Moore Memorial Bursary Winner for Outstanding Academic Achievement 2017

David J Moore Memorial Bursary Winner - this award is made by Ascentis, the Awarding Body for our Access Diplomas. Winners receive £400. Each of Ascentis' 57 centres are asked to submit nominees for each of 2 categories, so competition for this bursary is intense. We, at DistanceLearningCentre.com, would like to congratulate Dana on this fantastic achievement.

Having not achieved the grades I expected in my A Levels, I was unsure as to what I wanted to do next. Eventually, I accepted a teaching assistant job and instantly fell in love with working with children. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching so I emailed universities to find out what I could do to achieve my ambition. They suggested that I complete an access course through DistanceLearningCentre.com, so I took the plunge and signed up to the Access to HE Diploma in primary teaching, specialising in English.

I was very apprehensive as to how I would cope with the course and soon realised that I needed to dedicate a lot of time to the assessments if I was going to achieve the grades I needed for my university degree. However, I accepted the challenge!

My experience with DistanceLearningCentre.com has been excellent. The tutors have always been helpful and have worked around my work schedule in order to fit in tutorials. I have also gained lots of valuable skills, which in turn have enhanced my role as a classroom assistant, such as time-management, organisation and working independently. I feel that I am a lot more prepared for university and now understand some of the expectations that will be placed upon me due to my experience working towards my Access to HE Diploma.

This course has helped me to overcome the anxiety I had in my ability to achieve my ambitions; it has made me grow in confidence and improved my self-esteem. (Jun 2017)

Tania De Aquino - David J Moore Memorial Bursary Runner up for Outstanding Commitment to Study 2017

David J Moore Memorial Bursary Runner up - this award is made by Ascentis, the Awarding Body for our Access Diplomas. Runners up receive £200. Each of Ascentis' 57 centres are asked to submit nominees for each of 2 categories, so competition for this bursary is intense. We, at DistanceLearningCentre.com, would like to congratulate Tania on this fantastic achievement.

I enrolled with DistanceLearningCentre.com as I did not have enough qualifications pursue a career in Psychology, so I embraced the Access to Social Sciences. I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I made. The tutors are excellent mentors and highly supportive. The course is amazing and on a number of occasions, I had to deal with customer services and financial services, they too were always excellent in every single way!

In October 2016, I was in a middle way to my Access Course and unfortunately, I was taken ill and I realised I needed a break to concentrate more on my treatment. After a 2-month break, I decided to continue my course whilst still undergoing treatments. It was a challenge that sometimes was not easy and I can only thank my tutor for his continuous support.

I refused to give up pursuing my goal and I have now been offered a place at University. I think if you really want to achieve something, no matter the obstacles, with determination and a positive mind everything is reachable! I got through my Access course due to the flexibility that DistanceLearningCentre.com offers and the enormous kindness and support from tutors and staff. I can only be grateful for my journey with DistanceLearningCentre.com to make me one step closer to my future career and I certainly highly recommend them as a great way to study! (Jun 2017)