Awards of Achievement

Cristina-Maria Pop

I had reached a dead end in my 4-year career as a dental assistant and though I was highly appreciated at work, I felt depressed most of the time like there was nothing that could help without changing careers anymore. What I really wanted deep down inside was to be able to treat patients myself.

Last year, whilst being out of formal education for 15 years, I was advised at an Open Day event that an Access to HE Diploma would help me fulfil basic entry requirements. I had never heard about such a course before as all my qualifications were from outside the UK, and you can imagine the panic when I found out my local college decided to cancel their Access to Healthcare course all of a sudden, for lack of students.

I could not afford to commute to another far away college and keep a job too, so it was the luckiest day of my life when I found out about DistanceLearningCentre.com and decided to contact them. I found out that they offered an even wider range of qualifications and I was able to study whilst keeping my full-time job and taking care of my young family. They advised me that the course I wanted to enrol might not be the best for my dream University, so I followed their advice and enrolled on the Access to Health Professions course. What a great decision that was! It took 9 months to finish my course and as the whole country was going into lock-down I was able to continue my studies and submit assessments as before. DistanceLearningCentre.com have worked hard during these difficult times for all their students to reach their goals.

Only a year ago I had a big and far-fetched dream that I could change my life completely, make it into dental school at 36 years old and become a Dental Therapist and Hygienist. Today I am that student, all thanks to the brilliant programme, amazing staff and supportive network of students here.

I hope whoever is reading this decides it's never too late for a change, never too late to follow your dreams, unrealistic as they may seem in the beginning. There is always a way and DistanceLearningCentre.com might be your key to success, as it has been mine. (Jul 2020)

Robert Owens

After some research into distance learning, I decided to pursue my educational ambitions with DistanceLearningCentre.com as I looked for a potential career change. I have always kept my 'hand in', so to speak, with adult learning, but my shortfall that required updating was in science, which I had not looked at for a number of years. The structure of the course was excellent, as I felt that I was gently introduced to the topics and allowed to develop my skills at a comfortable pace while still meeting all deadlines.

My tutors were fantastic with me. Their level of expertise was shared with me and their patience was shown, when I perhaps struggled to understand an idea or subject, they provided me with great encouragement. These factors were of great assistance to me as I undertook this course while serving in the RAF and also overseas.

I await now to see if my hard work ultimately pays off with regards to my career, but I know that DistanceLearningCentre.com, and its staff, have put me in the best possible position to progress professionally. (Jul 2020)

Adnan Hussain

From a young age I always carried an ambition to obtain an education from a prestigious institution, which would allow me to advocate change. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances I had to start working when I left school. After a life changing experience at 32 years of age, I decided to fulfil this ambition.

Returning to education can be a very daunting challenge for a mature student, so like all in my situation, I was very apprehensive. My only other educational experience was in the regular school system and I knew I had to find a provider who was flexible, as I still needed to work but also allow me to develop a range of skills, which would be vital to further education.

After speaking to DistanceLearningCentre.com, they removed a lot of my concerns. Everything was explained in a very professional manner and I was amazed at the positive energy they had towards further education. I also suffer from learning disabilities and the support network they have in place for this is brilliant. I decided this was the best organisation to study my Access to Social Science.

On my very first lesson everything was broken down. Information on writing skills and critical thinking, which were vital parts of the course, was explained to me. The ILP (Individual Learning Plan) was another helpful tool. It allowed me to plan my modules and work towards a time frame which enabled me to fit my studies around my work. The weekly one to ones with my tutor were very helpful. Any problems in terms of knowledge I was having on the course we could then engage with so I could come to a better understanding.

I cannot put into words the support I had from my tutor. They pushed me every step of the way and made me believe in my ability. The support I received was way beyond what I expected. My tutor constantly encouraged me to seek extra knowledge and highlighted resources which would further develop knowledge on the areas I was studying. As I studied more of the course, my confidence grew. Feedback from my essays always highlighted areas I could develop.

I experienced a lot of issues during the course and went through some difficult times. The support that I received I will always be truly grateful for, because without that, I would have not obtained all distinctions. My tutor was amazing! Their constant belief in me and encouragement not to give up has put me in this position.

I will be applying this year to study International Relations at some of the best Universities in the country. (Jul 2020)

Harriet Brough

Having been out of education for 10+ and nearing my 30th birthday, the thought of entering education again seemed out of reach and unachievable with an added unaffordable cost implication. To complicate my worries, I had recently been diagnosed with a debilitating chronic illness which unfortunately at times resulted in prolonged bed rest and subsequently many hospital admissions and appointments.

This was overwhelming and incredibly difficult to navigate whilst wanting to change career. In turn, my confidence plummeted. If I wanted to achieve my goal of becoming a paediatric nurse, so finding a suitable institution to cater to my current individual needs was my priority.

After researching pathways into higher education, I found DistanceLearningCentre.com, which was both affordable and easily accessible.

At first, I had reservations about the options available for remote learning and if I would get the same benefits if I were to be studying in an on-site institution. I had concerns around whether I could complete the course remotely, if I would achieve the grades I needed for university or if my illness would hinder my progression through the course. All of these reservations were swiftly put to bed when speaking with them and I made the easy decision to join.

My health was not an implication or an 'issue' to DistanceLearningCentre.com. They gave me the opportunity to fully engage in education again, to study at my own pace and most importantly to regain my confidence and self-worth.

Throughout my two years with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I have gained an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience to enable a swift move onto a child nursing degree. This was down to module reading opportunities provided, but also opportunities to independently read on a wider scale. The opportunity to learn remotely enabled me to become a reflective and tenacious learner whilst also engaging with course material effectively. The reflective practice after each module, enabled progressive academic skills and has allowed a much easier transition into university life.

My tutor provided ample amounts of support and encouragement throughout and I cannot thank her enough for her indispensable part in my journey to university.

Thanks to DistanceLearningCentre.com, I was offered all three places at my chosen universities.

During these unprecedented times due to COVID-19, I could not be prouder to say I am now a student nurse providing critical healthcare to children, young people and their families. DistanceLearningCentre.com, thank you! (Jul 2020)

Zareena Osbourne

For the majority of my life, I have suffered from severe health issues that have impacted my schooling. As I got older these issues worsened which made it increasingly difficult to remain in school. I found myself missing days of school due to appointments and low days. It was when I suffered a severe allergic reaction at sixth form which endangered my life, I realised I had to make a change. I became extremely anxious that I wouldn't be able to complete my education until I discovered DistanceLearningCentre.com. I finally found something that worked for me. Something that pushed me to do my best. Something that gave me my freedom while providing me with a great education.

DistanceLearningCentre.com allowed me to regain my health back and continue my schooling. I never dreamt of the possibility of attending university. However, after receiving my qualifications I got accepted into one of the best law schools in the country. I couldn't have done this without the support of my amazing tutors. I'm thankful for their guidance and at moments constructive criticisms that allowed me to improve my work and succeed.

I highly recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to anybody who finds the traditional learning experience difficult or not fit for them for any reason. Once again thank you to everyone at DistanceLearningCentre.com. (Jul 2020)

Melissa Vindidu

I started my studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com with the intention of bettering my grades in order for me to be able to go to university. I chose to do the Access to Psychology Diploma as it suited my interests and I felt it would be beneficial for my university and potential career choices. Both the tutors that I had for the Psychology and Criminology aspect of the course were incredible individuals.

I was facing some personal issues during my studies and had a baby in between which prolonged the length of my course considerably. I however still always felt that my tutors were patient, kind, compassionate, supportive and actually wanted me to complete the course and succeed in my post diploma endeavours. They truly took their time helping me if I had any issues with my coursework and didn't make me feel like I was just another individual - it was very much a personalised encounter and experience.

I have always had anxiety issues with exams and although the exams in the course were very different (yet still anxiety inducing) compared to a sat exam in a large hall, the tutors still helped to put my mind at ease and I was able to succeed. I have now completed my Access course and am currently enrolled with my first-choice university as my grades turned out better than expected (greatly due to the support that I had)! I am studying Social Work now and as I am going through assessments and modules for university, I still often have teachings from my tutors at distancelearningcentre.com guiding me in my head. I am truly grateful to them and highly recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to anyone looking to further their education. (Jul 2020)

Nell Courcha

When I first started my course, it was a massive step for me as I had left education over 5 years ago and in all honesty, had not picked up a book since then. I felt that I was supported massively by my tutors - from helping me understand the work, to completing it to its best possible standard. The tutors made sure they knew the grades I needed and pushed me in the right direction to gaining these.

I had to complete my studies during the coronavirus pandemic. At first this course seemed extremely daunting, and even on a personal level my tutor at the time kept reassuring me that we would get it done and all would be as it needed too as if the pandemic had not hit. I genuinely could not recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com enough. In fact, I have already recommended two of my friends who are now currently enrolled and on their own journeys.

The flexibility was perfect for me. I was able to learn at my own pace, fitting it around my job and my young daughter, even if that sometimes meant late nights and lots of coffee with a little girl assisting with the typing of the assessments!

I am now 5 weeks in to my first year of University studying midwifery and feel like I am at an advantage with the amount I learnt on my access course that actually ties in with what I am currently studying. Thank you, DistanceLearningCentre.com. (Jul 2020)

Summaiya Mulla

I am so grateful to have come across DistanceLearningCentre.com at 16.

During my apprenticeship, I had also taken up an access course to do my dream degree in creative writing.

Thanks to my amazing tutor and the great materials provided I landed my first-place choice at Manchester Metropolitan University.

I highly recommend this institution as it allowed me to achieve my dream! (Jul 2020)

Juan Pablo Garcia Lopez

After many years of working in the fitness industry, I decided to follow my dream and apply for a Physiotherapy degree. The requirements were demanding and when I found I had to complete an access course in the sciences and achieve a majority of distinction while working full time and raising my two daughters, it caused me to have some doubts. I found an online course with Distancelearningcentre.com, and from the outset, the advice from DistanceLearningCentre.com was exceptional. Choosing the right course was the first challenge from a range of choices and I could not have felt better supported with the advice they gave me in which courses would be most suitable.

My tutors were very encouraging yet academically rigorous.

I had to work hard to commit to the relevant deadlines and without the support of the tutors (always available for my questions), I couldn't have done it. Their work helping me was second to none. In every essay or exam, the feedback was very detailed, highlighting things I was doing right and pointing out where and how I could improve. The advice for completing the university application was excellent and the references from the tutor timely and detailed.

In the end I achieved more distinctions than I needed, and I am studying my physiotherapy degree at King's College London. My dream has come true thank you to Distancelearningcentre.com. (Nov 2019)

Laura Felters

I came to DistanceLearningCentre.com to do an access course to enable me to progress in my career. The thought of studying again was daunting as a mature student and the thought of juggling work, life demands, family and learning again at the age of 32 blew my mind. The tutors eased these thoughts straight away with the clear instructions and timelines that still allowed time for myself during the week.

This year's course was made harder by the Covid pandemic but the staff were amazing giving guidance, as and when they received it. I am so glad I completed all the assignments even though I could have taken the predictive grades that were on offer. I completed the course in around 7 months with excellent support from the tutors, definitely would recommend to anyone who is looking to further their career. (Jul 2020)