Liz studied the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma in Health and Social Care at Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries in Nottingham, which has helped her progress from working in mental health to studying occupational therapy at university
Why did you decide to pursue an Access to HE Diploma?
I went straight from school to college to study the NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care. Unfortunately, I couldn't complete it at the time.
I have been working in mental health for six years full time, and before that, I spent a few years volunteering.
It became apparent that I couldn't progress in my current role without this qualification and a degree.
After a long time of not believing I could complete a degree, I decided to pursue this qualification to see how far I could progress.
Why did you choose this course and institution?
This course was local to me. I liked the fact that it was in a library setting and that I could complete it while still working.
Can you tell us about the course?
The Access to HE Diploma included in-depth modules that helped us develop the study skills and subject knowledge needed for university-level learning.
We also developed communication skills, such as giving presentations, recording online narration and speaking in front of the group. These felt quite daunting at first, but we had lots of support from the tutors.
The modules included:
biology
health promotion and campaigning
mental health.
We studied wellbeing and put some of the things we had learned into looking after ourselves while studying.
All modules had a final piece of coursework, so we had time to work on it and didn't need to sit any exams.
How did you fund your diploma?
I received a government Advanced Learner Loan. I won't need to pay this back if I complete my university degree. The loan was easy to apply for.
What aspects of your course did you most enjoy?
I really enjoyed learning again. Some of it was complicated but I came away knowing that I'd worked hard and gained a lot of knowledge. I proved to myself that I could work at this level while working full time.
I preferred the in-person sessions to online learning, as it was good to have a room full of people to bounce ideas off and ask the tutor questions.
My favourite part of this course was exploring wellbeing, self-care, and complementary therapies.
What did you find the most challenging?
The biology, respiratory system and circulatory system but I feel much more confident for having done these.
I was very nervous about presenting to the class and narrating my own presentations, but I think this has helped me with my confidence, too.
At the beginning, there were a few times when assignments needed to be in quite quickly, one after another, but that seemed to ease off as the course progressed.
I'm almost grateful it happened that way round, as the course felt easier as we went along, and the more complicated modules were at the beginning. This persuaded me that I could do the degree at university because I felt I could manage the high workload.
How have you balanced your studies with other commitments?
It has not always been easy to fit everything in. I was used to having my grandchildren regularly and taking them on days out, which almost came to a stop, but I kept reminding myself that this was just one year and that it would help me spend more time with them in the future.
I studied on many of my weekends and didn't see friends as often as I would have liked, but I kept up my evenings during the week as my 'me time', with a regular philosophy group and meditation practice.
It has been very tiring at times to work full time alongside this course. There was definitely a drop in my level of physical activity outside of work.
What have you been doing since completing your diploma?
I have enrolled at university and am studying occupational therapy, which requires this Level 3 access course.
In addition, I've been able to spend more time with my family and make up for the time we missed together before the summer holidays. I also made space to work on my physical fitness again by swimming, hiking and going to the gym.
Why did you decide on a career in this industry?
I have always been interested in mental health and the way that physical health and mental health are so closely linked.
I love my job as an activity coordinator, and the time I spend with patients I work with. This feels like the next step for my career. I have gained confidence and belief in myself through this course, and I feel ready to take the next step now.
What advice would you give to others considering an Access to HE Diploma?
Allow enough time to complete assignments. Set aside more time than you think you'll need, especially if you like to read around the subject before starting your work. Working steadily and handing assignments in on time can make the workload feel more manageable.
Keep attending lessons. Going to every session helps you stay on top of assignments and gives you access to tutor support, group discussion and advice from others on the course.
Remember, the course is intense but temporary. An Access to HE Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels completed in a year, so it can feel demanding. Keep reminding yourself that the course will pass quickly, but you'll have the qualification forever.
Protect time for yourself. Make space each week for something you enjoy, whether that's meditation, a hobby or time away from your studies. This can help you manage the workload and look after your wellbeing.
