Nicola Discovers Her Passion For Chemistry With Access To Higher Education: Science Course
Nicola joined the Access to Higher Education: Science course at Preston’s College in September 2019. Choosing to return to education, Nicola hoped to progress onto a university degree to advance her own career and be an inspiring role model to her two young children.
Hearing about Preston’s College from friends and listening to their positive reviews on both facilities and staff, Nicola chose to travel a little further from home to undertake her studies. Selecting a subject she had a natural interest in and one that would open doors to a variety of career pathways, the course has allowed Nicola to explore an undiscovered passion for chemistry.
As part of the course she studies Chemistry, Statistics, Biology and Health and Safety, alongside other modules including Study Skills; a unit that guides learners through the UCAS application process and supports with writing personal statements.
Commenting, Nicola said:
“The Access course has opened my eyes to the fascinating world of chemistry, showing me the career path I wish to take and providing modules that meet the admissions criteria for chemistry degrees. The Study Skills module not only helped me to write a strong UCAS personal statement but also prepared me for university interviews.”
Speaking about her time on the course, she added:
“The facilities are Preston’s College are great for Science but the best thing about studying here has got to be the staff. They are always happy to go through things with you if you don’t quite understand or if you are just looking for some additional feedback. Even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, regardless of their personal circumstances, every single staff member has remained supportive and has actively responded to emails, course questions and submitted work, doing everything they can to help us stay on track and secure success.”
Recommending the course to others who are hoping to study a Science related degree but don’t currently hold a Level 3 qualification, Nicola continued:
“Be sure you are studying the course for the right reasons. Make sure it is a subject you enjoy because the course is not easy, especially if you have been out of education for a period of time. However, if you enjoy the subject and find it interesting, you will find setting time aside to study much easier.”
For Nicola, the future is looking bright. She has secured a place on the four year MChem degree at UCLan – an integrated master’s degree, and will enrol in September 2020.
Concluding, she said:
“Who knows what the future holds for me but Preston’s College has been the start of an exciting science journey and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
If you are interested in studying on an Access to Higher Education course with us, starting in September 2020, click here to view the full list of courses available. To apply, hit the ‘apply now’ button in the top right hand corner of the website.
