Safina secures her place at University of York with a boost from the Access to Higher Education: Science course

Busy NHS worker Safina has balanced demanding employment in a hospital setting with full-time study on the one year Access to Higher Education: Science course at Preston’s College, allowing her to secure a place at prestigious Russell Group university, the University of York.

After studying A Levels in Maths, English Literature and Psychology at Sixth Form, Safina progressed into employment with the NHS. Her experience in a hospital setting provided a natural intrigue for Science, resulting in Safina looking for an adult course that would allow her to study both Biology and Chemistry at the same time.

Local to Preston’s College and impressed with the wider curriculum results, Safina was delighted to discover the Access to Higher Education: Science course, as it would allow her to study the two subjects she had a newly discovered passion for.

Joining the course in September 2019, Safina now studies for two full days per week, with additional study at home and in her own time, focusing on the areas of Chemistry, Biology, Statistics and Health and Safety. Additional modules, such as Study Skills, also provide essential support with UCAS applications for university and interview preparation.

Commenting on her time to date on the course, Safina said:

“As the course is an adult programme, there is a much more focused environment for study than I remember in Sixth Form, as everyone has enrolled onto the course to further their own career, so has real drive. It has been a fantastic experience getting to meet and know a variety of different people, all of whom have joined the course for very different reasons and with very different backgrounds.”

Continuing, she added:

“The teaching staff are by far the best thing about studying on this course at Preston’s College. Their support can only be described as amazing and they are always available if you need additional help or just want to clarify points before you begin a piece of work.”

With no hesitation, Safina recommends the course to others, as long as they have the drive to work hard. She also credits the course with getting learners to the place they wish to be. Safina herself is a perfect example of this, as, after completing her UCAS form with the support of the Study Skills module, she has secured a place on the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at University of York, with plans to start in September 2020.

Hoping to pursue both undergraduate and postgraduate level study, Safina concludes:

“The Access course has given me the boost to take an additional step on my career path, progressing to a place I ultimately wish to be. If you too are looking to go to university, but need a qualification that will allow you to meet entry criteria, whilst evidencing independent learning and strategic thinking, take a look at an Access course, as it may just help you too.”

If you are keen to follow in Safina’s footsteps, take a look at the wide range of Access to Higher Education courses available to start this September. Click here. To apply, click here.