Adult learner Donna Farrand, from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, has recently completed a BA (Hons) Health & Social Care at the University of Derby with first class honours and received an Award of Excellence for her work. She now has her sights set on an MSc in Occupational Therapy and longer term, a PHD.
However, 42-year-old Donna hasn’t taken the conventional route into University and started her journey with Buxton & Leek College (part of the University of Derby).
Donna said: “My main job has been bringing up my family. I had no clue about referencing or structuring an assignment.”
The programme prepares people without traditional qualifications, for study at university by offering support with study skills and functional skills in maths and English. Students also choose their specific subject pathway – in Donna’s case, this was science. The programme then leads students directly on to a degree at the University of Derby.
Donna now works in a low-security mental health hospital, in the Occupational Therapy department as a Technical Instructor thanks to the skills and knowledge she has gained through her educational journey. She hopes this role will aid in her progression to a Masters in Occupational Therapy.
She said: “This has been valuable experience to use and support the knowledge I have gained at university.
Donna said that without studying at the College “I would not have had the relevant up to date qualifications to begin a degree and I have loved every second.
“The support I received on the course gave me to drive to succeed and gain my first class degree.”
