Case Study

Before I came to university, I was working as a learning mentor in a provision for young people that had been permanently excluded from mainstream school, providing an alternative way to complete school and achieve their GCSEs.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided by the local council that the provision would be closed as there was another provision in the area that offered a similar service, who offered me a role. However, I decided I would also keep my options open by applying for different jobs and looking for other opportunities, such as university. My wife had been studying for a social work degree and was always telling me I should try university, however I was working and never even thought I could do it or that it would even be an option for me. 

We found out that the University of Sunderland offered courses like the BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year that I felt I needed as I was not 100% confident or certain in my ability. I applied and thought no more about it, while I applied for other jobs such as work in a local residential children’s home. To my surprise, I got offered the university course and the job, and as it is sessional it works around my studies perfectly as I choose the hours I work.

I chose to study at Sunderland as I had heard great things about the staff, and I can confirm they are approachable and supportive. My favourite part of the course has been the people I have met, they have become great friends that I know I will stay in touch with. In the future when I have completed my studying, my future career aim is to get into educational psychology. I could even be tempted into working in a university now as it is an environment I am very comfortable in.

While studying, I have been working in residential child care, in a youth club, and I am currently a PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) leader in the university. My course has given me a greater understanding of the young people I work with and how the complexities of their lives may be impacting on how they behave and feel now. This has allowed me to develop greater patience and understanding when engaging with them. My subject knowledge is of great use when delivering PASS sessions, which is a great help to the students in my group.

My advice for prospective students looking to study at Sunderland would be to just go for it, no matter what your age or doubts are. I came out of school with very little confidence in education and went straight out onto building sites. I went to college to get a qualification to work in school when I was 30 and at 40, I am at university. Just turn up, work hard, and keep going, and you will benefit massively. While studying can be hard, especially when you are a working dad, it is massively rewarding. There's no better feeling than getting a good grade for an assignment you have worked hard on. It has changed the way I think about certain things and made me realise that I can achieve good grades by putting in the work.

Published 17 June 2024