Course opens doors to uni study
More than 40 students will begin undergraduate courses this year after passing the University of Stirling’s access to degree studies course.
The course is for those who have few or no formal qualifications or have been out of formal education for some time.
There are three pathways: nursing, science or social science.
Course director Dalene Swanson said: “This programme has the ability to change students’lives, not only in terms of enabling them to gain access to university but by giving them the confidence to build on their life skills and achieve their full potential.”
Twelve of the students who passed the course this summer were given a John Smith’s book shop award in recognition of their academic achievement.
Three others were given a Jim Bradley award for most outstanding achievement in the access programme.
The award is in memory of former course director Jim Bradley, who was committed to the principles of widening participation throughout his life.
Jim’s wife Yvonne and daughter Hannah made presentations to Bruno Jordan, from Bridge of Allan, Mark Reid and Maitland Kelly.
Among former students who have gone on to further study after completing the access course is Janieann McCracken.
She graduated with a postgraduate certificate in learning and teaching in higher education last month and works as a lecturer in communications, media and culture at the university.
“It literally changed my life,”she said.“I graduated in 2005, went on to work for the BBC, came back to Stirling to do a bit of teaching and never left.
“Who knew that a woman with only two O Levels could have achieved all this?”