When Ruth Livingston walked into Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey campus to begin her Access Diploma in Social Sciences, she admits she was nervous about returning to study after more than a decade away from formal education. Today, at 44 years of age, Ruth is preparing to start her new chapter as a student nurse at Queen’s University Belfast, something she says would not have been possible without the College.
“For over 10 years I was a stay at home mum, and while I loved that, I knew I wanted to get back into the workplace,” Ruth explained. “I started researching my options and came across the Access course. It really appealed to me because it allows people like me, who may have been out of studying for a long time or do not have the qualifications needed, to go to university.”
Ruth recalls that after an interview with Martin, one of Northern Regional College’s lecturers, she felt completely assured about her decision. “I was sold straight away. The encouragement I received from the very beginning was amazing.”
The Access Diploma in Social Sciences proved to be a turning point. Ruth credits her lecturers and classmates for helping her rediscover her academic confidence. “The support from the lecturers was second to none. They are extremely supportive and approachable, and I could not have asked for better guidance. My classmates were also brilliant and we encouraged each other all the way through.”
For Ruth, one of the biggest challenges was developing the technical skills needed for higher education. “Things like computer skills, research methods, academic writing, and even Harvard referencing were completely new to me. But with the help of my lecturers and the resources at Northern Regional College, I managed to build those skills up and feel confident in using them.”
Now embarking on a degree in Adult Nursing at Queen’s University Belfast, Ruth says she feels proud of how far she has come and excited about the future. “I never imagined I would be studying nursing at this stage of my life, but Northern Regional College gave me the belief and the foundation I needed. I would encourage anyone thinking about it to go for it. It is hard work, but so worthwhile.”
Ruth’s journey is a testament to the opportunities created by the Access courses, validated by Ulster University. With determination, the right support, and a willingness to take the leap, it is possible to rewrite your future, just as Ruth has.
We are still accepting applications for part-time Access Diploma in Social Sciences for 2025 entry. To apply and for more information on courses at Northern Regional College, visit www.nrc.ac.uk.