The Antrim couple are highlighting how the structure and flexibility of the course has supported them as mature learners, helping them balance study alongside work and family life while taking important steps towards achieving their career goals.
Both Victoria and Thomas studied the course at the College’s Ballymena campus. Thomas completed the programme on a part-time basis between 2021 and 2023 and is now in the final stages of his Social Work degree at Queen’s University Belfast. Victoria is currently completing the course full-time and hopes to progress to the same degree pathway.
The Access Diploma in Social Sciences provides an alternative route for mature students wishing to apply for entry to higher education. Validated by Ulster University and set at A Level standard, the modular course is designed to support those without traditional qualifications and offers flexibility for students fitting study around existing commitments. On successful completion, learners may be eligible to apply for a range of HNC, HND, Foundation Degree and degree courses, including social work, nursing, teaching, sociology, psychology, social policy and criminology.
Ciaran Shannon, Lecturer in Social Sciences at Northern Regional College, said: “The Access Diploma in Social Sciences is an extremely valuable pathway for mature learners who may not have followed a traditional academic route but who have the ability, determination and life experience to succeed in higher education. Victoria and Thomas are an excellent example of what can be achieved when that commitment is matched with the right support. Returning to study while managing work and family responsibilities requires real dedication and both have shown a strong work ethic and genuine passion for their chosen career path.”
Victoria said: “Returning to education as a mature student was a major decision, but it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Academic study was always something I enjoyed and valued, so this course has given me the opportunity to challenge myself again, rebuild my confidence and refocus on my long-term goals. I have especially valued the chance to meet new people and learn from their different perspectives and experiences. The course has provided both the academic preparation and personal encouragement needed to take the next step towards university.”
Thomas said: “The course gave me the opportunity to return to education at a stage in life when I was also balancing significant family responsibilities. At the time, I was a full-
time dad to our daughter, so being able to study in a supportive and flexible environment made a real difference. I enjoyed both the academic side of the course and the social aspect of being back in learning again. It helped me see that progressing to higher education was achievable and played an important role in helping me begin my journey towards a degree in Social Work at Queen’s.”
Reflecting on their experience at Northern Regional College, the couple said the course offered a supportive and welcoming environment for mature learners returning to education after more than two decades away from school.
Thomas added: “What stood out most was the flexibility of the course and the understanding shown by lecturers to students balancing study with family life and other commitments. The support throughout was excellent and the knowledge and experience of the teaching staff was exceptional. The course helped us build confidence in academic writing, presentations, group work and in learning from the different experiences and perspectives of others. We would absolutely recommend it to anyone considering a return to education.”
For more information and to apply for the Access Diploma in Social Science course at Northern Regional College, visit www.nrc.ac.uk.