Health – Diamond

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

Why did you choose to study this course?

“I applied for another course, when I called to chase up on that course, they told me about this offer after I explained why I wanted to come to college, and they told me this course would be better than the original one I applied for, so I joined this one.”

Diamond would like to become a nurse after completing her studies.

How has the College supported you so far?

“When I started, I had missed some classes, but the tutors were really helpful, especially Jackie, she went through all that I had missed and explained it to me. There was also a time when, during one of my assignments, I started to feel really poorly, so I emailed in the reason why I couldn’t make it, and I was given an extra 7 days to help me catch up.

The tutors here are all very helpful. If someone is struggling, tutors break it down and will sit with you and look through your work. In Samantha’s class, with every assignment, she will look through it and give us feedback and help us understand where we need to make corrections, and that is really helpful because you know what you’re doing well and what you’re not doing right to pass.“

How do you balance working alongside your studies?

Diamond works full-time for the NHS as a family and career support worker. Diamond has a 37-hour working week, plus she has classes with us for 2 days a week. 

“It can be difficult for me because I work and also study alongside it. It’s really not easy, but I am determined to get this. I believe that if someone is determined you do whatever it takes to achieve. In one of our classes, Jonathan taught us to make a timetable and write out what we need to do. For instance, I could put on Monday by a certain time, this is what I want to achieve, have a break on Tuesday etc., and that is how I balance work and study. Also, making sure my assignments are done before the deadline because I don’t want to rush.“

What part of the course have you enjoyed the most?

“I have always loved biology, but psychology is part of what I do at work, but doing it academically is really difficult, but when I saw my grade when it was released I realised I got 2 distinctions, I am trying to understand better the psychology but biology is my favourite! 

We have got to go on a few trips and we got to visit a few universities, this helps us to ask questions we need to for the course we would want to go onto study and see the environment we would be studying in, and these experiences help me a lot, as sometimes you might have a plan or a university in your head, but with these visits, it can help change your perspective. And for us to even have the opportunity to go on the visit is valuable.“

What advice would you give to someone who wants to come on this course?

“I would say number one is to think about what is your determination? It is only when you’re determined that you go all the way to achieve what you want. Also, you need to think if you can balance study and work together; you need to make sure you make the time.

Anyone coming to do this course, it is a great course, and the tutors are very supportive. In class you can make some good friends who will help you. Sometimes it can be challenging, but you keep pushing till you get there.

I have noticed that some people feel ashamed to ask questions. I believe that nobody knows it all. I have a biology degree, I got back from my home country, and I got a merit on an assignment during this course because I do not know it all, and we learn every day, and if I am not sure, I ask other students and tutors questions. It is OK to ask questions, don’t think about what other people might think or say because it is all about you and what you get out of the course.“

Find out more about Access to HE courses and Health courses at Dearne Valley College.

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Dearne Valley College recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.

With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once – from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.

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