Alternative way into university for someone without qualifications

Hello All,


Probably a stupid question although it's rattling my brain. I am 22 and would really like to go to university. I left school with very few GCSE's as I was bullied for being too quiet and I went on to join the army as a medic. Since leaving at the very end of 2014, I have gone from job to job in the medical sector and most recently the NHS, but it isn't what I want anymore. I want to go to university and get a degree. I have a couple of GCSE's and a level 2 diploma... ouch.


I know it's more than likely near on impossible but just seeing what options are open to me. It's difficult because I know I am going to have to give up my car and where I am living but I feel it is what I need to do!


Thanks in advance

Hello All,


Probably a stupid question although it's rattling my brain. I am 22 and would really like to go to university. I left school with very few GCSE's as I was bullied for being too quiet and I went on to join the army as a medic. Since leaving at the very end of 2014, I have gone from job to job in the medical sector and most recently the NHS, but it isn't what I want anymore. I want to go to university and get a degree. I have a couple of GCSE's and a level 2 diploma... ouch.


I know it's more than likely near on impossible but just seeing what options are open to me. It's difficult because I know I am going to have to give up my car and where I am living but I feel it is what I need to do!


Thanks in advance

An Access course is the way to go. It isn't my field, but you are in the right forum and there will be people here who can help you with it. Good luck.

This is your best shout, you can get funding and the course is not so intense that you cant work part time if you want to.
https://www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Pages/Default.aspx

Take a look at the university courses you're into, research the entry criteria for those courses at different universities, attend uni open days. Once you know what you need you can take it from there!

I decided to make a change a few years ago (age 30) I redid my maths and English GCSE's and have just completed an access to healthcare course. I had to change my job as my old employer wouldn't let me reduce my hours.

I start studying for a BSc Radiotherapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam on the 19th September! 😀

A few universities have foundation years for people with non-traditional or pre-requisite qualifications, even really prestigious ones.

Basically, you do one year of learning essay skills, maths and other stuff and then you go onto the degree! *

Durham has a foundation year - even with very competitive subjects like law. I queried it and said I only have GCSEs but x, y, and z experience in law-related job roles. The foundation centre admissions replied to say that while it's usually for international students who haven't been able to do traditionally accepted qualifications, they would consider my due to my experiences and because I'd be a mature student (we're not expected to have A-level equivalent qualifications). *

Here's their website:https://www.dur.ac.uk/foundation.centre/dpp/


*I've even seen medicine with a foundation year at UEA.*

I would contact university directly and see what they would require. Depending on your work experience and the course you're applying for, you may find that you don't need much at all. Or they may suggest some additional qualifications

Thanks Tara, I'd probably have to wait until Monday to contact them wouldn't I? x

That's brilliant thanks! I am starting to feel at least a little bit more hopeful now!

Can't imagine them working Sundays. Plus side, clearing is over with so they might be more relaxed on the phone.

I called up during clearing and passed to different staff members who had various responses to the stress they were under

Clearing is in full swing - it actually runs up until October! This is still the busiest fortnight of the year.

Oh I thought I saw something that said had to call by midday the next day. Blonde moment

Hello All,


Probably a stupid question although it's rattling my brain. I am 22 and would really like to go to university. I left school with very few GCSE's as I was bullied for being too quiet and I went on to join the army as a medic. Since leaving at the very end of 2014, I have gone from job to job in the medical sector and most recently the NHS, but it isn't what I want anymore. I want to go to university and get a degree. I have a couple of GCSE's and a level 2 diploma... ouch.


I know it's more than likely near on impossible but just seeing what options are open to me. It's difficult because I know I am going to have to give up my car and where I am living but I feel it is what I need to do!


Thanks in advance