The Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Strathclyde changed my life…

Read Beth Freemans fantastic story about her academic journey, starting with the pre-entry access course at the CLL…

Following struggles with my lifelong bipolar disorder and the end of a previous career, I was unsure of my future path. I decided to enter further education, taking the route of the pre-entry course through the Centre for Lifelong Learning [CLL] at Strathclyde University. The structure and timing of classes suited me, since my confidence would not have coped with the bustle of everyday university life at that time. The first step through the doors was the hardest, yet the best thing I have ever done and saw me achieve more than I could ever have believed.

The course was structured in modules and through these my interest in sociology grew. Essays and exams made me nervous, as I had completed studying almost 30 years previously. My first essay was returned with many constructive comments, yet I needed to know how to improve and that's where Dr Patricia Barton came in. I made an appointment and she provided the tools I needed and the knowledge I required to improve. I took all the advice I was given and I built on it, achieving more each time and with each achievement my confidence grew. Informal chats with lecturers were the tools, as I learned how to interact, what questions to ask and no question ever went unanswered. Unlike school days of old where teachers could mock, lecturers praised original thought and sought to build you up in an academic sense.

It was not an easy course and required commitment but its purpose is to prepare you for further education and it certainly did. On successful completion of the course I was sad to leave yet eager to move forward. Gaining a place at QMU as a result of the achievement at CLL, I undertook a BSc Hons in Public Sociology and took all of the skills I had learned with me. Meeting with tutors, taking advice, asking questions from the offset. I had earned my place and I was going to succeed. The writing skills I learned at CLL were praised by lecturers in my first year. During my degree I was given the opportunity to engage with community education, assisting my university lecturer in teaching classes to adult learners. In my 4th year, this experience was the foundation for my chosen dissertation topic, “A sociological exploration of the potential challenges faced by mature men and women entering community education”, research which had not been conducted before and provided immense insight into adult learners.

I achieved a First Class Honours degree of which I am very proud. I continued in education to undertake and achieve a PgDip in Adult education and community development at Glasgow University. I am currently unsure where my future will take me but my love of education continues and it is my hope that I will undertake a PHd in this field someday. All of my achievements began with the CLL and the dedicated lecturers who I remember fondly and I thank them for the knowledge they gave me, the tools they provided to me and the confidence they had in me.

Education is for all no matter your age. Beth Freeman.

Learn more about the Pre-entry access course.