Why did you apply through Clearing?
I originally completed another degree before I started to consider Nursing. By the time I was graduating, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do next.
Nursing was something I had always been interested in and a conversation with my mum basically just gave me the confidence to go for it. However, since this was around August, the original intake for the course had already finished.
I knew Clearing existed so I thought I would chance my luck and apply that way.
How did you find the experience?
When I phoned Edinburgh Napier University, I was immediately put through to the Admissions team. We discussed what my background was, what I’d been doing and what kind of qualifications I had.
After I filled out my UCAS form and sent it over, everything was okay apart from my biology qualifications. The person I spoke to actually recommended an online course that helped me get up to speed and meet the requirements. They set it all up for me, which made everything easier.
My experience going through Clearing was really positive. Everyone was so helpful and made it really straightforward. They talked me through the application process, using UCAS and made it clear what would be expected from me.
Has returning to university made a difference to your life?
If I hadn’t applied through Clearing, I would probably still be in a job that I didn’t want as a career.
By returning to university, I’ve now found a career that I want to do and that I enjoy doing. I’m currently looking into full-time nursing positions so, hopefully, I’ll have a job lined up when I graduate at the end of my placement.
I have Clearing to thank for that because I wouldn’t have gotten in any other way.
Would you recommend Clearing to other mature learners?
No matter how old you are, if you haven’t been in education for a long time, don’t let that put you off. Clearing can get you to where you want to be in life.
You can come back to higher education, it’s a really good process. The Admissions team are always there to answer your questions. They’re just at the end of an email or the phone, even if you think it’s a daft question.
Research what Clearing is and don’t give up. You’re still in the race!