News

Fancy a taste of University life?

(11 June 2003)

If you have ever fancied a taste of university life or wondered if you have the potential to study for a degree then the Mature Students Summer Programme could be the ideal starting point.

The free programme at the University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton will give potential mature students the opportunity to sample University life. The event, for adults, will run over 4 days from Monday 7 July to Thursday 10 July 2003. The sessions will run during school hours between 9.30 - 2.30pm with lunch provided.

During the programme there will be a chance to find out about all aspects of studying at university and meet current mature students at the University of Durham. There will also be information sessions including money advice, interactive workshops, study skills and I.T.

Steven Leech returned to education in later life after leaving school at 16. He made use of the Foundation Programme which was introduced at Queen’s Campus, Stockton in 1997 to provide a progression route for local people with potential who have spent some time outside the traditional learning system.

The Foundation Programme is a full or part-time course for students who lack the traditional qualifications for degree level entry (such as ‘A’ level, or people who are looking to return to education after a long break). The programme provides the skills needed to make the most of higher education and can provide direct progression to University degree courses.

Steve recalls: “The only thing I had to offer was motivation; I was tired of dead-end jobs and little prospects and desperately wanted to do something of value with my life. Once I started learning again I realised how much there was out there and I didn’t want to stop. I’m not saying that the journey was always easy but it was definitely worth it. It helped that I had started with the foundation programme because they teach you the skills you need for higher education, but also because I went into my degree knowing the place and people around me”.

Steve graduated last year with a BSc in Human Sciences and was also awarded a Northumbrian Water prize for biology and two academic achievement awards. He is now working as a research associate at the University’s Sleep Lab, where he is part of a team looking at how parents and babies sleep safest and is in his first year of a Research Masters.

“The Sleep lab is providing internationally recognised research on how parent sleep strategies can affect the health of young children. Five years ago I never would have dreamt I’d be doing anything like this. The research we undertake can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

“I consider myself very fortunate to have found the community at Queen’s Campus. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that my time here and the people I have met have changed my life. Over this last year I have been privileged to be a tutor and teaching assistant for a range of undergraduate anthropology modules at Durham City and Queen’s Campus, something that I never expected would be possible. I can now start to pass on some of the skills and training that changed my life and I hope that in some way I can help change the lives of other Teessiders for the better.”

For more information please telephone Tracy on 0191 334 0163 or Carole on 0191 334 0168.