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Rory's case study
Christine's case study‘Make the best of all your abilities’
— is the motto of Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen, the school Rory attended. Aged 19, he is now making the best of his abilities in the third year of a Masters in Chemistry at the University of St Andrews.
With four Advanced Highers at ‘A’, Rory could have been accepted by any of the three universities he applied to, but chose St Andrews because of the reputation of the Chemistry department. Also, it was something of a family tradition and his sisters were enjoying studying there. Although he was clear he wanted to study Chemistry, Rory has, as yet, no definite career plans and recognises that his Chemistry degree will give him many skills that are applicable in careers outside chemistry.
Rory’s applications to two Scottish universities (his third choice was University College London) were for second year entry — a key factor, as his course would otherwise take five years. He recalls his guidance teacher mentioning second-year entry, and then acquiring detailed information on entry requirements from the university, UCAS publications and websites. Seven of Rory’s fellow students also gained direct entry to second year, three of them coming from England with A Levels. St Andrews offers special courses to help plug gaps resulting from skipping first year, and these also provide credit towards the degree. Some people worry that missing first year may mean missing out on university social life.
This hasn’t been an issue for Rory, who was able to participate in Freshers’ week and, being a keen singer, has made lots of friends through singing in various university choirs. He also lived in halls for his first year at St Andrews before moving into a flat the following year. Rory feels that the compact nature of the campus at St Andrews was conducive to feeling at home quickly, and participation in university clubs and societies is perhaps an even more important part of university life in St Andrews than in metropolitan universities.
The major benefit of second-year entry for Rory has been the saving of a year from an otherwise five-year course — together with the associated financial savings. He has also enjoyed the greater challenge. Rory cannot identify any major disadvantages, but feels that intending students should be aware that, whereas it is possible to take a very wide range of subjects in first year at St Andrews, choices are more limited entering in second year.
Rory advises those who have achieved good grades at school, and who are confident that they can cope with the higher work pressure immediately, to apply for second-year entry. He also believes that parents know their children and should have a good idea if they are capable and can cope with pressure — if so, they should share their son’s or daughter’s confidence. Finally, he advises people to have a look at the campus of any university that they apply to. The nature of the St Andrews’ campus has been a plus factor for him.
Coming to college was a real life-changing experience for Christine Gorrian.
After a change in personal circumstances, the busy mum of three returned to James Watt College looking for a new start in life. And that’s exactly what she got. On successful completion of her HNC/HND Biomedical Sciences, she progressed onto university — and is now employed as a Science Technician at the college!
Christine says, ‘I absolutely love my job. I mainly deal with work requests from lecturers to help them prepare for the practical aspects of classes (such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology and Physics). You have to be very organised and plan ahead in this job, but I take a lot of pride in it — I actually look forward to coming to work in the mornings.
‘I had previously been employed in secretarial jobs, but due to a change in personal circumstances, I was now going to be the main income earner. I decided to re-train in the hope of finding a job with better money. I went along to the college Open Day, not too sure what I wanted to do. I had a look through the prospectus and noticed the science courses on offer, and as I had loved science subjects at school, I thought this would be perfect. I loved every minute of the HNC, so progressed on to the second year of the HND the following year. After two years at college, I transferred on to the third year of a related degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, and after a further two years I gained an honours degree. Gaining a degree was the furthest thing on my mind when I came to college — I never thought that far ahead, but I’m very proud of myself.
I had been working part-time before I came to college, but I was able to keep my job on. This was quite important as I had three children. It could be quite difficult juggling college, work and family life, but I was very determined. If it meant getting up early in the morning or using my weekends to study, then I would. I was 43 when I went back to college, and I did wonder if I could do it or not — I had been away from school since I was 16. But I soon re-discovered my love of science and although it was hard work, I did manage OK. I’m definitely glad I came back to college and I have proved to myself that I could do it.’
