Starting over - and finding out what's possible

Emily Lawson had three reasons not to go back into education: she thought she wouldn’t be good enough, she thought she’d fail, and she thought she’d quit. She was a single parent, working full-time in childcare, with a then four-year-old son and no recent experience of studying.

When a Burnley College tutor told her about the Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling course, she signed up for the foundation year first – not because she lacked the qualifications to go straight in, but because she wanted to test herself before she committed. She’s since achieved a first on every piece of work she’s submitted.

Emily Lawson 2

Emily, 33, from Colne, is now 2 years into her BSc Hons in Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology degree at Burnley College University Courses, who are a proud Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology academic partner.

Returning to education as a single parent, with a six-year-old son wasn’t a decision she took lightly. She had real doubts – about whether she’d be good enough, whether she’d stick it out, whether the debt would be worth it. “I just want to prove to myself and prove to everybody else,” she says. “I want to have the choice and opportunity of a job with a good wage that will make an impact on society.”

What she didn’t expect was quite how much the course would open up. Emily came in with one career in mind. The Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling programme has since introduced her to forensic psychology, biopsychology, clinical routes, counselling and research methods – each taught by staff with direct professional experience in their field.

“All the lecturers have different passions, so it makes you want to learn. We have one who is passionate about biopsychology and how the brain works and another who did forensic psychology, working with the police and in mental health units.”

Emily Lawson 1

Emily’s now the student rep for her class and is considering a Masters and a Doctorate once she graduates in 2028. The question isn’t whether to go further – it’s which direction to take.

The environment has been a significant part of that. Burnley College University Courses offer small class sizes – Emily’s year group has eight students – and a level of personal contact that she contrasts sharply with what a large university lecture theatre would offer. Staff know her by name, ask after her son, and have given her the flexibility to catch up in a different class group when work commitments clashed with a session.

“Everybody wants you to do well – not just for their own tick box, but they really care about you. The teachers get to know you on a personal level.”

Studying close to home matters too. For a single parent managing school runs and childcare, the ability to access higher education without a long commute has been the difference between this being possible or not. BCUC’s enrichments – science days, visiting speakers, creative writing sessions and student-led events – has also made it possible for Emily to bring her son in during college activities, something that’s become a highlight for both of them.

Her son Reggie has taken note. He tells anyone who’ll listen that his mum goes to university and learns about the brain to help people get better. He’s started drawing brain diagrams of his own. He’s even telling people he wants to go to uni too.

For anyone in a similar position – returning to education after years away, unsure whether they’re capable, unsure whether now is the right time – Emily’s message is straightforward.

“It’s a home from home. It’s not scary. Everybody wants you to do well.”

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