If you ask most people, they’ll tell you they want to study at a university that is well known, respected and where the students are valued. With the University of Sunderland in London, I’ve found all three.
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care (Top-Up)
Angela Layne is a student on the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care (Top-Up) course at the University of Sunderland in London. She tells us how a family medical crisis changed the whole direction of her career and helped her discover a passion for healthcare.
If you ask most people, they’ll tell you they want to study at a university that is well known, respected and where the students are valued. With the University of Sunderland in London, I’ve found all three.
“In 2013, my mother had a stroke. I became her sole carer at a time when I was at my busiest.
I’m a mum of three, and I was working as a Union Learning Rep for a bus company where I taught the Level 2 NVQ and Level 1 English and Maths for adults.
I didn’t know anything about caring for the elderly. That’s what motivated me to apply for the University of Sunderland in London.
I knew I needed to learn about things like the law, policy and legislation. I think of it as the good, the bad and the ugly of care.
Other than the experience I’ve gained from doing the day-to-day role of looking after my mum, I picked up some of the practical sides of the sector through my job.
I work as a phlebotomist at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Trust taking blood samples from patients and sending them off for testing.
It’s useful because I’ve learned a lot, but I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the administrative world I’ve found myself in.
I chose the University of Sunderland in London specifically because I met and liked the tutors.
Now that I’m here, I’m glad about the choice I made. The way they deliver the course, especially in these difficult times, has just been fantastic.
I actually enjoyed the experience of studying at home through the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been done so well, which means I’m learning everything I need whilst being closer to my mum and kids.
My future looks exciting to me. I already have plans to continue on to do a master’s degree and then hopefully one day I’ll get to teach about dementia care. My dream is to do that all over the globe for the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Until then, I’ll continue my work as a phlebotomist and get some experience as a social worker for the elderly.
You can tell that everyone at the University aims to support, guide and empower you to reach your goals while studying.
But the big thing for me is the short courses that help take you beyond your academic goals into your career.
If you ask most people, they’ll tell you they want to study at a university that is well known, respected and where the students are valued.
With the University of Sunderland in London, I’ve found all three.”
Want to follow in Angela’s footsteps? Take a look at our Nursing and Health courses.
You can also register your interest or book a personal consultation to find out more.
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