Case Study

“Eight years ago I was admitted to the hospital with a pulmonary embolism. A clot was blocking one of the blood vessels in my lungs.  

I spent two days in a coma, but the people in the hospital saved my life.  

Since then, I knew I wanted to do something in the caring sector and help other people.   

Before coming to study at the University of Sunderland in London, I was doing a college healthcare practice course.  

I finished last year, just before I applied to study my current degree. COVID-19 put a few of my plans on hold though.   

If I’d had my way, I would have started this course straight away, but sadly things don’t always go according to plan, so began in January 2021 instead.  

I’ve been working in the healthcare sector for the last six years, in care homes, hospitals and hospices.  

It’s quite hard work and definitely not for everyone but it’s something that, at the end of the day, makes me feel happy.  

You need to have a lot of heart. It’s not just a physical job, but a mental one as well. It’s important to be very strong mentally to do it.  

But when the patients thank you for the work you do, it’s the most wonderful thing in the world.  

I chose the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care course for a few reasons. Most important to me is that it’s a chance to help other people doing something I’m good at and I enjoy.   

Applying to the University of Sunderland in London was an easy decision because it’s in a convenient location for me and teaches the exact degree I was looking for.  

The lectures have been really good and very engaging. I’m so happy with all of my lecturers.  

Even in the first term when the lectures were still online, we had some very good workshops.  

Plus, throughout the lockdown, the University was so helpful. It made me really glad to be studying here.

For me, the Flying Start introduction to academic study programme was like being given a complex jigsaw puzzle and shown how all the pieces fit together. 

Each part of being a student was there; by the end, I had a clear picture of how my time at the University of Sunderland in London would look. 

It helped me navigate my way through the first few days and weeks of life at the University.  

In particular, I liked the online learning format because it gave me the chance to study remotely from the comfort of my own home. 

It made understanding the process of academic study very easy. 

In the future, it doesn’t matter what specific job I do, I know it will be in the healthcare sector.  

But even if it isn’t, the skills I’ve been learning here will help me. They’ve boosted my self-esteem, helped me to grow and discover things I never knew about myself.  

I love studying here because, being surrounded by so many passionate students, you get to learn from their experiences just as much as from the classes.” 

Want to follow in Elena’ footsteps? Take a look at our Nursing and Health courses now.    

You can also register your interest or book a personal consultation to find out more.