Social Sciences Student
Meet Olivia, a former Access to Higher Education – Social Science student who is now continuing her academic journey at Durham University, one of the top five universities in the UK and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
After leaving Sixth Form early and entering the world of work, Olivia realised she missed learning and wanted to return to education. With no Level 3 qualifications, she began researching routes back into study and discovered Access to HE courses, the perfect pathway to help her reach her long‑term goal.
Drawn to the breadth of the Social Science programme, Olivia loved that the course combined sociology, psychology and criminology. With wide academic interests and no fixed university plan at the time, she found the variety of units ideal for keeping her options open.
Living locally in Hemel Hempstead, Olivia chose West Herts College for its modern campus, in‑person teaching and supportive learning environment. She credits her tutor, Jean Collier, for making the transition back into education smooth and encouraging: “After my interview, I left feeling informed and confident that this was the right move for me.”
Olivia also valued the diverse classroom environment and the strong sense of community among students. With on‑campus learning, she was able to build meaningful relationships with tutors and access support whenever she needed it. The Student Support team played a key role during the UCAS process, helping her navigate her application as an independent applicant.
Olivia's hard work paid off, as she secured a place at Durham University to study Combined Honours in Social Sciences, focusing on Politics, International Relations and Sociology. She was drawn to Durham’s outstanding reputation, beautiful surroundings and the chance to experience something completely new.
Looking ahead, Olivia hopes to pursue a Master’s degree and ultimately build a career in politics, ideally working in Westminster: “I just want to help people as much as I can.”
Her advice to anyone considering an Access course: "Do your research, be realistic about your time, and most importantly — just go for it."
Study the same course as Olivia
Access to HE - Social Science
