Meet Our Students
Maya Holly – A-Levels
I found Oxford Learning College when I was searching for another way to continue my studies. I had been struggling with my mental health following the COVID-19 crisis, and continuing schooling as I had proved to no longer be a viable option for me. Finding this school felt like a ray of hope, and I have managed, over the past 18 months to get myself to a point where I will be able to graduate and complete my A-level examinations this summer. I have found so much support here, from my tutors, the student services team, and the counselling department. Oxford Learning College has given me the time, patience, and assistance I needed to pull myself back on track, ready to go to university next Autumn. This experience has also helped prepare me for the next chapter of my life in ways a “traditional” education could not. I have learnt to push myself, manage my time, and complete work and assignments on my own, without having someone push me to do them. As for the material covered, this college offers a wider range of A-level subjects then my school did, including law and psychology, which has allowed me to have a further insight as to what kind of degree I want to go on to study. The content taught is interesting, and the resources provided have been incredibly useful, as well as the feedback provided by tutors on exam technique. I am so grateful to have found this college and hope it can provide others with the opportunities it has given me.
Liam Scullion – A-Levels
My journey with the Oxford Learning College began after I was informed that my BTEC National Diploma and my Higher National Diploma in Dance, were not recognised in Germany as prerequisites to study at university there.
I graduated from a professional ballet school in 2012 and have spent the last seven years pursuing my dance career. As a dancer, your shelf-life is somewhat shorter than average and it was always at the back of my mind that one day I would need to take my final bow and embrace a second career. After settling in Berlin and decided on new aspirations for what I want to achieve in my professional career behind the stage doors, the Oxford Learning College was top of my search results and offered me a chance to do my A-levels in my own time, around my current schedule, with support services all year round.
The student services have been quick to respond to any questions I had and have always managed to accommodate my wishes such as swapping courses or helping me with technical problems. The tutor guidance assigned to me, means I have my own, qualified professional for each subject, happy and willing to answer my questions on subject matter and grade my assessments.
With my A-levels I hope to study psychology here in Berlin and embark on a career change as a therapist. In general, I am really happy with my decision to study with the Oxford Learning College. It takes a lot of discipline to study outside of a classroom but it offers me the chance to better myself and my future, which I understand is a privilege not available to all on this earth. I would highly recommend this online college to those who can motivate themselves towards a brighter future.
Jamie McDonald – Level 3 Diploma in Health and Safety Law
I wanted to improve my knowledge within the field of Health and Safety Law because of the opportunity I have been given to take on the role of SHEQ Director at a major national company which would leave me solely responsible for all compliance to health and safety law and legislation across the business.
I chose Oxford College because it was apparent when I first started to review the courses available that Oxford College had a no nonsense approach to learning and concentrated on the support required by their students. I found myself completely immersed in the ten assessment subjects and found the workbook, and suggestions for extra research options very useful and user friendly.
I plan to use the qualification to better represent myself, and the business, in situations that require that added piece of knowledge.
Beth Whaley – Accredited Level 3 Diploma in Bereavement Counselling
I have been a student at Oxford College since 2017 and I have completed a Level 3 Accredited Diploma in Law and my current course of study is the Accredited Level 3 Bereavement Counselling Diploma. I work with the bereaved through my role managing a Coroner’s Court so both of these courses have assisted me greatly in my professional development.
Studying with Oxford College is ideal for me because I get to choose my own study time. It fits around my work schedule, my home life and my family life while I have the benefit of always having a tutor available online should I have any questions or concerns. I have been overall satisfied with the quality of education and level of cooperation I have received from the college.
The first course I completed (Level 3 Accredited Diploma in Law) was very detailed and specific to my needs. The course was written by experienced legal professionals and the tutor had a strong legal background. I appreciated the easy accessibility of my tutor, and the willingness of my tutor to accommodate my working needs and offered flexibility in my submissions of assignments in accordance to my work and home schedules. Although the course was at times difficult, I excelled in the assignments and came out with a distinction. The course covered nearly every aspect of law ranging from Land law, Consumer law to Criminal Law. I am working on assignment 1 of the Bereavement Counselling Diploma and I find it challenging, yet stimulating and thought provoking. Intertwining this particular course of study alongside my professional role has greatly enhanced the quality of care members of the public receive.
Oxford College really cares about the success of the student and will support you the whole time from start to finish. The classes can be challenging, but they equip you for the future.
Abbie Hardwidge – Accredited Level 3 Diploma in Child Care & Development
Oxford Learning College is my sixth form education. Due to medical reasons I am unable to attend a traditional sixth form college so began looking for online courses which would provide UCAS equivalent points should I wish to go on to University. I felt that Oxford Learning College met all of these needs so was perfect for me. By having a year to work towards the Accredited Diploma with no set lessons or exam times, it enabled me to complete the course and pace myself in a way that suited me.
The learning material is thorough and split into 10 manageable units. Tutor support is available at all times and queries are responded to quickly.
I have a passion for working with children and this qualification has enabled me to be qualified to work in a range of positions within the childcare sector.
I have successfully completed my first course with Oxford Learning College and am now intending to complete the Level 3 Accredited Diploma in Child Psychology as my learning experience was both so enjoyable and achievable.
Shelby Robertson – Diploma in Equine Psychology
I found The Oxford Learning College after some internet research into online study and choosing to enroll with them is quite possibly the best thing I’ve ever done! The coursework materials provided are easy to follow and very detailed, providing areas to expand your own research with internet searches. The freedom of having a year to complete the coursework (based on the 10 units of the level 3 diploma) is extremely helpful, meaning it can quite easily be suited around day to day life and still achieved. Each of the 10 units end with a self-assessment section in which you can answer questions to confirm your knowledge, these can also be sent through online to be checked by the tutor for additional help before taking the online exam at the end of all the units.
I have so far completed my Level 3 Diploma in Equine Psychology with a distinction and am currently enrolled in the Accredited Level 3 Equine Psychology to broaden my knowledge of the subject. I am hoping in the future to enroll on the Accredited Level 4+5 in Animal Psychology course with the view of setting up my own business involving problem solving/training/trick work with clients’ horses. I have been working with ‘problem’ horses since the age of 13, helping to resolve their issues by gaining trust and leadership with them. The knowledge I have gained from the course has helped me to broaden my areas of work with horses by learning the effects of different training methods on different horses.
I would highly recommend studying with Oxford Learning College if you are looking to achieve as high a grade as possible. Their online communication between student and tutor is impeccable along with the student chat areas where you can look for advice. I personally feel that their fees for each of the courses are very affordable and also made easier by having the option to apply for monthly installments for the higher priced courses. I have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of my studying experience with Oxford Learning and cannot wait to continue my learning with them!
Sarah Beeley – Diploma in Equine Science
I am a trainee lawyer, but my real passions are horses and learning. I found Oxford Distance Learning College through Google searches, when I decided to undertake some study to improve my knowledge of horses. This course combined both my passions, and I was able to learn much more about my four-legged friends.
The course allowed me to fit studying around my job and other commitments, and, as I was given a whole year to complete the 10 modules, I certainly had plenty of time to complete the course. Fitting in short but regular study sessions helped me to do well and finish the course with time to spare.
I enjoy distance learning (this is my third distance learning course) and found the course materials from Oxford College detailed and interesting, giving a good base to guide extra research. Each module had a set of questions following it; some requiring short answers and others more detailed essay questions. The short answer questions tested my knowledge of what I had just learnt, and the longer questions were challenging and really encouraged me to research further and think deeply about the various topics.
I learnt a lot from this course, which is already benefitting me practically in the stable yard when handling horses. The emergency first aid for horses’ section has been especially useful so far, and is something I think every horse owner should know about. My career in law will continue for now, but I hope to utilise my diploma further in the future, as my ultimate aim is to run my own livery yard, training both horses and riders.
Sammy-Jo Fernandes – Diploma in Clinical Science
I recently completed a level 3 diploma in professional clinical science as I haven’t studied science since sixth form and really wanted to both refresh and advance my knowledge. I was especially interested in the pharmacology module and am looking at completing the pharmacology diploma as I presently audit care homes which includes auditing medication recording and practices. I have enjoyed the course as I could complete it around work at my own pace.
I would definitely recommend Oxford Learning College and look forward to completing further courses very soon.
Heather Hoyle – Diploma in Botany and Diploma in Oceanography
Recent semi-retirement has afforded a wonderful opportunity to engage in study which is of purely personal interest rather than career related, and, so far, I have completed two diplomas with Oxford College – Botany and Oceanography.
Course materials are provided online, but are also available, at additional cost, as a PDF document or in paper format. This brings flexibility to learning, and also caters for those with poor internet access, as well as those who prefer the written word on paper. Course materials are well structured, with modules following on logically from one another. In particular, I appreciate the flow and continuity of information, which is not interrupted with numerous “activities”, so often a feature of courses provided by other institutions. This means students can attain a good overall appreciation of the material before testing their understanding through the SAPs at the end of each module. SAPs are also structured, moving from short-answer questions to those requiring more essay type answers. Although SAPs are optional, much benefit is to be gained from completing them, as they more than adequately test understanding of the material, afford opportunity to research various topics, and also provide preparation for the final online examination.
For me, however, it was more than just being able to complete the SAPs and the examination, as I wanted to take this opportunity to explore the subject matter even further. As a result, I spent a lot of extra time delving into textbooks and reading round the course materials for my own personal interest, even though this is not a course requirement. In this respect, I am grateful to my tutors, who indulged my interest and offered further encouragement after reading my somewhat lengthy SAPs.
Studying with Oxford College has been a very positive learning experience, and I have every intention of enrolling on further courses. As well as enhancing my own knowledge and appreciation of our planet, it has allowed me to maintain a student perspective, which is especially important as I continue to teach on a part-time basis.
Stephen Hamilton – Level 3 Diplomas
My name is Stephen Hamilton, a Nurse Education Consultant from Belfast and over the last 2 years, I have successfully completed a total of 17 Level 3 Online Professional Diplomas with Oxford College on topics ranging from Forensic Science and Criminology through to Research Methodology and Philosophy. I think the fact that I have completed so many in a relatively short space of time is a substantial indication of the extremely positive student experience I have had and indeed continue to have with the College.
There are a plethora of courses on offer and the level and variety of student support available is excellent. The enrolment process has always proved to be extremely smooth with the relevant material arriving to my inbox within the hour or less, the enrolment process itself being completed over the telephone in just a few minutes. The knowledge I have gained through these various programmes has proved invaluable in that I am able to build the material in to my own classes thus enhancing quality assurance and the student experience.
The staff have always been very pleasant, warm, efficient and easy to contact. I subsequently do not have any qualms in recommending Oxford College to anyone who wishes to undertake online study. Go for it!!
Carly Vincent – Level 3 Canine Studies
Close your eyes for a minute. Take yourself back to being in school – the smells, sights and sounds that made up such a large part of our childhoods. Laughter echoing down the hallways, the smell of baked beans wafting out of the canteen, the throngs of children in the playground. Of course we all had very different experiences but I bet we share one memory – that there was very little to really worry about compared to our adult lives. No real responsibility, no bills to pay, no diary to manage. The biggest hassle was probably the dreaded homework. Instead of going out to play with friends after school or catching up with the latest episode of Neighbours or Home & Away, you would first have to sit at the kitchen table and complete endless maths questions, essays or textbook quizzes. It was so boring! Even in school it was difficult to concentrate on algebra or the periodic table when all you wanted to do was go out and explore the world. It all seemed the wrong way round back then and I’m sure like most people, I wish I had tried harder – worked harder for better grades. But I was a daydreamer. I just wanted to play with our dogs all day, teach them tricks and take care of them. I wanted to be down at the stables, mucking out and grooming horses. I wanted to jump on the next plane out to Africa, Asia, the Antarctic – anywhere exciting to see the wildlife. I was mad about animals and just couldn’t join the dots at that age, thinking that school was just a waste of time – not seeing how important learning was to life.
Fast forward 12 years and I am at this very moment at another kitchen table. My textbook has been replaced with a computer. My uniform replaced with smart work clothes. My boring homework replaced with my Oxford College distance learning course. Instead of dreading getting home and starting more work, I can’t wait – its a subject I love and look forward to working on. If I thought things were topsy turvy back then, what are they like now?! As an adult, I have all the responsibility of one – bills, a career, relationships – it’s life. But what was a chore as a child is now a pleasure as an adult. My desire to learn has only grown stronger with age and distance learning is the most incredible way of not only nurturing, but fueling that desire.
Sure, it can be difficult to fit everything in. It requires willpower and dedication and at first I think I had forgotten how to study! It sounds crazy but we’re all so used to using computers and the internet for everything – our minds are going at a million miles an hour and it’s tricky to focus. My hand even felt strange holding a pen and writing for so long as I’m so used to typing. Over time I got used to it and I realised I was improving myself in more ways than one. I have to admit there are some weeks when I know I’ll only get a couple of hours done and my mind will be distracted. I’ll have had a challenging day at work or have some personal issue that’s heavy on my mind… but then I let myself be absorbed by what I am reading, my pen travels swiftly across the page as I make notes and I’m suddenly distracted in a different way. I google a term I’m not familiar with, look it up and relate it to my notes, making my own version of the text and suddenly it all makes sense. I finish an assessment, knowing I’ve tried my best and worked hard to put the information in my own words. I complete another module, happy that I’ve made good progress. As well as the knowledge gained from distance learning, there is also a tremendous sense of satisfaction and it is an amazing confidence booster. I find myself drawing on my new found knowledge when in conversation with my friends – they’ll say ‘how do you know that?’ and I’m proud to say I’m a distance learning student. I feel myself growing as a person and that is my motivation. I am about to complete a Canine Studies Diploma and it has inspired me to pursue a career with dogs, something I’d dreamed about in school all those years ago. Following my dream is without a doubt the result of my experience with Oxford College.
They say youth is wasted on the young. I’d have to add to this and say that learning is wasted on the young. As I grow older, I want to learn more than ever and I almost wish I could go back in time, back to school, so that I could appreciate everything I was being taught. Luckily we live in a time where time travel isn’t needed – we can learn in our own time, at our own pace thanks to distance learning. Learning that isn’t wasted on anyone – learning that is for everyone.
Loraine Robertson – Level 3 Feline Studies
I am a Reiki Therapist and working mother of a disabled child and I decided a few months ago to embark on a new career. I am in my forties, which although it is in no way old, it does mean that due to many commitments my free-time is limited and does not always fit into a regular pattern. However, I can study online in small sporadic periods which suit me well. I also make sure that I study for at least a short time over six days and then I always have a day off. The key for me is to be focused yet flexible. I do have a time scale that I want to work towards, but equally I am kind to myself if for some reason if one day it doesn’t quite work out how I had planned!
The student support is excellent, from the customer service side to the tutor side of it. The student forum also ensures that I never feel isolated. This positive support has in turn, been a real confidence builder for me.
My best piece of advice is to put in the effort and reap the rewards -because it is possible to change your life for the better! My motivation for the course comes from different areas. As I learn I want to learn even more and I embrace being challenged to do better and therefore develop as an individual. When you have knowledge, confidence and a determined approach to whatever you do, I definitely believe that you are in a better position to help yourself and then make a positive contribution to society in general. Please believe that you really can have influence over your own future!
Deborah Leo Dip. C.A – Child & Adolescent Counselling
I enjoyed the depth of the material, especially the information about different approaches used in child & adolescent counselling. This benefitted me in my role as an Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties Teacher. I made frequent contact with the college through email, which were answered extremely quickly and were most helpful. I would recommend distance learning with you to anyone.
Nomin Galsandorj – Level 3 Nutritional Therapy
I am studying Nutritional Therapy Level 3 Diploma in Oxford College from Mongolia. This is my first time studying by distance learning. I found Oxford College by searching websites on Google. I am interested in the fields of health and well-being especially nutrition. I chose Oxford College because after finishing the course, I can be a professional nutritional therapist and set up my own health business. This course is interesting, fascinating and enjoyable. I like the fact that I can study from the comfort of my own home and the college has prestigious accreditations. The module is excellent and very informative.
I am studying bachelor degree of commerce majored in hospitality at Raffles International Institute full time in Mongolia and this is my first year. Distance learning is flexible studying method and I manage my distance learning studies by reading my lessons on weekends or whenever I have a free time. Distance learning is a new thing in Mongolia and I am proud and happy that I am perhaps the first Mongolian to study a course by distance learning.
I am also studying Pilates by distance learning in the British School of Yoga. I am combining nutritional therapy and Pilates to fit and healthy. These subjects are related well to each other. Nutritional Therapy is a practical subject and I am making positive changes to not only my diet, but also my family’s diet. Now we altogether consume the right kinds of food by doing the activities mentioned in the lessons.
Motivation is important when learning especially by distance learning. My mother is interested in my course. Sometimes we talk together about what I have learnt and that motivates me. I made a right choice by choosing Oxford College. After finishing my nutritional therapy, Pilates course and my bachelor of commerce degree, I intend to study BTEC HND In Health, Diet and Nutritional Studies. I am planning to run a business related to health and well-being in the future.
Also my English is improving and I am learning professional medical words from my course. My sisters are also interested in the distance learning courses of Oxford College and I tell them to study level 3 health courses. The courses are beneficial to our daily lives. Distance learning is exciting and it has many benefits. Even when I run my health business, I will continue my studies with Oxford College.
Diana Walker Dip N.T – Nutritional Therapy Student
I started studying the Diploma in Nutritional Therapy in November. I am a secondary teacher and have been teaching for 30 years. I have always been interested in nutrition and healthy eating and this seemed to be an ideal course for me .I am at the stage of my life when I feel I need a complete change.
I must say I have enjoyed the course so far and have found it so interesting. I think the hardest part about it is getting motivated to start work in the evening after a day’s work but as soon as I start researching the questions all the stresses and strains of the day disappear and I find myself totally involved in the information.
I am planning to work for a personal training company and advise clients on their nutrition. After completing this course I am also planning to take it further to degree level.
I think that learning is a lifelong experience and that there is always something new to learn
Virginia Penfold Dip L.C – Life Coaching Student
I have recently completed my Diploma in Life Coaching with Oxford College and I have to say I could not be happier.
Having not studied for a number of years, and having work and family commitments, I was understandably apprehensive. My Diploma course arrived complete with everything I required to start immediately. Being able to e-mail modules made it so easy, no time was wasted on postage etc, waiting for results and the following modules. Studying was done at my own pace, but I found I could not put it down, as I found it so exciting and interesting. My tutor was excellent! He would mark my work within 24 hours and e-mail my result along with any feedback. This I found motivational and spurred me on to complete the course much sooner than I might have done. Three days after receiving my diploma I enrolled on my next course.
I am very impressed with Oxford College, and myself. The uncomplicated approach to the course and learning has enabled me to further my dream of becoming self-employed, and I am very pleased to say I have set myself up as a Life Coach. After years of being overweight and now losing it all, feeling great and completing my course, my aim is to help others achieve their dreams and true potential.
I would strongly recommend Oxford College to anyone and everyone. If I can do it, you can too.
Virginia Penfold
Life Coach
Business name – InnovEat, Chard, Somerset
Telephone: 07969 811953
My new website is currently under construction
James Simon, Dip L.C – Life Coaching Student
Earlier this year I decided to move my career forward and train to become a life coach. After investigating many courses I found that Oxford Distance Learning offered a flexible programme which fitted into my working life.
The service I received from enrolling through to becoming qualified was superb. My learning materials were delivered within days and I was able to work through the life coaching course at my own pace.
My tutor was on hand when I needed him and responded quickly to my questions and when marking my assignments. His feedback was useful and constructive and allowed me to progress throughout the course. Since qualifying as a life coach I have launched a new internet based personal development company which includes life coaching alongside other personal development activities.
The course has helped me develop both personally and professionally and I would highly recommend anyone considering a career within Life Coaching to use the services offered through Oxford Distance Learning.
Liz Ainsworth, Dip C – Counselling Student
I had been working in an office environment since leaving school, and really wanted a new challenge and a new direction in my career. I had to keep working so home study was my only feasible option.
Upon completion of my Diploma in Counselling course, I have progressively built up a clientele which I counsel on a part time basis. I am now looking to expand my practice so that I am counselling full time – and leaving the office behind!
The whole learning experience has been exceptional, and the support I received from my tutor was fantastic. I would certainly recommend the counselling course to anyone who had an interest in helping those around them, or who were looking for a new direction in life
Edward Drayton, Dip.H – Herbal Medicine Student
After no real formal education, and plenty of time on my hands when I retired to Spain in 2002, a friend of mine suggested that I should take up studies in a subject I was interested in, which was always alternative medicine (having been plagued by arthritis). I thought my friend had gone mad, ‘studying for qualifications at 71!’.
I did however enrol and the experience has been incredibly rewarding for me, and is something that I and my family are very proud of. My Diploma certificate sits very proudly on my living room wall! My tutor, Janet, was a great help to me and was terribly patient with the many questions I kept bombarding at her.
It goes to show that whatever age you are learning new skills and having new information can keep the grey cells active!
Andrew Stevens, Dip L.C – Life Coaching Student
I have been working as a personal trainer for five years and felt that when trying to motivate my clients, there were many other issues that they were trying to deal with – not just fitness.
After a huge amount of research via the net and recommendation from fellow trainers, I enrolled on the Life Coaching course. I have found that the huge amount of skills that I have learnt from the course have benefited my clients and opened up a huge client network for me to coach. I have to say that fitness training is only a small part of my weekly job as I concentrate more on my Life Coaching clients, their reasons for seeking a coach is as wide and varied as you could possibly imagine.
The college has opened many doors for me with this course, for which I thank both my tutor and the team of student advisors.