Business and Professional Administration FdA: What our students say

"I work for the London Ambulance Service, which was involved in setting up the foundation degree, and it encouraged staff to take this course. I had noticed that many jobs ask for a degree and this was appropriate to my work, so I decided to go for it.

"I have enjoyed getting back into education and it has been nice meeting the other people on the course as most of us are in the same situation. I attended my foundation degree graduation ceremony recently and that was a highlight.

"The majority of the teaching has been very good and lectures are aimed at the right level – I have never felt that I do not understand what the lecturer is talking about. As a mature student, this is very important. From talking to friends who have undertaken foundation degrees at other universities, it seems the course I am studying is particularly well organised.

"All the modules we study have been designed so that we can relate what we learn to our jobs. Obviously not everything applies directly as there are students from both the public and private sectors. However, I have found that the course has helped me understand how the organisation works as a whole and how departments operate.

"Initially, I was very apprehensive about starting university. I worried that I would not be able to write reports of a sufficient standard or find enough time to do the work required. Fortunately I received a good mark for my first assignment, which made me realise I would be able to complete the course.

"Studying while working full-time and having a son who has recently started secondary school has proved to be a challenge. I have had to manage my time more efficiently to make sure I am able to complete my assignments and still spend time with my family.

"Going forward, I want to gain promotion within the Ambulance Service and attending the course has helped me build the knowledge and confidence to pursue this. I was offered a secondment opportunity four months ago and I am currently acting logistics manager (control and contingency planning). Prior to this course I would have been worried that I would not have the experience or competence to undertake this role."