Melanie Starkey - Access to HE 2016/17 I was working in various sectors and travelling extensively before being diagnosed with a long-term illness. My life changed drastically and I had to leave my job in sales. I felt very lost until I realised I had long wanted to return to education. University seemed an unobtainable dream at this point. I fell in love with Fircroft on an open day and found out more about the Access course. Though I didn't believe I'd get in I was very excited about the possibility. I learned so much! From the subjects and the amazing tutors. To gaining confidence in myself and my ability to learn, even as a mature student. The subjects stretched my limits and made me grow beyond them. I'm a humanities student so learning psychology and sociology too was a real experience that's already helping at university. I can't say how thankful I am to Fircroft for all I learned. I am currently studying Literature and creative writing as an undergraduate at Aberystwyth University. It's an amazing place. My life has changed completely and I am literally living my dream of university. The hard work at access level has really made the leap to university an easier transition. I face lots of new challenges at university but I feel more confident in facing them thanks to what I learned at Fircroft. Want to find out what Fircroft is like? Check out our Open Days to find out more here, or call the Admissions team on 0121 472 0116 Manage Cookie Preferences