Student Spotlight - Jake Moffat
If you’ve been out of full-time education for over three years, you can still access a huge range of degree courses through our one-year SWAP Applied Health and Life Sciences programme.
This innovative course was developed in response to the increased demand for adults looking for a more flexible method of learning and for those who may not be able to come to a college campus for study. This programme is part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) for adults who have been out of full-time education for a while. After a 10-year break, Jake Moffat decided to return to learning. He shared his thoughts on the course 👇
What were you doing before the course, and why did you decide to do it?
I currently work in Currys, in the warehouse. I've been in education before, as I went to university about ten years ago, but I didn't finish the course. I've always thought I would get back into education, and it was last year that I decided that it was time to start again.
How have you felt starting your education journey again?
It sounds daft, but it's been good using my brain again. Getting involved with science and realising that I've still got the know-how and the ability to do these things. I really enjoy problem solving, so it's just been good fun.
Have you faced any challenges whilst you’ve been on the course?
At first it was difficult adjusting back to spending time studying and applying myself again. It's been a long time since I've had to do anything like this. I was surprised at how information has changed. I guess science is always moving and information is always changing. But other than that, everything's been quite similar, so it's been good.
What are you enjoying on the course?
I like the way the lessons have been taught. It's an online course and I've never done an online course before, so I wasn't sure how it's going to be, but it's very convenient.
How has it felt coming on campus and meeting your classmates for the first time?
I was a bit anxious to be honest, because for the past six months, we've been sat on the other side of the screen from each other. But it's been good. I came up on Sunday, so that we could do this intensive practical and exam week and it’s been enjoyable.
What advice would you give to someone if they are coming to college for the first time or someone who is thinking of returning to college?
Don't be afraid. Just get stuck in, get involved, and you'll surprise yourself. It’s a friendly environment and, in a way, a lot of fun as well.
