Your name: Paige
What course did you study at University Campus Oldham? BA (Hons) Children & Young People Top-up
One of the main reasons I chose UCO was because it was close to home.
Why did you choose University Campus Oldham?
As a care leaver, holidays can be really stressful because you don’t always have a permanent or secure place to stay.
When term time ends, student accommodation can close and not everyone has a family home they can return to.
That uncertainty can be incredibly worrying, so choosing a local university that didn’t require me to move away meant I could live somewhere permanently, giving me stability and peace of mind.
I never thought university would be an option for me. I didn’t take A Levels and went into apprenticeships after leaving school, so I didn’t have the UCAS points. UCO changed that by giving me the chance to start on a Foundation Year. With the support and encouragement from staff, I was able to move on to the Foundation Degree and then the top-up year, where I achieved my BA (Hons).
The staff and learning environment made me feel supported and capable, and I was also able to secure the funding I needed to make it all possible.
What were the highlights/stand out moments from your time at UCO?
The career advice and support from Student Support and Wellbeing Services really stood out to me. Being diagnosed with dyslexia while at UCO made a huge difference, as it helped me understand my learning and access the right support. The smaller class sizes were a highlight too, as they made it easier to build friendships that I still have today.
Did you complete any placements as part of your course?
I studied during COVID, so placements weren’t compulsory, but I chose to do one to receive experience. I completed a placement in a primary school, working two days a week with a Year 5 class. I ran my own reading sessions, supported lower-ability learners, and helped a pupil with autism, which was really rewarding. The experience gave me valuable insight and helped me understand what I do and don’t want from my future career.
Did you receive support from other teams e.g. Academic Support, Wellbeing?
Yes, they supported me throughout my studies, from helping with my dyslexia to guiding me through my dissertation. The dyslexia diagnosis came through much quicker than I expected, and the process felt far less daunting than I’d imagined.
The library team were also brilliant and made it much easier to find and use resources, and the careers support has been excellent too. Even now as an alumni, it’s really reassuring to know that support is still there.
What have you done since graduation and what are your next steps?
After graduating, UCO shared information with me about the Care Leavers Internship with the Civil Service, which really set me on my current path. I applied with support from the Careers Adviser, even though I didn’t fully know what role I’d be going into. I hadn’t considered the Civil Service before, but I was on a zero-hours contract at the time and felt it was worth taking the chance.
I’ve since joined the Design and Delivery team, where I’ve been able to work across different areas, use my transferable skills, and meet people from a wide range of backgrounds. I travel around the country, learn new skills regularly and have been offered an internal apprenticeship leading to a Master’s qualification. I absolutely love it and can see it as a long-term career.
How has attending UCO helped you achieve your career goals?
Before studying at UCO, I wouldn’t have even considered the Civil Service as a career. I thought it was only for graduates from prestigious universities or people with existing connections, and I didn’t feel it would be accessible to someone from a care leaver background.
UCO completely changed that. It opened the door to opportunities I didn’t know were possible and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in the Civil Service.
What advice would you give to someone considering UCO?
I’d say go for it. You only regret the things you don’t try, and university is something you can absolutely achieve.
