“My studies became a lifeline for me between hospital surgeries and treatments”

Distance learning worked wonders 

Charlotte, who is registered disabled with Cerebral Palsy with Spastic Diplegia, gained a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and an MSc in Medicinal Chemistry over eight years with The Open University – something which she says has given her a new-found confidence.

After attending a special school that educated children with physical and/or mental disabilities until the age of 16, Charlotte completed her O Levels at a state school, before attending college. There she achieved BTEC qualifications and later joined Greater Manchester Police as a Divisional Accident Clerk. But there was always a niggling feeling that she would like to study. 

She said: “I was interested in further study but, due to my disability and being wheelchair bound, studying at a brick university wasn’t an option for me. I wanted to improve my personal development, skillset and career prospects. I also wanted to improve my academic and employment prospects.  

“I was aware of the OU distance learning method and made enquiries to ensure I could study around hospital procedures, treatments and appointments. This flexibility offered by the OU was especially important for me, as was its open entry policy, as my study began from an extremely limited education. 

“In 1992, I applied to The Open University to study a Foundation Course. After submitting my first piece of work, it was suggested that I needed to gain more experience of higher education study and then reapply. I withdrew from the course and read many books to broaden and enhance my education and academic ability. In 1999, I had an accident at my workplace. As a result, my employment was terminated and my pain management specialist suggested studying to keep my mind active. So, in 2002, I enrolled on an OU BSc (Hons) in Psychology.” 

“Studying became my lifeline” 

From then on, studying became a huge part of Charlotte’s life and with it came incredible benefits and joy – so much so that she was not willing to stop at a degree. 

She said: “My studies became a lifeline for me between hospital surgeries and treatments. I discovered that, not only did I actually enjoy academic study at a high level and wanted to do more of it, but also that I was learning, developing, and enhancing transferable skills and competencies that I would use in the future. 

“I required multiple surgical procedures and inpatient and outpatient appointments which interrupted my studies, but I persevered with my degree. In 2015 I was awarded my BSc (Hons) in Psychology. 

“I then completed an extra module to gain additional science credits and, in 2016, I enrolled on an OU MSc in Medicinal Chemistry. I wanted to study a subject that I’d always been passionate about, not only from reading books, but because it was linked to the hospital environment I knew so well. I graduated from this in December 2020.” 

Distance learning worked wonders 

Distance learning can be an excellent study method for anyone with other commitments, and Charlotte is testament to this. 

“I have no basis for comparison, but distance learning worked well for me,” she said. “It requires focus, self-discipline, and a structure pertaining to time management and meeting deadlines. Distance learning has allowed me to complete two degrees, and to gain skills and competencies to use going forward. Plus, I have made friends along the way. Some may find it lonely, but the Student Forums are excellent as a study resource and for discussing ideas with peers. 

“The teaching materials online, together with the module and course books, are of a very high standard. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, when face-to-face tutorials were suddenly no longer an option, the OU library, module forums and online teaching presentations in PDF have become more efficient and effective than ever, with materials available on additional online platforms such as YouTube. 

“The tutors and tutor/supervisors were of the highest academic standard. I also attended two, week-long residential schools which provided me with invaluable intense study, practical learning skills and experiences that helped to level up my learning. The residential schools were also an opportunity to interact with like-minded cohorts who I now count as friends. 

“The OU also offers free, open learning through OpenLearn and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) through FutureLearn, both of which I have utilised.” 

A changed person 

Charlotte is keen to highlight the ways in which her studies with the OU have benefitted her, ranging from confidence and workplace skills to an ability to engage with diverse groups of people. 

She said: “OU study has benefitted my personal development greatly. I am now confident, academically skilled and have recognised transferable skills such as logical thinking, critical analysis, presentation and networking, together with being familiar with software and online tools that are used in the workplace. I have a new-found confidence to engage with people from all age groups, all ethnicities, and with all kinds of mental and physical disabilities. Having these transferable skills will positively impact my future prospects. 

“The best element of OU study was the overwhelming sense of achievement I felt, together with the pride and congratulations from those around me when I was awarded my degrees. The most challenging element is procrastination … there’s always that extra beverage to make, one more biscuit to eat or one more television programme to watch, and then suddenly you’ve lost a chunk of study time that day. 

“While I was studying for my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, my life was put on hold. My family and friends knew what I was undertaking and understood that I was committed. They were very supportive throughout my study journey. Planning and preparation, together with self-discipline and time management were key. I was realistic with the study goals and benchmarks and then, on completion, I rewarded myself with a treat. 

“I had personal obstacles to overcome, too. As a result of my physical disability, I constantly had to prove my educational ability to others. I also initially lacked the academic knowledge to begin a degree, and later I had to factor in my many operations, treatments, hours spent in a hospital bed, and then an unrelated total hysterectomy. I also had an incident when I turned up to my first exam to find the lift was out of order. My uncle had to carry me up four flights of stairs! My future exams were mostly sat at home with an external invigilator present. Then there was a pandemic to contend with, too. But with personal determination to succeed, together with support from those around me, and OU tutors, I got there in the end.” 

Tough – but she was tough enough to handle it 

Charlotte had difficult moments to contend with, but she never considered turning her back on her studies. 

She said: “Even though it was hard sometimes, I never felt like giving up. Studying with the OU was a lifeline for me throughout my various surgeries and treatments. It also, more recently, gave me a much-needed focal point throughout the lockdowns and shielding brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

Charlotte, who is now a Student Consultation Volunteer, a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society and a Student Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, added: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered me love and support during my studies – my family, dogs, friends and OU tutors. They gave me endless encouragement, support, patience and understanding.  

“I don’t know what’s next for me and am considering future options at this stage.”