Former trucker shifts gears to pursue doctorate

A former truck driver is on the road to becoming a Doctor of Clinical Psychology with the NHS after a return to education revealed undiagnosed learning difficulties.  

Colin Mutch from Stirlingshire has graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Psychology from The Open University in Scotland, after re-entering education in his forties.    

After spending years working as a coach driver and tour guide with The Hairy Coo in Edinburgh, before becoming a truck driver during the pandemic, Colin hadn’t considered attending university.  

Having a difficult relationship with education during his school years, he often struggled to focus, and at many times found himself sitting outside the classroom, gradually impacting his studies and confidence.  

Throughout my life I had been told I wasn’t capable of doing certain things, so I never thought I could pursue university."
Colin Mutch, OU in Scotland Graduate

As he approached his forties, Colin noticed behavioural patterns within himself he didn’t recognise in others. He also noticed the interesting ways other people behaved and reacted, increasing his interest in learning what drives people to act the way they do.  

This led him to apply to The Open University in Scotland to study Psychology. It was here, at the beginning of his studies, that Colin was asked to undergo a dyslexia assessment. The assessment indicated that he not only had dyslexia but also dyspraxia and ADHD, beginning a process which eventually led to a formal ADHD diagnosis in his early forties.  

Receiving a diagnosis marked a major turning point for Colin, he said: “Throughout my life I had been told I wasn’t capable of doing certain things, so I never thought I could pursue university.  

“Receiving the diagnosis helped me realise this wasn’t true. Once I understood why traditional learning methods may not work for me and received support, it gave me the confidence I needed to complete my degree.  

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support from The Open University. They provided me with an app which allowed me to listen to my course materials rather than only reading them and ensured I could study in a way that worked for me.  

“At the start of my studies I was driving trucks, so would sleep in my truck five nights a week and study at night in my truck. Then I left truck driving to work in the NHS as a support worker, so I would study on days off, or once my kids were in bed.”  

In addition to achieving his undergraduate degree, Colin also secured Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society. 

Colin’s journey shows the importance of accessible routes to education and providing alternative learning methods for those who may not thrive in a traditional setting."
Martin Boyle, OU in Scotland Principal

He is now applying to study for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, which will allow him to qualify as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology with the NHS.  

Reflecting on his journey, Colin added: “When I first started working as a driver, I could never have imagined attending university, far less applying to study for a doctorate.  

“I understand the barriers people face to accessing education because of learning difficulties. I want to use both my education in psychology and my own experiences to help other people understand the challenges they are facing and get the support they need.”  

With more than 16,450 students currently studying with The Open University in Scotland, its open-entry approach and flexible learning model help remove barriers to education. This enables people like Colin to study wherever they live and fit learning around work, family commitments and other personal circumstances.  

Martin Boyle, Principal of The Open University in Scotland, said:  

“Colin’s journey shows the importance of accessible routes to education and providing alternative learning methods for those who may not thrive in a traditional setting.  

“Seeing his confidence and career transform with the relevant support is a testament to our work to provide lifelong learning.”

21 October 2026