Eddie McLean

Returning to higher education later in life, Eddie McLean has found that studying with The Open University (OU) in Scotland has been “life-changing”, opening new doors working in the renewables sector and boosting his self-confidence.

Having worked in the environmental sector over many years, Eddie, now aged 54 and living in Comrie, Perthshire, was keen to deepen his professional knowledge and prove to himself that he could gain a university degree in middle age.  

He explains: “My educational journey didn’t follow a conventional path. 

“After serving in the Armed Forces and working in a variety of roles, I chose to return to higher education to formalise my environmental expertise and strengthen my professional credentials.

“Returning to education later in life was a significant, yet a worthwhile step. Thankfully, The Open University ensured the journey wasn’t too daunting, offering the right support to make the transition manageable and encouraging.”

‘Supportive network’

Choosing to study for a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Environmental Studies degree, he applied to the OU in Scotland for its flexibility and strong reputation for supporting adult learners.

Eddie says: “Working full-time in the renewables sector meant I needed a part-time, remote learning option that could fit around my professional commitments while still allowing me to progress academically.

The flexibility to work through high-quality course materials at my own pace was invaluable, and I always felt well-supported when reaching out for help.”

“The flexibility of OU study was absolutely crucial. Balancing a demanding full-time job, current home renovations, and personal life with academic deadlines was a challenge, but the ability to structure my studies around my work made it achievable.

“OU study required good time management and discipline, and although time sometimes felt like it was at a premium, having a supportive network around me, including my partner, colleagues and tutors, helped me pull through and achieve my qualification.”

During the busiest points of his studies, Eddie says his OU tutors were approachable, understanding of real-life pressures, and offered him guidance to keep him on track.  

He adds: “The flexibility to work through high-quality course materials at my own pace was invaluable, and despite the distance learning format I always felt well-supported when I needed to reach out for help.”

‘Genuinely life-changing’

Working as a Hydro Environmental Advisor with SSE Renewables, overseeing environmental compliance across hydroelectric schemes, Eddie says his studies “complemented my professional work perfectly”.

He explains: “My studies and assessment material linked closely with real environmental challenges I encounter professionally. 

The OU in Scotland offers real opportunities that fit around real lives. It gave me the structure, tools, and support to earn a degree I’m immensely proud of.”

“I applied concepts like ecological protection and sustainable development frameworks to my role in hydro projects, such as biodiversity net gain, environmental risk management and compliance.”  

Having now completed his degree, Eddie comments: “The OU in Scotland has been genuinely life-changing. 

“It offers real opportunities that fit around real lives – whether that’s work, family, or other commitments. It gave me the structure, tools, and support to earn a degree I’m immensely proud of.”  

He shares that gaining a degree has boosted his self-confidence and strengthened his job position, opening up new opportunities for progression into more senior advisory positions and opportunities to explore professional accreditation routes.

“Achieving a strong academic result while balancing work and personal life has shown me that with commitment and structure, anything is possible,” Eddie says. 

“It’s made me more assured in my professional role and more ambitious about future possibilities.”

'Huge personal achievement'

Returning to study later in life wasn’t easy, but it has been transformative.”

He adds: “Looking ahead, I’ll be taking a short break first, with the possibility in the future of pursuing a postgraduate qualification to deepen my expertise in environmental management and sustainability.”

Taking a well-earned break from studying for now, Eddie is looking forward to graduating in front of his family.

“Being awarded my BA (Hons) in Environmental Studies feels like a huge personal achievement,” he says. 

“Graduating in Glasgow this October will be a proud moment, not just for me, but for my family, friends, and everyone who supported me on this journey.

“Returning to study later in life wasn’t easy, but it has been transformative.”