Sara Haldane

OU graduate Sara HaldaneSara Haldane has achieved her dream job thanks to a funded degree gained in a year from The Open University in Scotland.

Mum-of-four Sara has successfully swapped being a Fife College student to now lecturing at the same institution, after upskilling in her subject - Social Sciences - to university level with no need to move away from her family.

Thanks to credit from her Higher National Diploma (HND) college qualification counting towards her degree, it only took a year for Sara to qualify with her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Social Sciences.

Sara received a Part-Time Fee Grant, meaning she did not need to pay for her university course, which she started at Level Three.

Her children have inspired her during her learning journey, displaying resilience when their dad needed to receive an organ transplant.

From student to lecturer

For a long time I thought a degree was impossible for me and now I'm studying my postgraduate degree in Psychology, also with the OU.”

The 40-year-old says: “I am so proud of myself for having achieved my degree. 

“I am a mum of four and for a long time I thought a degree was impossible for me and now I'm studying my postgraduate degree in Psychology, also with the OU.”

Sara explains: “I studied to be able to become a lecturer in Social Sciences.

“I decided to study with the OU as I had previously studied towards a history degree with them and knew how it worked.

“I was studying Social Sciences at Fife College and completed my Higher National Certificate and HND. They offer a link course with the OU to finish the Bachelor’s degree so, in 2023, I decided this was a good fit for me.

“Studying in my own time but still having the same lecturers as I had at college helped secure this decision.

Flexible and family-friendly studies

I study best in the evenings when my children are in bed. The OU allows this freedom to study at unusual times.”

“I studied at home and because there is no set timetable for the OU, just a weekly guide, I was able to organise my time to suit my day-to-day responsibilities.

“I study best in the evenings when my children are in bed and The Open University allows this freedom to study at unusual times.

“My lecturer was a big inspiration as she gave great support, encouragement and understanding towards my learning and personal situation.

“My children inspired me too. Their dad received a liver transplant while I was studying for my HND and they were just incredibly strong during it.

“They continued with their learning and hobbies, and this showed me if they could do it during such a scary time then I absolutely could.

Impact on career

The OU has had an impact on my career. I am now a lecturer...which would not have happened without the OU.”

“The OU has had an impact on my career. 

“I am now a lecturer at Fife College in social studies, which would not have happened without the OU, and I am a much more organised person after studying.”

Sara had originally discovered The Open University through Facebook adverts and was then reminded of it by lecturers at Fife College.

To anyone about to start an OU course she says: “I would suggest getting a diary and taking note of all the important dates and figure out a study timetable that works for you.

“Being left in control of your own learning to the extent you are with OU it is vital that you are organised and self-disciplined.”

Supportive staff

Sara adds: “I'd also say speak to your lecturers if there are any concerns. 

“Every staff member I have been in contact with has been supportive and understanding, and has a wealth of information they are willing to share.”