Cookie Notice

This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. Learn more about privacy policy.

Julie Web


Degree: BA (Hons) Early Years Practice (Top-up)
Career: Early Years Practitioner

With previous qualifications in childcare alongside several years working within the sector, 37-year-old mum Julie decided to make a return to education after a nine-year break.

After researching a number of degree options, Julie decided on the Foundation Degree in Early Years Practice at University Centre St Helens due to the convenient location and the benefit of evening study, allowing Julie to study alongside working within an early years setting.

Describing her experience of education after such a long break, Julie said, "I hadn't been in education for nine years, so I was a little daunted by the thought of degree level study. When I arrived at University Centre St Helens, I had little confidence but it's amazing how quickly that all changed."

Enjoying a mixture of classroom-based lessons involving in-class discussions and debates that directly linked back to her practical, in-setting experience, Julie thrived in her studies. Julie noted that "The lecturing team fully understood how hard it can be to not only return to education but to balance study with work and family life."

After completing her Foundation Degree, Julie decided to stay with University Centre St Helens for an additional year to 'top-up' to a full BA (Hons) Early Years Practice degree. Julie has credited her lecturers who have been with her since the first year, commenting, "Having a close relationship with my lecturers made it a no brainer when it came to deciding to stay to complete my full honours degree. I felt comfortable due to already knowing the lecturing team and having them support me right through to the end!"

Looking to her future, Julie graduated from University Centre St Helens with a First-Class degree in 2020, expressing that "Studying at University Centre St Helens over the past 3 years has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only has it enhanced my career opportunities and knowledge, but it has also given me a huge confidence boost and self-belief."

She continued, "The lecturers are amazing with providing support and guidance – going above and beyond to ensure students reach their full potential. I would recommend University Centre St Helens and the Early Years Practice degree to anyone."