A woman who was made redundant from the Dundee Levi's plant 4 months ago has just come top of the class at the University of Dundee Access Summer School and been offered a place to start studying for a degree in science this October.
Andrea Brown (29) from Dundee went along to The Way Ahead day at the Bonar Hall organised by Levis to introduce their redundant staff to alternative employment. Andrea had thought about studying in the past but had never pursued the idea before she met the team from the Wider Access Study Centre who recommended the summer school to her.
Andrea signed up for the 10 week intensive course where she took biology, psychology, geography and environmental science. Receiving the exam results last week Andrea discovered that she had been awarded 2 merits in biology and psychology - over 70% which is equivalent to a first class degree mark.
Andrea said: "I never would have guessed even 10 weeks ago that I'd be about to start studying for a degree in science but as soon as I came to the University I enjoyed studying and learning so much that it just felt right for me. I'm really interested in animals and the environment so I'm pleased to be studying what I enjoy."
Andrea will be awarded with the top female prize tonight at the Access Summer School closing ceremony when all students will be presented with their completion certificates. Andrea's husband Robert will be there to watch along with Andrea's Gran Mary Hosie who is 91.
Director of the Wider Access Summer School Dr John Blicharski said: "All our students have performed exceptionally well this year. Some of our students including our top female Andrea Brown have not studied for many years and it is a great achievement for them to launch back into the demands of study and exams. I congratulate all our students and wish them well in their University careers."
To mark the retiral of Vice Principal David Swinfen this September the Wider Access programme initiated the David B. Swinfen prize for the top male student and named Martin Azcona (20) the first recipient. David Swinfen has worked at the University of Dundee for forty years and is well known for his expertise and commitment to learning and teaching. He has been an active supporter of wider access initiatives and a key player in the University of Dundee's pioneering access programmes.
Eighty students completed the ten week intensive learning programme this year at the University of Dundee with 65 making the grade to be offered degree places starting this October. The faculty and subject breakdown is as follows: