Why study the Foundation Degree
I finally made the choice to study the Foundation Degree, as it is predominantly a work-based degree. I thought I would be able to offer more to the course with having a degree of knowledge of the course I wanted to study. Although I had no previous courses or qualifications that counted towards any of the modules to be studied, I felt I had enough experience to carry me through the three years of study. I actually preferred the fact that I had to study the whole degree as I felt I was gaining more whilst completing the studies.

Why Staffordshire University
After much thought, I took the decision to apply for the degree at Staffordshire University for the one reason in that it offered face-to-face contact. Of the four Universities, this was the only on to do so. Having never studied at this level before, I thought having the face-to-face contact would provide me with advice and confidence that I felt I needed in getting going with the degree. Having completed the first module, the reasoning behind my decision to choose Staffordshire University was proved right in that, I received all the help and advice in all areas covered by the module. The times I did seek advice, my tutor was only a phone call away. I was extremely lucky in that I did have one to one tuition during the first module, but even with more students, I feel that there would still have been the same degree of help and assistance.

A New Life of Studying
No sooner as my application had been accepted for the University, the dates for me to meet my tutor during the first module had arrived. The timing couldn’t have come at a worse time. I had just started moving into a new house and we had just had our first daughter who was only 3 months old. I knew life had to change, and very quickly. I started setting time aside when I arrived home from work to do the studying and due to the kind nature of my bosses; I managed to dedicate the odd morning here and the odd afternoon there to do some extra studying. Having the 3 deadlines to complete the necessary work prior to meeting the tutor spurred me on much more – I hope this is a part of each module that is covered in the degree. I work much better if I know I have a deadline to meet and I know what work needs to be submitted within that timescale.

Future Aspirations
Whether I stay in the RAF beyond my 22 years remains to be decided. However, on completion of this degree, I feel that I will either be more competitive with my peers each year when the chosen few are selected for promotion or I will be adding to my portfolio of qualifications ready for entry into Civilian St. I do feel that having this degree will make me a more rounded individual giving me the knowledge to mix with the experience I have already gained in my 17 yrs service.