I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, skills, and confidence that I have gained under your tutelage, and I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories cherished from my time at NWRC as I embark on the next chapter of my journey as a software engineer for liberty-it Belfast.
John KinghNWRC and Ulster University Graduate
Meet John Kingh who returned to education after 20 years as a mature student.
He recently wrote to our lecturers on the combined studies team to thank them for their unwavering support, guidance, and excellent teaching.
John said: “Armed with the solid foundation laid at NWRC, I was able to further pursue my academic aspirations at the University of Ulster, where I embarked on an Honours Degree in Computer Science and Software Systems. The invaluable learning and advice imparted to me during my time at NWRC remained a constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout my university journey.
“I am proud to share that, thanks to the excellent preparation I received at NWRC, I was consistently recognized for my academic achievements. I was honoured to be on the Dean's List and the Dean's Honours List for each year of my university studies. Additionally, I had the privilege of receiving the Edge Excel Award, a testament to my dedication to excellence and the skills cultivated during my time at NWRC.
“As I approach the culmination of my undergraduate studies and prepare to graduate with what appears to be a first-class degree, I wanted to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest thanks to you and all the lecturers at NWRC. Your passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and dedication to fostering a nurturing learning environment have made a profound and lasting impact on my life.
“I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, skills, and confidence that I have gained under your tutelage, and I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories cherished from my time at NWRC as I embark on the next chapter of my journey as a software engineer for Liberty-it Belfast.
“Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions to my education and personal growth. Your dedication to excellence has truly made a difference in my life, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
John's Q&A
Full or part-time?
Part time.
Campus:
Strand Road.
Why did you choose this course?
I chose the Access Diploma course at NWRC as it offered me a pathway back into education after being out of school for over 20 years. I returned to do essential skills in Maths and English as a basic refresher. An NWRC lecturer that was teaching the essential skills recommended the Access Diploma to me as a good path. it provided the necessary foundation for me to pursue further studies in my desired field of computer science and software systems. This was something that I thought would have always been out of my reach. And would never have imagined that I would be graduating from university.
What previous education did you have?
Prior to enrolling in the Access Diploma course, I had completed my secondary education and studied at NWRC.
How did you get on returning to education?
Returning to education after such a long time was initially daunting, but with the support and guidance of the NWRC faculty, I was able to successfully reintegrate into the academic environment and excel in my studies. And by having to finish off the Access Diploma when the COVID 19 pandemic started, and teaching became online. This experience and learning methods helped me into my first year of university as the pandemic continued.
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely, returning to education has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It's never too late to pursue your educational aspirations, and the support available at institutions like NWRC makes the transition smoother.
What are you doing now?
I am currently on track to graduate with a first-class degree in Computer Science and Software Systems from the University of Ulster. Upon graduation, I will start my new career working as a software engineer at Liberty-it Belfast. I was lucky enough to gain a scholarship with this well-established IT company in my first year at university. And has given me the chance to have a summer placement and then a year-long placement. This company gave me opportunities that I couldn't imagine and forever to thankful. All down to the skill, knowledge and confidence that the teaching staff of the Access Diploma in Combined Studies teach.
