Today I meet a student who is on the online access to HE course, welcome to the podcast.

Hi, my name is Andrea and I am studying at Academy Online Learning. I'm currently studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health Science Professions, and my aim is to go to university to study Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

Andrea, how has studying the Access to Health Science Professions Diploma online with Academy Online Learning helped you prepare for applying to university for Dental Hygiene and Therapy?

Studying the Access course online has really helped me prepare for applying to university. The course has given me a strong understanding of biology and psychology, which are subjects I haven't done in high school, but they are required to apply for Dental Hygiene and Therapy. The course has also helped me with academic skills, like referencing using the Harvard style, research, academic writing, and professional behaviour.

There is also a unique focus on UCAS applications, with useful links and insights on how to navigate the UCAS website and make your personal statement as accurate as possible.


What aspects of Academy Online Learning’s flexible online study format have supported you while completing the Health Science Professions Diploma?

Being able to study online has been one of the biggest helps for me, as I've been able to fit the course around work and personal commitments without feeling overwhelmed, especially for someone like me who hasn't been studying for almost 20 years. I can study at my own pace so that I fully understand the material.

The learning material is super easy to use. You can access it anytime and from any device, which is helpful if you want to study on your way to work while on the tube.


How have the interactive learning materials and tutor support at Academy Online Learning helped you understand the science units needed for Dental Hygiene and Therapy degrees?

The learning material is well structured and comes with additional links to useful websites to help you understand the topic. After you read through the learning material, there are activities which test your understanding of the learning material. I find this really helpful to ensure you are fully confident before starting the assignment.

The tutor and the whole staff are really supportive and reply to your messages quite quickly, ensuring you are fully satisfied. My tutor, Christine, has been incredible so far, answering all my questions and supporting me in any way possible.


Why did you choose Academy Online Learning for your Access to Higher Education Diploma, and how has the course supported your long-term goal of becoming a Dental Hygiene/Therapist?

I chose Academy Online Learning because of the good reviews and its reputation. When I decided to go back to studying, I wanted to make sure it was a fully accredited course with the right support for a full-time worker like me, and honestly, I did the best thing.

They create a tailored programme based on the university you would like to apply to. Just make sure you fully understand the entry requirements for your course. They also give you the option to pay in instalments, which comes in very handy. As soon as I made the first payment, I was able to access the course straight away, and within one day I was already assigned to my tutor and able to contact her immediately.


How has completing assignments, receiving feedback, and progressing through the diploma with Academy Online Learning increased your confidence in meeting university entry requirements for Dental Hygiene and Therapy?

Completing the assignments, although challenging at times, really helped me fully understand the topic, gave me the chance to do some further online research, see different points of view on the subject, and fill in the gaps in my knowledge. This also helped me feel much more confident.

Once you submit the assignment, the tutor gives you detailed feedback, which helps you improve in your next unit and assignment.