With expert staff and close links to local health and social care providers, our students are supported and encouraged to develop practical skills, explore new ideas and learn directly from experienced professionals at real-life workplaces.

Deborah is a Level 3 Health and Social Care student who believes the supportive environment has made all the difference. She feels that her class feels like a big family – a place where students can brainstorm together, exchange ideas and inspire one another. Read on to discover more about her journey at the College.

Hello! What’s your name and what are you studying at the College?

Hi! My name is Deborah, and I’m studying a Level 3 in Health & Social Care.

What motivated you to choose this course?

I’ve always been surrounded by people who work in the industry, including my mum, uncles and aunts. I’ve seen the way they help people – help people get better – and I got interested in it. MK College is the first place I’ve studied since I moved to the UK from Nigeria. The staff at the College helped me understand the educational system, find the right level of study for myself and guided me with the application. My parents were very supportive of me at this stage too.

How did you find your studies? Do you feel that you made the right choice?

I’d say yes – I’m still learning about it and so far, I think I’ve made the right choice. The more I learn the more fully I’ll know. I’d pick it again today.

Tell me a bit more about your placement.

Last year I did a placement at Pebbles Children’s Centre twice a week. I prepared the children’s activities such as crafts, prepare meals and assist at young parents’ sessions. I got to interact with people of all ages, different ethnicities, parents. It was amazing. Particularly the people I worked with were so helpful, they pushed me to start small, and it really helped me learn about the social care aspect. I still assist with the food share system despite starting a new placement elsewhere as a Nurse Cadet.

What are some of the highlights from your time at the College?

There was one time we had this workshop at PJ Care in Milton Keynes where we got an overview of what care is, what the sector is, what CPR is. It was a good place to learn because there were so many people from the sector encouraging and teaching us. It was really good meeting people, relating to your classmates and sharing thoughts and ideas.

I’ve made a couple really good friends during my time at the College and I’ve really been able to relate with my classmates. They’ve boosted my confidence, and they’ve made me see that what I want is definitely what I want – I’ve seen them speaking in class and openly expressing their thoughts and opinions.

Do any other trips and events stand out as particularly interesting?

As a group, my class went to Northampton University for an Open Event – I really loved that because they told us how university is, we got to try out everything: perform CPR in practice, learn about paramedics, occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery… They were able to answer all our questions, and I felt inspired. I’m looking into degree apprenticeships though: nursing is so practical, so I’d like to get work experience while studying.

What are some of the challenges you encountered in your studies and how did you overcome them?

When assignments started coming in, I got overwhelmed: I wasn’t used to the style of assignments and I began procrastinating. When I went to my teachers, Stella, Steph and Megan, they heard me out, sat down with me and guided me step-by-step with completing the assignment. If I needed help or didn’t understand something, they were very approachable and helpful.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to apply for your course today?

Go for it. First of all, try to see if what you’re getting into is what you want to do. If you’re not too sure about it, then try it! There will be teachers to guide you. It’s been a good experience to me, so I’d encourage anyone who wants to do it to just give it a go.

Learn more about Health & Social at Milton Keynes College here.