Graduate completes second degree at LBU eight years after study

“When I was 18 I joined the Childhood Studies course and graduated in 2014. I wanted to come back to Leeds as I love the city and it feels like a second home!

“My course has given me the skills to work with both adult and child clients to support them with speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties.”

Jenny, who is 29 and from Sowerby Bridge, worked in childcare and as a teaching assistant before returning to study. 

“I’ve always worked with children and wanted a job where I could work directly with them and their families to provide support, as well as having a professional career. This course is a good balance of those things.

“It has been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever embarked on. I’ve learnt not only the academic side but a lot about people on my placements. The course has given me the skills to work with people of all different backgrounds, ages and abilities. I have also learned the theory behind how children learn language and the human anatomy, which has been a real challenge for me.”

In the middle of her degree, Jenny had a maternity year, and now has a young son. She says her advice to others would be to be kind to yourself: 

“Give yourself time to think and learn. You’re are always learning – everyday. Be kind to yourself and remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint!”

Jenny now plans to take some time off with her family before applying for jobs in Leeds and West Yorkshire.

For more information about BA (Hons) Childhood Studies, please click here.

For more information about BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy, please click here.