Emma Webb, 39, took the 2+2 Social Studies course through the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Warwick, spending two years studying at Solihull College and her final two years studying on campus at Warwick.

She said: “It was hard work. For the last two years I was travelling into Warwick on the bus - an hour and a half journey each way. Plus I had to juggle childcare, as my youngest son was only two and my husband was working shifts.

“But I am really pleased I came back to education and achieved this.”

Completing her degree was a lifelong goal for Emma

She said: “In between having the children I had been working in administration for the NHS, but when my husband got a better job it was an opportunity for me to study. I’d always wanted to go to university, so it was now or never. I was expecting to have to do an access course but when I went to college to find out about the routes, they told me about the 2+2 course.”

Emma has four children ranging from 20 to five years old. By studying for her degree she feels she has become a role model to them.

She said: “Before I did my degree you wouldn’t catch me talking to anyone. I had zero confidence. But going onto campus at Warwick I put myself forward for new roles and challenges, like being a student ambassador and I have really changed. The whole undergraduate journey has changed mine and my family’s life for the better.

“My kids have seen me complete this degree too and now my daughter has finished college with straight As and has a place to study for a degree in Birmingham (BCU). My boys have been inspired too. The eldest has always shied away from education and went straight out to work but he is now considering apprenticeships.”

Now Emma plans to continue her studies and will start on a masters course at Warwick in the autumn. She hopes to eventually work in widening participation or student support.

Learn more about the 2+2 degree.