We caught up with Kirsty Allenby, who graduated from the 2+2 Degree Pathway in 2014. Mum of three and working part-time in a chip shop, she set out with no particular plan apart from the determination to study a degree. Ten years later, Kirsty teaches at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College on the same degree she started studying and is now in the third year of her PhD with the Open University.

Did you know what you wanted to do before starting the 2+2 degree pathway?

“I didn’t have a plan. Things didn’t fall into place for me, I just followed a path I was comfortable with. I’d already studied on an access course and saw the 2+2 advertised at the college. I liked how broad the subject range was.”

What did you do after graduating?

“After graduating in 2014, I was awarded a scholarship to study a masters in Sociology at the University. I then returned to NWHC to study Teacher Training (Levels 3-4). At this point, I was still also working part-time at the chip-shop and juggling being a mum and studying. After I found out about my PhD acceptance with the Open University I was offered a teaching post on the 2+2 Degree Pathway. This is when I finally handed my notice in for the chip-shop after 13 years!”

How did you juggle your time between working, studying and family?

“Juggling everything is all about time management and a good routine. Be strict with yourself. Set aside time to study and actually use it. Life happens but you’ve got to have a routine, your kids have to have a routine. Don’t put pressure on yourself, share and delegate your time.”

What do you teach on the 2+2 degree at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College?

“I teach the Research in Society and Culture module for first and second-year 2+2 students.”

How do you think studying on the 2+2 Degree Pathway has helped shaped your teaching style and the relationships with your current students?

“I have a lot of empathy for students, but I also don’t have a lot of sympathy in other ways! It also helps to understand the university systems, such as student finance.

My experience was a student before a teacher. I have been there and done it myself so I am always happy to offer advice. I like to think the students can identify with me as someone who has been there myself.”

What did you enjoy the most about studying the 2+2 degree?

“I loved the structure of the 9am starts for the first two years at college. I think this is what mature students thrive off as it’s a similar routine.

I also loved my time at Warwick. I always used the learning grid, it could be quiet but also very open. It is easily accessible, a place that fostered learning. There were also lots of computers and printers!”

What is your PhD research focused on?

“My research focuses on Autism and Sexuality in Adults, an area which I hope to continue working within. In the future, I hope to gain a research post in the area of disability and sexuality at a University. Studying a PhD has been useful for my teaching role, I can apply the skills and learning to both as they are both researched based. I am also looking forward to wearing the floppy gap and gown again!”

What do you enjoy most about teaching on the 2+2 degree pathway?

“When the penny drops, when the students understand something and they gain that confidence and with it grow with that confidence. They’re the moments I cherish.”

What advice would you give to current students?

"Firstly, stick with it! No such thing is a silly question and you can’t be great at everything and take the world on.

Make sure to communicate with the people around you. Peers, colleagues, classmates! Keep in touch with the year above you. They can help offer you advice and guidance with module choices, timetables and coming onto campus in your third year.

This brings me onto the Warwick transition, which is not as frightening as it seems! Go over with somebody. Wander around the campus, explore! Find your potential department, whether it’s CLL or Sociology.

And if you’ve got a question prior to choosing a module get in touch with the lecturers. Just drop them an email."

If you could go back, would you change anything at all?

"I wouldn’t change anything. I set out for no particular plan in mind and knew I wanted to do a degree and now I’ve got it. A degree is yours. It’s something separate to being a mum, an employer, a co-worker. It’s yours that you’ve earnt all on your own."

Kirsty teaches on the 2+2 Degree Pathway at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire college. Find out more about our 2+2 Degree Pathway.