A Wiltshire College and University Centre student has been offered a place at the University of Cambridge after failing to complete her A-levels at school.

Elsa Campbell-O’Rourke 21 plans to study Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in September 2023 once her grades have been finalised.  

Elsa said: “I am absolutely delighted and pretty shocked. It has been quite a challenging year of study but the lecturers at the College have been really helpful, and their doors are always open if you need something explained."

The Access to Higher Education Diploma helps those without traditional qualifications so they can study at university.

Elsa said: “I chose the Access to Higher Education course because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at university. I wanted to do something around psychology or social care, but I wasn’t sure exactly what, and the science pathway of this course opened up several different areas of things I could do.

“I chose Psychological and Behavioural Sciences because it is something I have always been interested in since I started studying psychology during my GCSEs. My family have a history of mental health issues and I myself have too, and I have found it very interesting to study those things in a bit more depth."

Elsa is also interested in the forensic side of psychology and may consider doing a PHD afterwards.

She has a young son and says the support she has received from the College has helped her balance family life alongside her studies.

She said: “The support has been amazing. The College has been really accommodating in understanding if I need to do a lecture from home if my son is ill or has something on at nursery.

“And it has also been a while since I have been in education, so that was a little daunting, but the staff are always very supportive and happy to make time if you have any questions."

Elsa plans to move to London with her partner and son next year and wants to earn some money before going to university once her son is at school.

Sue Bailey, Lecturer in Access to Higher Education at the College’s Salisbury campus, said: “We are all immensely proud of Elsa’s achievement – the application and interview process for Cambridge is particularly challenging. Elsa has demonstrated admirable determination and thorough preparation throughout the process. We wish her well as she sets out on this exciting journey. 

“Access to Higher Education courses offer mature learners the opportunity to progress on to a wide range of vocational and academic degree courses at university.”

Anyone who is interested in Access to Higher Education courses can find out more on the website