Bernadette Brown - BA (Hons) Social Work Distance Learning

Having worked in the social care sector, Bernadette was keen to broaden her skillset and make a positive impact like many of the social workers she had encountered.

Bernadette said: “I feel a deep sense of pride and achievement in what I have achieved  not just academically but personally and professionally. The course has challenged me in many ways and has helped me to develop a greater resilience, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of human behaviour.

“My time at the University had many highlights, the most rewarding highlight being working with the RGU tutors. The classroom experiences were especially valuable, with tutors showing so much passion for their lectures and allowing students to apply theory to real world scenarios.”

The 36-year-old from Falkirk was full of praise for the support she received after returning to her studies following the diagnosis a disability and the death of her mum. She also made use of the Inclusion Centre to help with her essay writing skills.

 Bernadette said: “My time at RGU has been shaped by some deeply personal and challenging experiences. In 2023, my mum was diagnosed with cancer, which had a huge emotional impact on me. During that time, my personal tutor provided me consistent supported, helping to ease the pressure around deadlines and making sure I didn’t feel alone in the process.

“Then in 2024, after getting married, and just as I was finishing my final teaching block, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder which resulted in me being unable to walk or talk. Just a week later, my mum died. It was an incredibly overwhelming time, but RGU responded with so much compassion and flexibility.

“They supported me to defer my course for a few months, and before I returned, took time to meet with me and talk me through how the course could be adapted to meet my new needs. They gave me so much confidence to return to the classroom despite how I thought I appeared to others externally. They also signpost me to Inclusion services who made sure I had everything I needed to succeed with my disability.”

Having now graduated, Bernadette is considering her next move as she navigates life with a disability.

Bernadette said: “While the course has prepared me in so many ways for becoming a social worker, I'm acutely aware of the lack of confidence I have since being affected by my disability. That said, I know if I decide to pursue a social work career, the RGU tutors will be the first people I approach for some guidance.”