Leeds City College

Different paths, same destination

The Access to HE in Computing course at Leeds City College attracts students from many different backgrounds, each with their own story. For both Matteo Amato and Maryam Sajjad, the course proved to be a vital stepping stone on their way to university and a future in technology.

Choosing the Access to HE Pathway

For Matteo, who is autistic and had been out of formal education for nearly sixteen years, the traditional A level route felt out of reach. “Access to HE allowed me to reacquaint myself with the classroom environment, experience university-style assessments, and benefit from extensive support from the College,” he explains. He is now preparing to study Computer Science with a Foundation Year at Durham University.

Maryam’s journey began when she moved to the UK without the traditional qualifications needed for higher education. “I didn’t do A levels, so Access to HE was the best option for me. I’ve always been curious about how technology works and wanted to study computer science at university. This course helped me secure my place.”

A supportive and welcoming environment

Both students highlight the community they found on the course. For Matteo, the support was both academic and pastoral: “The course helped me regain confidence in my academic abilities. My coursemates were committed and motivated, and the tutors were excellent, especially in supporting me through personal challenges.”

Maryam echoes this sentiment: “The classmates and tutors were really welcoming and supportive throughout the course. We also had plenty of fun learning activities, which made the whole experience enjoyable.”

Between them, they describe their time on the course as enjoyable, informative, transformative – and a truly great time.

Advice for future students

Both Matteo and Maryam encourage others considering Access to HE in Computing to take the opportunity.

“If you want to attend university to study a computing-related discipline, and you are prepared to put in the work, Access is a perfectly viable path for you,” says Matteo.

Maryam adds: “Go for it. It will help you get into university, and you’ll also learn a range of useful skills and knowledge.”

Tips for success

Looking back, they both agree that success came from staying on top of their studies, attending lectures regularly, starting assignments early, and making the most of tutor feedback. They also stress the importance of asking for support when needed, engaging with enrichment activities, and getting to know classmates to make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

A pathway to higher education

Whether returning to education after many years or starting fresh in a new country, both Matteo and Maryam found the Access to HE in Computing course to be life-changing. It gave them the confidence, skills, and qualifications needed to move forward.

For anyone considering their next step, their message is clear: this course opens doors.

Click here to find out more about our Access to HE Diploma (Computing) – Leeds City College