First-class Vicki follows the part-time study path

Vicki McMahon has achieved a First Class BA (Hons) degree in English Studies at the University of Teesside, and she clinched the First following five years of part-time study.

In addition, Vicki will also be awarded two academic prizes today; the Waterstones Prize for most outstanding undergraduate dissertation and the School of Arts & Media prize for best all round performance by a graduating English student.

Vicki, 42, from Swainby, North Yorkshire, combined her degree with the running of three sandwich bars, two in Middlesbrough and another in Northallerton and being mum to two teenage boys. She also undertook much of the paperwork for her husband Denis’ greengrocer business.

Vicki said: “Studying part-time made it possible for me to work for the qualification I have always wanted. I love books and English, and regret dropping out of school when I was 17 and in the middle of my A levels. But back then I wanted to start earning money and got a job first as a dental nurse and then as a trainee legal executive with Middlesbrough Council.

“I really have made some absolutely best friends at University and just love the whole learning atmosphere. The tutors were always interesting and it was so nice to be able to discuss books with other people. While I was studying my two sons Denis and Joel were taking their A levels and GCSEs, so I could understand what they were going through and them with me. I did some of my work at the very last minute, putting my work in the University’s drop-in box in the Learning Resource Centre at midnight, more than once! Now I have the qualification behind me, if I decide to do something different in the future. I’m really surprised with the two prizes, I had no idea there were any prizes to be had!”

Vicki has stayed on the part-time study path, by enrolling on a Masters degree in English and Cultural Studies at the University.

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