Maria is a first class law student

Maria Angus has juggled the responsibilities of bringing up five children with full-time study. The juggling act has paid off, as Maria has achieved a first class degree in law from the University of Teesside.

The demands of raising a family meant Maria delayed her plans of studying for a degree. But nearly 20 years of waiting didn’t dampen her thirst for learning. As well as a first class degree, Maria was also awarded with three academic prizes at this year’s graduation ceremony.

Maria, 39, from Linthorpe in Middlesbrough, said: “I waited until my youngest child Aidan was at school full-time before I started the course which made it a lot easier. Still, I did have to bring him into the occasional class!

“My husband Bill, who also earned a First in English Studies from Teesside four years ago, was a great help. He understood the amount of work I had to do and we divided up the housework. I think the kids are impressed by their mam and dad going back into education and I hope it encourages them to study and not leave education at 16.

“I was a bit nervous when I first started the course, but there are quite a few mature students here, and I made some very good friends. The staff were fantastic – very supportive and always available. As I progressed on the course, my grades improved and I ended up with a First! It was brilliant to get three prizes as well.”

Maria’s children are Amy, 21, Joe, 17, Stephen, 15, Sonny, 12, and Aidan, 10.

Maria was awarded the Jackson Prize for outstanding performance, the Butterworth John Buckley-Atkins Memorial Prize for outstanding application of Legal Skills and the HSBC Prize for best performance in European Union Law. She is now studying for the Bar Vocational Course and is aiming to be a fully qualified barrister.

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