Paul’s pathway to study in Darlington

An opportunity to study just a stone’s throw from home encouraged Paul Hodges to sign up for a course in computing at our Darlington campus.

Paul, who was made redundant from work last year, decided to enrol at our current Darlington premises - The Fairway as a way of updating his knowledge and keeping his computing skills fresh.

The dad-of-two is among a growing number of students embarking on Teesside University courses in Darlington.

There’s an opportunity to learn more about the wide range of part-time courses in Darlington during open days at The Fairway, off Yarm Road, on Wednesday 8 September and Thursday 9 September from 2.00pm to 8.00pm.

Although Paul, of Darlington, had built up a wealth of experience during his working life, he saw the course as a way of further enhancing his employability.

Paul said: 'I’ve always been in academia and previously completed a PRINCE2® project management course at Teesside University. Completing that course encouraged me to find out more about what other courses are available at the University.'

He said: 'I managed projects in an area from Leeds to Scotland prior to being made redundant and before that worked as global head of systems with a technology investment group. I also spent much of my working life in Germany.'

Paul, who has a MBA (Master of Business Administration) from the University of Liverpool, started his career with Coopers & Lybrand which went on to become PricewaterhouseCoopers.

It’s been rewarding completing the course in Darlington He added: 'It’s been rewarding completing the course in Darlington. As well as keeping my knowledge up-to-date it also helps to keep my mind on getting back into work. I see myself as a student, not someone who is unemployed, which is important.

'Having these facilities available in Darlington is very good as it is making access to higher education easier for people living in this area. The opportunity to enrol on courses of study, especially in today’s current job market, can also help to provide an impetus for people.'

Work is currently underway on our new £13m undergraduate and postgraduate teaching building next to Darlington College.

PRINCE2® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries.

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