h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

At the age of 47, I have finally officially become a clever person with letters after my name. My University results are in, and I've succeeded in style - I've got a First Class Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Combined Studies!

This follows four years in which I've studied social sciences, English literature, cinema, psychology, politics, creative writing and critical thinking, as well as doing personal development courses in assertiveness and stress management. It's been a fascinating journey, and although I'm obviously delighted at the successful conclusion, in some ways I'm sorry it's over. I may very well do some more studying sooner or later; I'm going to be looking into postgraduate study possibilities over the next couple of weeks. I'm also looking at job opportunities, and I think I'd like to work in a University. There's something about academia that suits me very well; I like intelligent, articulate company, and I like being in an culture in which eccentricity is not just accepted but positively welcomed. At University, no-one sees anything wrong with being a middle-aged sci-fi fan. When I was handing in my dissertation, I was asked if I'd mind having my photo taken for next year's prospectus. I happily agreed, and was very pleased that I happened to be wearing my Doctor Who T-shirt that day - I made sure that the design was clearly visible in the photo!

There's been a sort of personal redemption in all of this. I wasn't much of a student in my younger days; when I went to college as a teenager I was far more interested in and punk rock than in studying, and failed my course. I was grimly determined to do it right this time. I found it hard at first; the academic style of writing was so different to what I was used to. I had a kind of mini-nervous breakdown over my first University essay, dashed it off in the last available 48 hours, and apologised for how poor I thought it was when I handed it in. But to my pleasant surprise, I got 64 per cent for it. My confidence steadily grew, and my marks got better. I've finished on a real high; I got 84 per cent for my dissertation about the film 'Super Size Me' and my best mark ever for the last assignment I did - 85 per cent for an English Literature essay about Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway' and Katharine Mansfield's 'The Garden Party'.

So now I have to consider carefully what to do next; but on Thursday July 19 I get to dress up in a mortar board and gown and be officially pronounced clever. The University are laying on a and reception. I intend to enjoy it thoroughly.

well done

Well done! I am so pleased for you (as are my parents, who heard me squealing in delight at your achievements and pass on their congratulations)

all round I think.

Good to hear Ormy.

Ne'er mind all uf that there southern stuff and a couple of good stiff <vodak&vimto>s chucked in too

, everyone!

It is the University of Bradford, Granny, so there may well be celebration and curry later on.

Really well done Ormy, Have a good and Curry

Congratulations.

Congratulations

Hey, nice one! And a Geoff Hurst too

Congratulations Ormy
It's been lots of hard work but worth it in the end.

Well done, Ormy. Congratulations. It takes courage to go back to school in middle age. I would never have the nerve to do it.

Excellent news! Well done that man
Enjoy dressing up and the swanky celebration, you've deserved it

Thanks, guys! I funny intend to savour the big day!

Hyp: I was anxious about whether I was too old for education and how the young folks at University would regard me, but really there was no big problem at all. I'm a much more dedicated and attentive learner now than when I was 18-20, as my results have proven, and one of the great joys of the past four years for me has been making a lot of much younger friends. I've played a full part in the University social life, especially with the theatre and choral societies I'm in, and I've even been to one or two student discos and enjoyed them! It's been a great excuse not to act my age, and I'll certainly be staying in those societies - you don't have to be a student to take part. I just have to remember not to try to keep up with the excesses of some of my young friends, because these days I can't get over a hangover as fast as they can!

indeed, Ormy. It's been good following your progress here - and befitting, I think, that you got the grades you got.

Well done There really is somethign about the 'culture' of life at a university (and I don't just mean the students drinking endlessly etc)., But the 'feel' of accademia, I'd love to make it back to university some day myself for a third degree ( I guess a PhD this time) I keep looking for jobs, and mainly have only applied to things at Universitys...

Thanks, Santra and 2Legs!

I'm now trying to decide what to do next and like you, 2Legs, trying to get a job at a University is one option I'm considering. I am also considering doing an M.A., since I should certainly be able to get accepted with the grades I've got. However, the main difficulty there is money. I haven't got much, and I was shocked to find today that the Student Loans Company doesn't give loans to postgraduate students. So, if I may ask, how did you finance your second degree?

My MSc was funded by a scholarship and work as a Teaching Assistant. The scholarship was granted by the university, which made things simpler. There are others available that need applying for separately.

I personally paid about £3K for 'tution fees', which at the time didn't exist for the BS/BSC degrees, but did for Taught Masters degrees. There were loans availiable I think possibly a different funding group to who did the student loans, or it may have been the student loans company I can't remember. But basically I funded 'living costs', by doing the degree In Manchester, and renting out my house in Cambridge, which tanks to the North/South divide ment I had enough in from the rent of my house to cover the renting of the digs in Mancehstter, pay for all my food and beer, and also allowed me to make net savings during my time there I'm not really up to date on things nowdays as regards student loans and tution fees, and I know they get differnt when it comes to Post grad anyhow.... The Uni careerers advisors hsould be the best people to speak to though

Thanks. Well, that's handy, because I'm going to see the Uni careers advisors this afternoon!