Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52I left school at 18 after finishing my A-Levels, and that was the last time I had any formal education,”says Liz.“I chose Birkbeck because I had the option of starting out doing a Certificate before fast-tracking to a degree, which was very attractive as I didn’t know if I had the ability to write or study anymore,”she added. Liz is typical of many students who go to Birkbeck – people who are looking to boost their career or change direction and who are also balancing commitments like work or raising a family. This flexibility means that fellow students are drawn from all walks of life, yet with a common eagerness to learn and a passion for their studies. One of the most rewarding elements of Birkbeck’s approach is interaction with the College’s academic staff, who are producing research which is at the cutting edge of their fields. “I got on with my lecturers and found some of them very inspiring,”says Liz, who progressed to a full undergraduate degree in Psychology after completing her Certificate at Birkbeck, before starting her PhD studies at a different university.“In fact, my very first tutor at Birkbeck has become a good friend.” Completing her degree has enabled Liz to progress towards her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. “Expand your experiences and give yourself a new horizon. It was a defining moment for me, coming to Birkbeck,”she says.“I’m proud of my achievements”. Birkbeck has a range of Certificates, short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees which are still open for applications to start in October. Visit www.bbk. ac.uk/study for more details on how to apply. Boosting your career through evening study Liz Greenaway was busy combining raising her two young children as well as working when she started studying a Certificate in Psychology at Birkbeck. I got on with my lecturers. In fact, my very first tutor at Birkbeck has become a good friend BirkBeck, University of London Malet street, Bloomsbury London Wc1e 7HX t: 020 7631 6316 w: www.bbk.ac.uk THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Autumn 2016 33 | e d u c a t i o n |