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Jenn Clayton-Brown. Fastrack Edge Hill University.

News story

PhD student’s Higher Education journey started with free Fastrack course

March 8, 2023

A woman who left school without any science-related A-Levels has become an expert in her scientific field after taking an unusual route to higher education.

Jenn Clayton-Brown, from Ormskirk, was working in customer service when she took the decision that changed her life.

Signing up to a Fastrack course at Edge Hill University in 2015 along with a friend, Jenn enjoyed the seven-week course so much she secured a place to study for a BSc in Biology.

Now eight years later, she has progressed through a postgraduate MRes in Biological Sciences and is currently studying for a PhD in the genetics of maritime species.

“I took a couple of years out and then decided I wanted to get back into education. When I was young I’d always enjoyed being immersed in nature but as I got older, I took a different path and ended up working in a job that wasn’t fulfilling.

“I found the Fastrack course in Biology at Edge Hill and it was perfect for me. Fastrack gave me a foot in the door of higher education, and it’s broadened my horizons to places I never thought I’d go. I’ve done field work in some of the most remote parts of the UK and even travelled to Norway as part of my research.

“I owe all these amazing experiences to taking that first step with Fastrack. It opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me and I’m so thankful I made the decision to give it a try.

“Fastrack is a great taster to see if you want to pursue a degree and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s considering signing up.”

Jenn Clayton-Brown

A short, intensive and free course, Edge Hill’s Fastrack programme has been specifically designed to support progression on to a range of undergraduate degrees at the University.

At an upcoming Fastrack open evening, the Access Programmes team will be delivering talks about the summer 2023 programme.

Visitors will be able to meet subject tutors and student support teams, including Student Finance, Accommodation, and Learning Services.

This event is aimed at mature learners looking to study at degree level but who do not currently have the appropriate qualifications.

To find out more about Fastrack, book your place at our information evening on Thursday 9 March: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/event/fastrack-information-evening-2023/.

March 8, 2023

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