Karlla Birtchnell
BA Hons Education and Special Educational Needs
When I was exploring universities, I visited Edge Hill and immediately fell in love with the campus. The green spaces, welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities, including the swimming pool, made it feel like somewhere I could genuinely see myself studying. The view from the top of the Catalyst was the icing on the cake and confirmed that Edge Hill was the right place for me.
Please tell us a little about yourself
My name is Karlla Birtchnell. I am a mature student and a mother of two, with an extensive professional background in recruitment and welfare-to-work services. Following a stage 3 cancer diagnosis in 2018, I decided to pursue university study something I previously believed was out of reach because of the difficulties I experienced during compulsory education as a result of undiagnosed neurodiversity and learning differently.
What course are you studying?
I have just completed BA Hons Education and Special Educational Needs, and I am due to undertake an MRes starting in September.
What support have you received from the University and/or Faculty during your studies?
As a mature disabled student, I applied for Disabled Students’ Allowance and completed an initial support plan with the SpLD team. Throughout my degree, I benefited from a range of reasonable adjustments that enabled me to manage my studies alongside fluctuations in my health and demonstrate my full academic potential, ultimately graduating with a First-Class Honours degree. These adjustments included extensions for coursework and flexibility around placement days.
Because of the inclusive and person-centred nature of my course, staff across the faculty were consistently understanding and accommodating of the challenges I experienced. Rather than focusing on what I was unable to do, they worked with me to identify practical ways forward and were always available when I needed guidance. My Personal Academic Tutor and the Head of Faculty were particularly supportive throughout the three years of my programme, and their understanding played an important part in helping me remain engaged, confident and able to succeed.
How has this support made a difference to your experience at university?
My lecturers never judged or berated me for the things I struggled with because of my disability, my executive functioning or for circumstances beyond my control due to chronic illness or general day-day parenting. Instead, they looked beyond those difficulties, recognised my strengths, and created space for me to explore how to find my own academic excellence.
Their belief in my abilities helped me begin to believe in myself. Because I was supported rather than punished for struggling, I was able to flourish academically, discover my own areas of strength, and recognise my potential as a researcher. That support did more than help me complete my degree; it gave me the confidence to reach for opportunities I had never previously imagined were possible for me.
Are there any examples that stand out?
During the first semester of my second year, I developed an infection that led to sepsis and three weeks in hospital, during this time I fell behind with my studies and missed a couple of deadlines, my PAT organised extensions that were person-led and managed all the paperwork, she talked with me about all the available options and checked in on me. Without this support at that point, I would have considered either pausing my studies or leaving university. The support and compassion from the faculty at this time aloud me both the time and space to look after my health, that allowed me to return to my studies in better health.
Have there been any opportunities you’ve been able to take part in because of the support you’ve received?
As a mature student, I have tried to take part in as much of university life as possible, this has included, being student rep for our class in y1, traveling to India with the study abroad team over the summer of Y1 and speaking at my very first academic conference at the end of y3. I have chosen to complete my Mres at Edge Hill so that I can work with my existing PAT as my supervisor. Being able to complete the next steps of my academic journey with familiar faces means that I am able to pick up where I left off in May, this continuity is particularly important to reaching my potential.
How has your time at Edge Hill helped prepare you for your future career or next steps?
I have chosen to complete my Mres at Edge Hill so that I can work with my existing PAT as my supervisor. Being able to complete the next steps of my academic journey with familiar faces means that I can pick up where I left off in May, this continuity is particularly important to reaching my potential, expanding my knowledge and working towards creating meaningful impacts within Special Educational Needs.
What advice would you give to a prospective student with a disability who is considering studying at Edge Hill University?
My best advice is to be your own advocate, get to know your needs and learn to communicate them to others, take the time to learn you own zones of genius and find the academic staff and support services that allow you to create from that space. Never be afraid to ask for help or the reasonable adjustments you need to be your best self.