Katie Harman, Diploma in Management Studies, part-time study, joined through Clearing
Wanting to progress her career with a postgraduate qualification, Katie studied our Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) in the School of Business at London South Bank University. Like many LSBU students, she chose to study part-time because it meant she could carry on working full-time as a beauty supervisor for leading London department store, Liberty.
A choice that's right for you
"The part-time diploma fitted into my busy schedule of working full-time," explains Katie. "I went to classes one day a week, and worked my usual five days. When I enquired about applying, it was only a few weeks before the course was about to start in September. I assumed I would have to wait until January to start but I was given the chance to write up an assessment to see whether I was able to actually do the course."
After about a week, the university got came back and said they were happy with her assessment and asked if Katie could start in September. "I was thrilled! I had never heard of Clearing before but because of the time I was applying it meant I could use the process to start at university so much sooner. The first semester was only two weeks away, so I was thrown into the course straight away – and I've loved every minute of it."
Finding the positives of Clearing
Funding her studies with a career development loan, Katie graduated in October 2014 and is thankful for the advice she received from LSBU during Clearing, which applicants often find to be a stressful time.
"I got loads of support from the LSBU postgraduate officer about the clearing process which made the whole thing very manageable," says Katie. "My advice is to ask lots of questions, make sure you have all your forms ready, and know what you're looking for.
"Looking back, I am so happy I got the chance to study through clearing. Having the option there is fantastic. The support from the tutors is invaluable, the variety in the courses is brilliant and I loved how small my classes were, it was real one-on-one learning.