Martin Lithgow

"Why choose to do a degree course with Arden University? Well, I wanted to get a degree in Graphic Design. I started higher education 25 years ago but it wasn’t what I really wanted to do, so I left to wander from job to job with long periods of unemployment, and never fulfilled my potential. Going back to full-time education became almost impossible as I had a family, mortgage and all the other trappings and distractions of modern family life.

I got to a point where I thought that I must do something with my life before it’s too late and take steps to get myself qualified to enter a profession that in my heart I knew was the right one for me. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy; I knew that it would stretch my abilities and my patience at times but that it would be worth it.

Then through an online search, I discovered Arden University. They offered a BA Hons in Graphic Design that was flexible and could be studied from home.

Admission to the course was relatively straight forward. Staff were helpful and reassuring and helped me through the administrative processes, including applying for loans and additional resources.

Sometimes the study can be hard, there is no immediate feedback with tutors or fellow students, but I found that everyone tries to help each other and that the tutors guide you to think with academic insight and encourage a questioning mind. The onus is on the student and self-discipline is important, but even those of us that this doesn’t come easily to, get there in the end.

Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. It has given me purpose, self-fulfilment, confidence and a potential to work in my chosen field."