Ann used credits from her Diploma in Social Sciences to transfer to a Degree programme in Edinburgh. She was given 240 credits at Level 8, and started an Honours degree in a related subject halfway through the programme.

Ann had always lived with her parents at their home in the Black Isle, and when she gained an HND in Social Sciences at Inverness College she decided to broaden her experiences and move to another city to progress into higher education.

"I love the Highlands, but I felt that going to university was a good opportunity to try something new. I thought if I didn't move out now I never would!

"Staff at the college were great and gave me advice about the best degree programme to take so that I'd be given credits for my diploma."

When she applied to a university in Edinburgh to do a Degree in Psychology with Sociology, the university decided that the learning she'd acquired for her HND was relevant to her Degree programme and awarded her 240 credits at Level 8 .That meant Ann could enter halfway through an Honours Degree programme.

"It was great to be able to go in at this level of a degree programme. It was really encouraging that my previous learning had been credited and recognised."

After 12 months' study, Ann gained 120 credits at Level 9, the Ordinary Degree level. "By then I was hooked and decided to go for broke and try for an Honours degree. I was also enjoying a really good social life in Edinburgh through a sailing club on the Forth. I've been sailing since I was a wee girl, so it was good to try some new waters."

After another 12 months' study, Ann gained a further 120 credits at Level 10 and was awarded her prized BA Honours Degree.

Ann decided to use her learning to benefit the community she grew up in, and she is now working in health and community care in the Highlands.