Dorothy's three Open University credits counted when she started studying part-time towards a BA degree at a local university while bringing up her family.

Dorothy had to get a job as soon as she left school to help her widowed mum pay the household bills, but she never lost her ambition to go to university.

She got married and had three children and it seemed like she'd never get the chance to achieve her dream. Then as the children grew older and the last one went off to school she started to study at the Open University.

"I was able to fit in studying with looking after the family. The tea was always on the table and I was always here for the kids coming home from school - that's why the Open University is ideal for so many people."

Then Dorothy saw an advert for part-time degree programmes at a university just five minutes bus ride from her house. "I hadn't realised that was possible and I didn't hesitate in applying."

Dorothy had gained three Open University credits in Social Science, which allowed her to enter university with 180 SCQF credits.

She studied part-time over three years to gain a BA in Social Science. "Gaining the degree was fantastic, I've always had a real thirst for knowledge.

"Starting to study again when you are in your 30s can be a little bit hard at first but you just have to get into the routine. And you are doing it for yourself. Once the children have left home I'll try for a job, maybe helping other people get back into learning. But for now I just feel that my life is that much richer for having achieved a dream."