Jamie-Lee Beggs is graduating today with a degree in Social Policy with Quantitative Methods from Queen’s University Belfast, having returned to education as a mature student to pursue a career in an area she was passionate about.  

Jamie-Lee explains:  

“I had previously worked as a carer and support worker for people with disabilities. It was always something I enjoyed, and I wanted to study something which may lead me back to that area of work someday.  

“Graduating really does mean a lot to me. I had always regretted not going to university and so I decided to begin studying an Access course part-time when my daughter was younger, hoping it would then lead me to university.   

“It really has not been an easy journey for many reasons, but I was very determined to keep going. To have now finished it, with a higher grade than I had expected, has just made it so worthwhile, and I hope it will show my own daughter that it is never too late to return to something you want to achieve.” 

As a lone parent, Jamie-Lee had to be very organised when balancing childcare with her university schedule, including arranging childcare on days she had classes, and on days without classes, she tried to get her work done while Freya was at school, as well as studying at night. 

Jamie-Lee adds: 

“I hope that other carers know that Queen’s is very supportive to students who also have caring responsibilities. If you’re a carer considering coming to university my main advice would be to try and be as organised as possible, and to take any help or support offered by the University.  

“I found the lecturers and tutors I encountered during my degree to be very helpful and understanding, and I will always be very grateful for that. I feel the hard work was absolutely worth it in the end, however daunting it may seem at times throughout.” 

Jamie-Lee has excelled in her degree, being awarded two prizes for her academic performance. She also took part in a group project in collaboration with the Children’s Heartbeat Trust, researching and evaluating good practice in how siblings of children experiencing a serious illness can be nurtured and protected. For this, she was awarded the highest mark in her module. 

Looking forward, Jamie-Lee is enjoying a break from academia before considering returning to undertake postgraduate study, potentially linked to disability or special education. Her ideal career would be to gain employment within the same area.   

Reflecting on her degree success, Jamie-Lee says: 

“I really hope I’ve made my daughter Freya and my family proud with this achievement.” 

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