From Open Day to PhD

Posted on: 7 June 2023 by Michelle Middleman in alumni stories

We speak to Go Higher graduate Michelle Middleman after she completed her PhD in Egyptology - capping off an incredible journey starting with finding Go Higher at a University Open Day.

How did you first hear about the Go Higher course and what inspired you to apply?

I first heard about Go Higher at an open day. I had attended to find out more information about the Egyptology degree. By happy coincidence I came across the Go Higher course and it was the perfect fit for me.

My children were 5 and 10 at the time and with Go Higher, you only need to be on campus for one day a week, which was ideal as this meant I only needed childcare once a week. Additionally, I would gain enough academic credits to get on the Egyptology course in just 1 year.

In comparison, the other access courses that I had researched required full time hours and were 2 years long.

What were your initial aims upon signing up for Go Higher?

My ultimate aim from the start was to study Egyptology and get on the degree course. As a mature student who had been out of education for over ten years, I was definitely rusty academically, so a further target was to enhance my writing and research skills.

How did the Go Higher course help you achieve those aims?

I cannot stress enough how invaluable Go Higher was to prepare me for my degree. The course essentially teaches you how to do a degree in terms of writing skills and research.

By the end of the course, I knew how to reference properly, research and execute a university standard essay. I could navigate my way around the University library and campus.

Overall, this meant I could hit the ground running when I started my degree.

Are there any key strengths from the course that you still use now?

The essay writing skills and time management is my biggest take away from the course. By the time I started my degree, I had already developed a good routine when it came to assessments and deadlines.

The core skills and my disciplined approach to work that developed during my time at Go Higher has carried me in good stead throughout my University education.

What path did you take after completing the Go Higher course?

Since Go Higher, I have a BA and Masters degree in Egyptology. I have just completed my PhD (also in Egyptology) and passed my viva examination. I am graduating as Dr Middleman in July 2023!

My thesis is being published at some point in the future, which is a dream come true and far exceeds my expectations.

What would your advice be to anyone who might be considering signing up for Go Higher?

My advice would be have confidence in yourself, it is tough returning to education after a long break and it is very normal to feel overwhelmed.

It was a difficult start for me, I felt out of my depth and just not good enough but I persevered and through the kind words of the teaching staff, my peers, some of whom have been my best friends for years now, and of course my family, I soon found my stride and continued to flourish in academia.