We talk to Elga about her experience of studying on the Access to Business course at CRC

Former Access to Business student, Elga Alves, talks to us about her experience of studying on the course at CRC.

Why did you take the Access to Business course at CRC?

When I first came to the UK, I was trying to get into university but hadn’t finished my last year of school (Year 12, as it’s called here). I was told that because of my age at the time (18–19), I couldn’t join a standard school year. The nearest college to me was Cambridge CRC, where I started studying English and Maths.

My English teacher then asked about my goals and interests and when I said I wanted to study business, he suggested the Access to Business course. He even wrote a recommendation letter confirming that my English level was good enough. After that, I spoke with Ursula, completed some tests, and joined the course at CRC Cambridge. It was a great foundation for entering university and covered a bit of everything: accounting, marketing, management, and more.

How did you find the teaching and classes on the course?

I found the classes very interesting and well structured. The course was intense, but the teachers explained everything clearly and helped us develop the skills we needed, from academic writing and referencing to teamwork and communication. We also had one-to-one meetings with teachers to discuss our progress, and Ursula was always available to support us. It was a very encouraging environment that helped me grow a lot.

What did you do after finishing the Access course, and what are you doing now?

After completing the Access to Business course, I went to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge to study Business with Tourism Management. I completed my degree and I’m now doing a master’s in Marketing. During my undergraduate studies, I realised how much I enjoy marketing, so I decided to continue in that area. Alongside my master’s, I’m currently working part-time as a supervisor at Mango.

What would you say to someone considering an Access to Higher Education course at CRC?

I’d definitely recommend it! It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to go to university but feels unsure or not fully ready yet, whether you’ve taken a break from education, come from abroad or just need a solid foundation. The course really prepares you for university-level study. When I started uni, I felt much more confident compared to other students who hadn’t learned about referencing or academic writing yet.

Do you have any tips for students starting the Access to Business course?

Give your best to all the modules, even though it can be challenging, especially if you’re working part-time at the same time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; there are no silly ones. Start your assignments early, even if it’s just writing the title in a Word document. It gives you time to improve your work gradually. Take breaks when you feel stuck, close the laptop, do something else and come back refreshed. You’ll often see things more clearly after a break. And most importantly, remember that everyone is there to learn. Speak up, share your opinions and enjoy the process. The course is also a great way to discover which area of business interests you the most and meet new people. 

Thank you to Elga for sharing her experience with us.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas will help you to develop the study skills and academic knowledge needed to progress onto a degree level course. Access courses are flexible, part-time courses that take one year to complete. Develop your skills, subject knowledge, and confidence in a supportive and encouraging environment. A diverse range of people study Access to HE Diplomas and there is no upper age limit. At CRC we offer Access to HE Diplomas in Business, Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, Health & Social Care, and Health Professions.

Find out more about our Access to Higher Education Diplomas here.