Clearing success story: Birmingham City University

What is your name? 

Nicholas Harfield

What is your degree, and where are you studying? 

I study Learning Disability Nursing with a foundation year at Birmingham City University (BCU).

What degree had you originally applied for and where? 

I got an unconditional offer for Child Nursing from a university that I really didn’t want to go to. I’d actually applied to BCU in the main cycle, but unfortunately, I wasn’t successful. I thought it was worth giving it another go on results day.

Why did you enter Clearing? 

I decided that going through Clearing would be a better option than going to a university I didn’t think was right for me. 

On results day, I felt really nervous but also determined. I knew I didn’t have enough UCAS points for some courses, but I was determined to get on to a Nursing course because I knew it’s what I wanted to do and where I was meant to be.

What made you decide to study Learning Disability Nursing at BCU? 

I didn’t originally want to do a foundation year or study Learning Disability Nursing. However, once I did a bit of research, I actually learnt that not a lot of people choose to specialise in LD Nursing and therefore those with Learning Disabilities are vulnerable people that need the extra support and resources.

I decided to go for it as my goal was to help vulnerable people and LD nursing felt like the right path for me to take. I love the fact that LD Nursing is more holistic, as you get the chance to work with families and really get to know your patients.

Did you find a place to live in Birmingham easily? 

One thing that really attracted me to Birmingham was the amount of accommodation options available. I found a nice flat really easily. I love the freedom I have living in Birmingham.

Have you enjoyed your course and time at Birmingham City University?

I think about my life if I’d never taken that chance on results day and called BCU and all the opportunities I would have missed out on. My favourite thing has been experiencing different healthcare settings on placement. I’ve been able to work in a school, a prison, local communities, and a GP Practice. It’s been really eye-opening to see the different options that are out there and to decide where I do and don’t want to take my career.