Opportunities to study are all around us

Stewart McCracken has spent a life time waiting to grasp the opportunity to obtain a university degree. Born in Uganda, Stewart spent his childhood moving with his father’s work between Africa, Australia and England having to constantly readjust to new educational frameworks and environments. Unsurprisingly he eventually left school at the age of 16 with 1 O-Level in English literature. Going to university was not an option for him.

Stewart then served 34 happy years in the RAF a job that took him around the world including Germany and Cyprus. Despite a successful career something was missing. Stewart explains.

“I was always a little frustrated and slightly aggrieved that I did not get to university as a boy. Although I feel very confident as a human being and with myself I have never been as confidant with education”.

However, at the age of 62 Stewart is currently studying a BA in History at Moray College UHI part of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

“It was really simple. I looked up courses on the internet and applied. The College is really amazing in terms of support and advice, including helping with funding. I was surprised to find out that I did not have to pay any fees at all.”

History was the natural choice for Stewart who was enthralled with the Crusades and military history as a school boy and although it has not always been easy especially having to complete 2 hour exams, studying history excites him every day, “I get a buzz out of learning something new, it’s the buzz of discovery”.

Increasingly educational institutes are offering flexible learning tools that allow people to learn remotely from the comfort of their home. Stewart’s wife has recently had back surgery and despite being unable to attend college in person due to caring duties; Stewart has stayed up to date with online seminars.

For Stewart “passion” is the key word when he talks about encouraging other people over 50 to get involved with education.

“The most important thing is that you have passion for the subject and it has to interest you. If you are going to take on a challenge like this you really need to care. There are so many options and support there really is something for everyone and if you do not go for it, you will never know what you have missed.”

To Stewart’s credit he did go for it and that hole left by not going to university as a young man is no longer missing.

If you are looking for a new challenge, view the range of courses Moray College UHI offers!