Noreen Sadiq

“I graduated with a 2:1 while raising three children. It gave me so much confidence and pride in myself. It was the best decision I ever made.” 

Noreen Sadiq, Progress Tutor at Holy Cross College 

Degree course studied at Holy Cross University Centre (HCUC): Integrated Practice with Young People and Children degree 

Partner university: Edge Hill 

What did you study at HCUC and when did you graduate? 

I graduated in 2010 with a 2:1 in Integrated Practice with Young People and Children while raising three children. 

Tell us why you chose to study here and why you chose this course? 

I’ve always had a passion for study. It was down the road from where I lived, and my friend was also studying at Holy Cross. 

I had just come back from maternity leave, and was working part-time, so I needed the flexibility that Holy Cross offered. They understood my life commitments. 

How did your studies at HCUC help you with your career plans? 

The fact that I gained a degree in an area I’m really interested in gave me a lot more options in terms of work, and funnily enough, I now work at Holy Cross College as a Progress Tutor. 

I manage five groups of students, I give academic and career support, but I also deal with safeguarding, emotional support and wellbeing. Everything I studied in my degree; I'm applying in my job today.  

How did you find the course from start to finish? 

When I started the course, I was working part-time and had a young family, but I could settle them before coming to campus for my evening classes. 

I was able to do my independent studies around my kids’ school time and it was so handy that the Holy Cross library is open till late. I could study in the library, make the most of the extensive resources, and you can even take out laptops on loan. 

Tell us about your Support Tutor? 

My Holy Cross Support Tutor was always available to help, I knew I could knock on the door at any time. 

Initially she helped me with the application and the financial side of things, but I would also have one-to-ones every so often to make sure I was ok, on task, and if I needed any extra support. 

What would you say to someone thinking about joining HCUC? 

For me, studying at HCUC gave me so much confidence, pride in myself and more opportunities in terms of work. The best decision I ever made.