The end of my first year at university is quickly drawing near and I have to say it’s been good. The things I’ve learned will stand me in good stead for my second year. It’s certainly an eye opener and I would recommend it to anyone who’s thinking of doing it.

I’m a mature student and I decided to go for the plunge in 2007/08 by doing a Multimedia course. That gave me enough qualifications to be able to get in to Bolton University to do a degree in Special Effects Development.

The degree is an exciting and interesting one to follow. Learning how to use industry standard software, clay modeling and film making is something I’ve always wanted to do. Next year I’ll get to be more specialised in things. I can choose to do Pyrotechnics, SFX Make-up, Animatronics and even learn about the history of the Special Effects industry.

If any of you are reading this and are not sure if you should return to education I would encourage you to take those first steps. There are plenty of Further Education collages out there who will help and guide you. I personally went to a college in North Wales; Coleg Harlech. They specialise in adult learning and give the support that’s needed to get you into a higher education institution.

I wrote this post because I thought it would be a good opportunity to let you know how I have progressed over the year. Bring on year two!