After a challenging start, Shania has thrived at NESCol and is now working towards a career in journalism.

24-year-old Shania Anderson from New Byth first came to NESCol to study social sciences after leaving school. Over the next few years, she attended College on and off, finding it difficult to stick with her course due to personal reasons.

Ten months after the birth of her first child, Shania decided to start afresh.

She said, “I had a new sense of motivation after having my son. I also wanted to finally complete the course that I had struggled with for so long, as social sciences is so fascinating.

“NESCol was always my top choice for getting back into education as it’s nice and close to me.”

Studying social sciences

Shania joined the SCQF Level 6 Social Sciences course at Fraserburgh Campus in 2023.

She said, “This was the course I kept starting and couldn’t complete for years. The lecturers were probably sick of seeing me!”

Shania’s perseverance paid off, and she passed the course, moving on to HNC in Social Sciences the following year.

She said, “The course is incredible and really opens your eyes to the world and society. The lecturers are all amazing too!

“Throughout the years that I’ve studied at NESCol, they’ve often tried to get us out on trips, which have always been enjoyable. I’ve visited places like HMP Grampian, Peterhead Prison Museum, Peterhead Sheriff Court and heritage museums.”

Shania’s confidence grew during her Level 6 qualification, and she decided to put herself forward for Class Rep for her HNC year.

She said, “This is something I never would have done in the past. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I’m glad I did.”

College and parenthood

One of the best parts of College for Shania was the people she met on her course, particularly the other mums who understood the balancing act of raising children and studying.

She said, “I enjoyed getting to meet new people who were on the same page as me, being a student but also a mum.

“Everyone on my course has been lovely, and there were a lot of other mums who were also juggling mum life and studying at the same time. It was helpful to have someone to relate to (and rant to) when needed!”

Shania was also very positive about the support available at NESCol.

She said, “The College has always been supportive of any issues I had. There are so many support systems in place, and I always knew where to go if I needed any extra help.

“The lecturers were approachable, supportive and really helpful. If anyone was struggling, they helped them to succeed and pass their course. They never wanted to see you fail and would do whatever they could to help give you a push to get through.”

Next steps

Shania’s passion for social sciences and determination to succeed shone through during her HNC, and she achieved an A grade!

She graduated at Fraserburgh Campus on 20 September 2025, where she was also presented with the Rotary Club of Fraserburgh Endeavour Award, which recognised her personal growth and academic achievements.

She has since started studying for a journalism degree at Robert Gordon University (RGU).

Shania said, “In the future, I hope to see myself in a well-established job in investigative journalism, researching and writing about important social issues.”

Advice for students

Shania’s advice for students interested in studying social sciences is to “just do it – especially if you’re a mum and unsure about getting back into education.”

She said, “NESCol offers lots of different support systems, and the lecturers are always on hand to help you when needed.

“I’ve had multiple setbacks with my mental health and other personal issues. To finally be able to say that I have a certificate in not only Level 6 Social Sciences, but also an HNC, makes me so proud!

“It’s been a journey to get to where I am, even becoming a mum in between, but I’m so happy I’ve done it!”

Study Social Sciences at NESCol

Our social sciences courses will help you develop your understanding of human behaviour and society and gain transferable skills for a range of careers – like journalism!

View all social sciences courses