Student achieves first class results
A Swansea man has squeezed his graduation celebrations into his busy schedule, as he juggles working with vulnerable adults and bringing up his young family.
Mark Rowlands, who lives in Cockett, has graduated with a First Class BA in History on Monday 18 July from Swansea University’s Department of Adult Continuing Education (DACE).
The 33 year old father of two has also been nominated for the part-time student prize for the most outstanding achievement.
As well as studying, Mark has worked as a carer for 11 years, and is currently a Care Manager supporting vulnerable adults in Swansea and helping them regain their independence.
Mark first decided to study at Swansea after being encouraged by his partner who was studying for a Post Graduate Certificate of Education.
Mark says, “I underachieved in school because I had been an international hurdler, representing Great Britain in the under 20s level, but I had to retire following an injury.
“I had always been interested in history and it bothered me that I had never done well with my education. I decided to enrol onto the degree course and from the very first time I attended, I felt that I belonged. Over the past six years, I have made some great friends amongst my fellow students, whilst all the staff are very supportive.”
He is one of more than 400 people who have graduated from the Department’s Humanities programme, since it started 20 years ago and is offered at the University and in community venues throughout the City and County of Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Mark said that undertaking part time study had been a life changing experience for him. “I love studying history and my dissertation about the impact and effects of the Edwardian conquest of Wales has really whetted my appetite for more study and I hope to progress to an MA in Medieval Studies in the future.”
Dr Lynne Jenkins of DACE, said: “Mark’s experience shows that good adult education is life-changing. We are very pleased to have been a part of his progress. DACE operates in 15 community-based centres across the South West Wales area, but we intend to provide more opportunities for more adult students by expanding our Community University programme in the geographical sense and in relation to the subjects we wish to deliver.”
For more information about Swansea University Graduation Week visit swansea.ac.uk/graduation/.
