South East London graduate sets sights on childcare business after leadership degree
When Denise McFarlane, aged 50, decided to return to education, she was looking for more than a degree. She wanted to build on decades of life and professional experience, develop her leadership skills, and create new opportunities for the future.
Today Denise, from South East London, is celebrating graduating from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) London Campus with a BA in Leadership & Management.
Denise said choosing to return to university was inspired by a recommendation from a friend, who believed UWTSD’s supportive learning environment would suit her perfectly.
“My friend could see how much I enjoyed working with and supporting other people. She told me that UWTSD’s close-knit community would be a great fit for me, and she couldn’t have been more right.
“I didn’t want to be sitting anonymously in a huge lecture theatre. I wanted somewhere that valued discussion, collaboration and getting to know the people around you. That’s exactly what I’ve found here.”
Denise chose the BA Leadership & Management because she wanted to strengthen her existing knowledge with an internationally recognised qualification while developing practical leadership skills that she could apply in the workplace.
“My goal was to turn my years of professional and life experience into a formal qualification while sharpening my strategic thinking. I wanted to understand more about organisational behaviour, leadership and how successful teams work together.
“In the future, I want to launch my own childcare business and use everything I’ve learned to build a strong team and create a positive working culture.”
One of the aspects Denise has enjoyed most has been the supportive atmosphere created by smaller class sizes, where students are encouraged to share ideas and learn from one another.
“The classroom discussions have been one of the biggest highlights for me. Everyone brings different experiences and perspectives, and we’re able to challenge each other’s thinking in a really positive way. The lecturers encourage those conversations, which makes learning much more engaging.”
She also found the course’s practical approach particularly valuable.
“Looking at real business case studies and applying leadership theories to modern workplace challenges has helped me think differently. It’s given me a practical framework that I know I’ll use long after I’ve graduated.”
Like many mature students, Denise balanced studying alongside everyday responsibilities, but says the support available at UWTSD made all the difference.
“Returning to education wasn’t without its challenges. Time management became really important, but I was never on my own. The lecturers, Tim, Lizeta and Prithwa, have always been approachable and supportive, and our class has built a genuine sense of community where everyone helps each other.”
Denise says the experience has changed both her confidence and the way she approaches leadership.
“Academically, I’ve grown so much in confidence. Professionally, I now think far more strategically about organisations, leadership, and problem-solving than I ever did before.
“Graduating is something I’m incredibly proud of. This degree has given me the confidence to pursue my ambitions, and I’m excited to combine everything I’ve learned with my life experience as I begin building my own childcare business.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071