After spending three years studying Social Sciences at NESCol, Aiden was presented with the SQA Student Award at graduation.

20-year-old Aiden Barney went to Kincorth and Lochside academies and joined us at NESCol straight from school.

He said: “I chose to study at NESCol as I attended an Open Day and realised that College would have the necessary resources to be able to get me through my course.”

Aiden started his journey on the SCQF Level 6 Social Sciences course at Aberdeen City Campus. He has since taken his knowledge to the next level with the two-year HND Social Sciences qualification.

Aiden’s College journey

Over the course of his time at College, Aiden found that his self-confidence grew as he bonded with his classmates.

He said: “Throughout the course, I have enjoyed socialising with my fellow peers. I really came out of my shell throughout my years of studying and have made many memories!

Aiden noted that NESCol staff were incredibly supportive throughout this learning journey.

He said: “The staff are more than happy to help you with your studies. On the social sciences course, there was a never-ending amount of help from the tutors.

“I found the tutors to be absolutely lovely and always held great conversations, especially in the morning. You could tell that they definitely enjoyed their jobs.”

Success at NESCol

Aiden’s positive attitude, hard work and academic growth at College were highlighted at his graduation ceremony on 1 October at the Music Hall. He was chosen as one of the winners of the SQA Student Award, which marks the achievements of outstanding students.

Aiden would encourage others to consider following in his footsteps and study at NESCol.

He said: “I would recommend NESCol to basically anyone. With the huge range of subjects, there is a bit of something for everyone to study.

“The facilities at City Campus are great, especially the library. It is such an enjoyable place to be and has enough books to be able to help throughout the year.”

Future plans

Aiden’s next step is university, where he will be progressing to the second year of a Psychology with Counselling Skills degree. Although he isn’t certain about what career path he’ll take after he finishes his education, he knows he wants to use his caring nature and knowledge to support others.

He said: “I’m still not sure where I see myself in the future, but I would like to be in an industry in which I get to help people out!”

Aiden’s advice

Aiden’s advice for those studying Social Sciences is to always ask for help and stay organised with your assignments.

He said: “The key thing that I have learned whilst at NESCol is the importance of staying on top of deadlines. If you miss deadlines, they eventually begin to stack up and can overwhelm you!

“My other piece of advice is to ask any questions you have. Chances are others have the same ones, and the lecturers will be more than happy to help you out.

“No question is a stupid question!”