Kayleigh Gillies
Science
HNC Applied Science (Chemistry/Biology Route)
“The lecturers are top notch. I cannot fault them – they were fantastic. Learning can be done online but it’s the lecturers and their way of teaching that made it memorable for me.”
Kayleigh followed her love of science to NESCol, with ambitions to make a real difference to the future of medicine.
Thirty-six-year-old Kayleigh Gillies from Aberdeen returned to education in 2024 when her youngest child started nursery.
Kayleigh had prioritised family life throughout her twenties, balancing raising her three children with flexible jobs, including roles as a bus driver and supermarket delivery driver.
With more free time, Kayleigh was now able to take the next step towards a career in science: enrolling at NESCol.
She said, “I’ve always wanted to study science, and it’s always been a strength of mine. I am interested in medicine specifically, although I knew I didn’t want to be a doctor.
“I’m not sure where my interest comes from, but everyone loves a medical drama! It’s fascinating to find out the tricks and trades of the human body, it’s a wonderful thing.”
College as an adult returner
Returning to education was a daunting but rewarding experience for Kayleigh. She completed the NC Applied Science course first, before progressing to the HNC in 2025, focusing on chemistry and biology.
She said, “I returned to education at the tender age of 35 and started my HNC at 36. I can’t tell you a favourite part – overall, the experience was amazing.
“The HNC was a major step up, but I got through it, kicking and screaming at times! The lecturers were still there to support me and lend an ear when I needed it.”
She added, “We constantly laughed during my HNC and the cohort were amazing. I wasn’t there to look for friends, but I have come away with a friend who I know is for life.”
NESCol’s science department
Kayleigh praised the science department, crediting them with helping her succeed and enjoy her time studying.
She said, “The lecturers are top notch. I cannot fault them; they were fantastic. Learning can be done online but it’s the lecturers and their way of teaching that made it memorable for me.
“The lectures were engaging and informative, and MyNESCol [the virtual learning environment] was a godsend when the kids were sick or I was snowed in.
“The labs are very well equipped, clean, and comfortable. Everything was high quality and the chemicals were freshly made by technicians. The equipment is modern and we were shown how to use everything properly as well.”
Student Support
Kayleigh has dyscalculia, which means she has difficulty understanding and working with numbers.
She said, “As a student with a learning difference, the accommodations made for me were second to none.
“The lecturers helped me through the maths side of things; one even sat with me for two hours explaining factorising.
“I found that the Student Support team were also really good. When exams involved maths, I got extra time and separate accommodation which was really helpful.”
Next steps
Kayleigh has progressed directly into the second year of a BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology degree at the University of Aberdeen.
In the future, she plans to use her research to improve medical treatments and ultimately, the lives of others.
She explained, “I want to change medicine from the background. I would be helping medicine progress, helping people see what our bodies can do.”
Kayleigh has a particular interest in stem cells, and she hopes to work in medical research, studying diseases and potential treatments using lab-grown cells.
She explained, “I want to use stem cells to do things like introduce gentler forms of chemotherapy, relieve symptoms for those with genetic conditions, or help with insulin production for people with diabetes.”
Kayleigh’s advice
Reflecting on her own journey, Kayleigh encourages other adult returners to follow their passion and not be put off by the challenges of studying.
She said, “Honestly, it’s going to be hard at times but do what makes you happy.
“I’ve got three kids, a husband and I work – it’s hard! It will all be worth it if it’s what you want to do.
“A lot of people my age say that it’s too late or that they won’t be able to keep up with College. It doesn’t matter your age, you can succeed.”
Study Science at NESCol
A career in science offers exciting opportunities such as contributing to ground-breaking research and solving real-world problems.