Carol Hunter

Carol Hunter has overcome challenges to achieve not just one but two Open University degrees, and is now inspiring others, including those also with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and adoptive backgrounds.  

A Masters degree - MA in Crime and Justice – is now added to the first class undergraduate Social Sciences degree that Carol, of Dunfermline, had already accomplished.

“I have FASD and was told that I would never achieve anything academically,” she says.

Her advice for anyone about to start an OU course is: “Go for it! If I can do it anyone can. The support is incredible and they root for you all the way."

Before working in the finance sector for 14 years, and having two children within that time, Carol had finished first year at a traditional university and decided she didn’t want to go back.

“I dropped out, leaving university with no additional qualifications and plenty of additional debt,” she says.

College credit transfer

But Carol’s late father had confidence in her abilities, and she re-entered education at Fife College, also becoming a Student President, as well as winning awards. 

I went to Fife College as a mature student and achieved a Higher National Diploma in Social Sciences. The college has a credit transfer route with the OU and encouraged me to do the Bachelor of Art Social Sciences degree. It was a one-year course, and I achieved a first class honours degree.

“I made a promise to my adoptive Dad before he passed away that I would get back into education and prove everyone wrong - having failed at traditional university due to FASD and my adoption background.

“My dad made me promise him that I would get out from behind the 9-5 desk job and do something that I was passionate about. He knew I could achieve more.

“I wanted to make my Dad proud, and to show my children it’s never too late in life to completely change your course of direction. 

“I went to Fife College as a mature student and achieved a Higher National Diploma in Social Sciences. The college has an articulation (credit transfer) route with the OU and encouraged me to do the Bachelor of Art Social Sciences degree. 

“It was a one-year course, and I achieved a first class honours degree in 2018.” 

Studies were funded by a Part-Time Fee Grant and Carol combined her coursework and assessments with full-time work.

She says: “I think there needs to be more awareness of The Open University and of the college route into university. I’m shouting about it all that I can.”

Masters degree

Such was her positive experience: “After studying finished I missed the OU - it had created opportunities for me to speak in the Scottish Parliament about my journey and other incredible experiences - so I decided to come back and tackle a two-year Masters course during a pandemic!

“My OU journey is personal, to make me believe I can do anything I put my mind to but also that I am capable of great things; to be a role model for my kids and others with FASD that we are capable of great things socially and academically no matter what anyone says. 

“With the right support we can do it!”

Carol adds: “Due to my FASD I have to be high functioning. I work full time for Fife College as their health and wellbeing adviser.

“I also work part time for Adoption UK as their community engagement lead working with children and young people from kinship, FASD and adoptive backgrounds. 

“I also volunteer for Children’s Hearings Scotland and FASD Hub Scotland. 

“I have three young sons and believe it or not, studying fitted right in around everything...something just for me!”

Carol crossed the stage at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall in June 2022 to collect her Masters degree at the OU’s graduation ceremony.

“My Dad inspired me during my studies. He was my hero and inspiration and I just wish he was here to see the things I went on to achieve, I believe he would be proud.”

OU studies have impacted both Carol’s career and her personally: “100 per cent it has opened up doors for me, not only professionally but personally it has completely changed my life, and I will be forever thankful.”

Carol shares more about her experiences in this Care Experienced Week blog, including video.

Photos by Neil Hanna.