Alysia Furey

“The big seller for me was to stay local and at home, I didn’t want to move away. I’m not a person that seeks the University life and I wanted to work at the same time. I panicked as soon as I found out I was pregnant in my final year but I didn’t need to worry – my Support Tutor was so supportive from the start. I don’t think I would’ve finished the course without her.” 

Alysia Furey, SEN TA (Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant) at Gorsefield Primary School

Degree course studied at Holy Cross University Centre (HCUC):
Education and Early Childhood  

Partner university: Liverpool Hope

What did you study at HCUC and when did you graduate? 

I enrolled on the Education and Early Childhood degree course with Liverpool Hope University. I started my degree in 2022 – I came straight from the sixth form at Holy Cross – and graduated in January 2026. 

Tell us why you chose to study here and why you chose this course? 

Someone came into our lesson to tell us about the UC and honestly, I didn’t even know it was there – I couldn’t believe there was a chance to study at university level right here in Bury. 

Even better, it was on the same Holy Cross campus I’d been studying at for two years already. 

The big seller for me was to stay local and at home, I didn’t want to move away. I’m not a person that seeks the University life and I wanted to work at the same time. 

I joined a teaching agency while studying for my degree – I don’t think you get that flexibility if you go away to university. I feel I’m more employable as I've got my qualification and plenty of lived and worked experience in the sector. 

How did your degree impact on your career and the job you have now?  

I'm currently on maternity leave from my role as an SEN TA (Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant) at Gorsefield Primary School in Radcliffe. 

I’m really proud to be a key part of a child’s life at school and I’m hoping to eventually get a teaching position at the school I’m at. 

I would have loved to stay at HCUC to do my PGCE had I not become a mum in my final year (to baby Joey, born in September 2025). 

How did you find studying at HCUC? 

Education is an area of excellence for Liverpool Hope, so I couldn’t have chosen a better course for what I wanted to do.  

I was the youngest in the class – I found it strange at first, but I found it to be incredibly helpful as the course went on. 

It was really interesting to have different levels of experience in the class and sharing thoughts and opinions. It made the whole course richer to me.    

Two of my friends now study at the UC – they simply didn’t know about it, but once they did, there was no question about finding out more and applying.   

Tell us about your Support Tutor (based at HCUC) 

I discovered I was pregnant in my final year at HCUC and I remember as soon as I found out, I panicked – I thought it was game over for my degree. 

But I didn’t need to worry – my Support Tutor Louise (Green) was so supportive from the start. I never felt like I was being a pain or demanding any help. 

Louise made sure I had all the options of what to do next, how to make my studies manageable and ultimately, complete my degree with First Class Honours.  

I don’t think I would’ve finished the course without her.  

I had no idea that level of support was there – I thought that as soon as you were considered a university student, you’d be on your own. This couldn’t be further from the truth. This level of support is unique to HCUC compared to a large university setting. 

One day, I’d love to do a job like hers because of the difference she made to me and my life. I honestly felt like I had a cheerleader in my corner – I will never forget seeing her waving at me as I left the graduation stage! 

What would you say to someone thinking about joining HCUC? 

Just do it. Whether you’re 18 or 50+, this is the place you need to be if you’ve got that drive to study and improve your career chances. 

You’ll feel so proud of yourself. Being able to work alongside studying is so valuable and I truly believe this boosted my employability. 

It’s the best feeling ever to walk across the stage at graduation and know you’ve succeeded in something you’ve chosen just for you, and the difference that will make to your career now. 

Inspired by Alysia's story?