Student Spotlight

Charles Campbell Prison Officer, H.M. Prison Barlinnie

I am a Prison Officer currently stationed at H.M. Prison Barlinnie, Glasgow. I was first attracted to the Institute's distance learning Diploma course because of the reasonable financial cost. I have been very impressed by the audio, video and written course material.

The course structure took me through each lesson at a pace which was comfortable and allowed me the opportunity to explore the full range of course materials. The course resources also act as a personal reference library and are easily accessible if I want to brush up my skills.

The support which has been available for me has proved invaluable. Each assignment is assessed and includes good, helpful feedback. This has been beneficial in furthering my skills. A personal tutor was assigned to me for each module and if I needed guidance the Institute was only a phone call away. I attended two Summer Schools through the Institute which were Marriage and Family Counselling and Grief and Bereavement Counselling. The course content on both occasions was first class and it allowed me the opportunity to practise my skills in informal surroundings with other students. The course facilitators presented the material in a very informal and relaxed manner. The sharing of facilitator experiences has been invaluable for me and has given me the confidence to enter into one to one sessions and group work with my clients.