Student Spotlight - Leah Murray
“If you are like me and prefer learning and working from home then do the distance learning course, it really has been a great way to learn.”
Accounting is essential to all sectors and the roles are varied, opening up opportunities to work in an area that interests you. At UHI Perth, our accounting courses will help you progress into a career in accounting and finance, giving you a practical foundation, and the professional skills and experience needed to work in this thriving industry. Leah is currently undertaking her qualification via distance learning so she chatted to us about her experience 👇
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Leah Murray, and I am from Comrie.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I am currently studying HNC Accounting through distance learning and I am in my second year, it is a two-year course as it is part time. I have also previously completed a HNC in Administration and Information Technology through UHI Perth, starting off at the campus then transferring to distance learning. I am also hoping to progress onto HND Accounting in September as it is now being offered through distance learning.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I have always known about UHI Perth, but I first heard about the Admin and IT course through my guidance teacher when I was in 6th year at school. I then discovered the accounting course by researching on the website.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I was at school before I first attended college, working as a receptionist in a beauty salon on a Saturday and during school holidays.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I decided to study HNC Accounting through distance learning as I learn better when working at my own pace and in my own environment instead of face-to-face lectures and classroom situations. It also suited me as it is a part-time course, which meant that I could still work. I work as an accounts administrator for a groundworks company and after completing the Admin and IT HNC and enjoying it so much, I thought it would be great to further my education and get the official qualifications for my job by also studying the accounting course.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course is that the units cover a lot of what I do at work such as VAT returns, sage accounts and sage payroll. I also really enjoy using Brightspace as it is so easy to navigate around, and it is great to keep track of when assessments are due and work through each unit step by step.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I think the standout moments from my course have been passing every assessment that I have done so far and being on track to pass my graded unit in May.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I have gained experience working on my own initiative as I have had to set time aside each week to work on units and decide when I am ready to sit assessments. I am also studying two additional modules to allow myself to have a better working knowledge of sage, as I use the software every day in my job.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I have not had a work placement through the college as that is part of the HND. I would like to use my current job as my work placement when I do the HND as it covers a lot of what I am learning and have learned in my course.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
My lecturers have been extremely supportive during my course. I can email them anytime with a query and they always do whatever they can to help. They will sometimes offer to do a 1 to 1 video call to go over anything specific. I can just email them when I am ready to do an assessment and they will set it up on Brightspace for me to complete. They will sometimes record videos of lessons and upload them to Brightspace which is also very helpful.
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have thoroughly enjoyed studying with UHI Perth and look forward to hopefully continuing to for the next couple of years.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and going to concerts.
What are your future career plans?
I haven’t really decided what I want to do in the future, but I am certain it will involve accounts and administration. I am very happy in the job I am currently in, and the college have very much helped me to progress in my role and gain more knowledge.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
Do it! And if you are like me and prefer learning and working from home then do the distance learning course, it really has been a great way to learn.
