Balancing Life and Learning: Abbigail’s journey with Coleg Sir Gâr’s Online animal science course

Abbigail Marshall decided to study Coleg Sir Gâr’s online animal science course as she wanted to expand her knowledge but wasn’t able to attend university due to her very busy life schedule. 

This online course offers a level four certificate of higher education, which is equivalent to completing the first year of a degree. 

It allows students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge in the scientific principles of animal ethology, behaviour and physiology, and the application of this knowledge to animal welfare, husbandry and conservation

Abbigail Marshall said: “This course was an opportunity which I’m so glad I took! It gave me an insight into some of the most important impacts climate change has on nature and some of the biggest challenges our planet and ecosystems are facing. 

“My tutor Jan, delivered the topics extremely well and with enthusiasm and being able to choose topics and your species is very helpful. 

“Jan is a very knowledgeable tutor who enjoys teaching which helped me enjoy learning.

”Online learning can be great for a busy schedule and studying part-time also helped me manage my time and if I had any personal problems my tutor was always there to help resolve the issue and booked a tutorial online where I felt at ease. 

“I also have ADHD, anxiety and PTSD, which made online learning very helpful and having tutorials helped me overcome some of my anxieties.” 

Abbigail says she plans to continue studying at home and outside in nature with the professional knowledge gained from her experience on her course, which she describes as “amazing”. She is still unsure about the future but knows that she wants to make an impact in protecting the environment and this course provided a start to that.

If you have been inspired by Abbigail’s story, Coleg Sir Gâr is currently welcoming applications for course intakes in January, May and September 2025 starts.