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Dr Erik Johansson CoxDr Erik Johansson Cox

Erik was unemployed before he enrolled on the Access to HE course. He is now a research scientist.

1995: Access to Science and Technology, Liverpool Community College
1999: Master of Physics (MPhys), University of Liverpool
2003: PhD, University of Liverpool
2007: Research scientist for the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Singapore

I was 31 years old, unemployed, living with my parents and felt I had no future. The Access to HE course gave me a second chance at a decent life. Now I've got a good job and a standard of living that I'd never dreamed of.

With the help of the Access to HE course I'm enjoying a career that has taken me around the world. I took a master's degree and then went on to be awarded a PhD from the University of Liverpool. Since then I've held positions in the United States of America and am currently based in Singapore.

Before I took the Access to HE course, I just wanted to get a job, any job. The course seemed to be my only option for a better future.

I found the Access to HE course easier than I'd first expected and realised I was smarter than I first thought.

It was a great learning environment because there were many other students in my age group and in similar positions. There was a great sense of camaraderie among us and the tutors were excellent.

The Access to HE course gave me a head start at university in comparison to the younger students coming in with A levels.

Access to HE gave me the opportunity to start afresh, build a career and improve.