A Bradford mum-and-daughter duo are celebrating today after graduating from the same university course.

Studious Karen Thompson, 40, and Laura Berry, 21, have both passed a two-year foundation degree in Education and Training Policy at the University of Bradford.

Karen had always wanted to study for a degree but had been unable to do so since leaving Tong Comprehensive aged 16 after getting pregnant with her first daughter Kelly. Now a mother-of-four and a grandmother, Karen is just a year away from achieving her dream of attaining a degree.

She said: "I really wanted to get a degree but when you don't have A-levels, it's difficult to find a course that will accept you. For people who don't have the right qualifications, the foundation degree is perfect.

"The tutors at Bradford didn't insist on me having A-levels and they took my previous life and work experience into account. I have really enjoyed it. I gave up most of my evenings and weekends to study. The course covered what my employer wanted me to do and what I wanted to study - so it was ideal."

Before going into full-time study two years ago, Karen had been working for Supporting People, a Bradford care agency. Her job involved supporting individuals with mental health problems and assessing their housing needs.

"My boss wanted me to take a qualification in management, but I was more interested in learning about educating and working with young people. This course met both those requirements," added Karen.

Karen, of Thornton, plans to complete another year at university to qualify for a Combined Studies degree before going on to train as a primary school teacher. She was encouraged to return to study by her daughter Laura.

Like her mum, Laura has completed a foundation degree and aims to graduate in Combined Studies next year. While studying Laura has also been working 45-hours a week as a supervisor at Bradford nightclub, Varsity.

"I have enjoyed working with my mum - she has supported me and provided me with help. It has also meant that if one of us could not make a lecture, we didn't miss out. The course has been good fun but with my work it has included some very late nights!"

l The University of Bradford's School of Lifelong Education and Development is recruiting students for courses beginning on September 25, 2006. For more details contact 01274 233210 or e-mail: learning@ bradford.ac.uk.