Aisling Thomas, a mother of five who has combined academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to advancing inclusive education, has graduated from Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh with a Master of Nursing with Distinction and a remarkable trio of awards.
Aisling’s outstanding achievements include the Dean’s Student Citizenship Award, the Joan and Muriel Burnside Award for care of persons living with dementia, and the Students’ Student Award, recognising her invaluable contributions to the university community.
Aisling began her higher education journey in 2022 in her thirties after years spent balancing family responsibilities and caring roles. As the first person in her family to attend university, she has transformed personal experiences of caring into a passion for nursing and educational leadership.
Growing up in Prestonpans, university was not something Aisling had always envisaged for herself. However, after completing Edinburgh College’s Routes to Health Professions programme, she enrolled at QMU and quickly became one of the University’s most engaged and influential students.
Her aspiration to become a nurse was shaped by her own experiences of healthcare, particularly the exceptional care she received from NHS staff when her daughter was born prematurely.
Reflecting on her journey, Aisling said: “The care my family received during some of our most difficult times had a profound impact on me. It inspired me to pursue nursing and to support others in the same way. Studying at QMU has given me opportunities I never imagined possible, and I’ve been able to use my own experiences to help other students find confidence and succeed.”
As well as excelling academically, Aisling has made an outstanding contribution to university life through a wide range of leadership and representative roles. These include serving as a Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) Leader, Class Representative, Academic Board member, Student ChangeMaker, Widening Participation Ambassador and Clinical Skills Teaching Volunteer.
As one of the first Nursing students to become a PALS Leader at QMU, Aisling played a key role in establishing and developing peer learning within the nursing course. Her sessions have been widely praised for creating supportive, inclusive environments where students feel empowered to ask questions, build confidence and develop academically.
Aisling has presented at international conferences focused on peer learning and student support, and her work exploring neurodiverse leadership has helped inform the development of training resources for future peer leaders.
Committed to widening participation and ensuring higher education is accessible to all, Aisling has also worked extensively with prospective students through outreach activities, induction programmes and mentoring initiatives. Her efforts have helped students from underrepresented backgrounds feel welcomed, supported and confident in their transition to university.
As a Student ChangeMaker, Aisling co-developed QMU’s Neurodiversity Affirming Learning and Teaching Guides, helping to shape more inclusive educational practices across the institution. Drawing on both research and lived experience, the project has contributed to creating learning environments where all students can thrive.
Aisling’s commitment to professional development has also seen her participate in an international nursing exchange programme in Canada at Trent University, made possible by QMU’s Vice Chancellor’s & Student Development Fund.
The exchange allowed her to explore person-centred nursing approaches across a range of healthcare settings, broadening her understanding of global healthcare systems and contributing to ongoing work examining the value of international learning opportunities in nursing education.
Ruth Magowan, Head of Nursing at QMU, said: “Aisling has overcome personal adversity while balancing significant family responsibilities to make an exceptional and lasting contribution to QMU.
“Her hard work, leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting others led to her being named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student category at the Herald Higher Education Awards 2026.
“Aisling’s story is a powerful example of how one student’s dedication can make a real and lasting difference to the experience of others across our University. We are incredibly proud of everything Aisling has achieved during her time at QMU. As she joins our graduating class of 2026, we know she has a very bright future ahead of her, and we look forward to seeing all that she goes on to achieve as a nurse.”
Aisling was able to celebrate her graduation success with her family, who enjoyed being part of an impressive graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, followed by a reception on the University’s campus.
Aisling said: “When I decided to return to education and pursue a career in nursing, I knew I needed a university that aligned with both my personal and family commitments.
“What really sold me on QMU was how well the course structure fitted with my family’s needs and how supportive the university’s ethos felt. QMU has always championed accessible education, and I felt that the nursing programme lived up to that legacy by offering a course structure that recognised the complexity of students’ lives.
“For me, QMU wasn’t just the right choice, it was the best choice.”
Aisling has recently secured a full-time role in District Nursing in East Lothian, a position she earned following a highly successful placement she completed during her time at QMU – a fitting start to what promises to be a rewarding nursing career.
If you’re an early riser, swing by for brekkie from 9am and treat yourself to our special of the week – avocado toast (add a fried egg if you’re feeling extra fancy!)
