Mature Students: University Entry And Your Options

Returning to education as a mature student can be an exciting but daunting prospect. A mature student is typically defined as someone who is over 21 at the start of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. Mature students often have work or family commitments to consider, and so universities with part-time, online, or flexible study options are an attractive choice. Many universities offer such options, and some even have a large mature student community. When applying, mature students will need to provide evidence of their ability to study at the appropriate level, as well as any relevant experience related to their course. Entry requirements vary, and some universities may accept professional qualifications or work experience in lieu of traditional qualifications.

Entry requirements for mature students

The entry requirements for mature students can vary depending on the university and the course. While some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, others may require specific academic qualifications. It's important to check the entry requirements for your chosen course and university. Here are some general guidelines and tips for meeting the entry requirements as a mature student:

Understanding mature student status

Firstly, it's important to understand what constitutes a mature student. In the UK, a mature student is typically considered to be someone who is aged 21 or over at the start of their undergraduate studies or aged 25 and above at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. However, this can vary slightly between universities.

Academic qualifications

If you are applying as a mature student, you may not have traditional academic qualifications such as A-levels or GCSEs. In this case, some universities may accept other types of qualifications, such as:

• NVQs
• BTECs
• HNC or HND
• Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
• Access to Higher Education (HE) courses

Work experience and skills

If you have relevant work experience in your field of interest, this can sometimes be considered in place of academic qualifications. Universities may look at the skills and knowledge you have developed through your employment history and determine if they meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have prior work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) and gain exemptions from certain subjects. This can be especially useful if you are applying for a postgraduate course and can help you graduate faster.

Flexible entry options

Some universities offer flexible entry options for mature students who may not meet the standard entry requirements. For example, the University of Sheffield offers a Science and Engineering Foundation Year for strong applicants who lack the subject background required for a degree course. There are also Access to HE courses that can help prepare you for university-level study.

Personal statement

When applying to university, you will typically need to submit a personal statement. This is your opportunity to highlight how your prior experience, employment, and training have equipped you with unique skills and strengths relevant to your chosen course.

Open University

If you are concerned about not meeting the entry requirements, it is worth considering the Open University, which is open to everyone regardless of qualifications. This can be a great option for mature students who want to study at their own pace and do not have the traditional entry requirements.

Application process

The application process for mature students depends on the course and university you are applying to. If you are applying for a full-time course, you will need to apply through the UCAS website. For flexible and part-time courses, you can apply directly to the universities and colleges.

Choosing a Course

With more than 50,000 courses to choose from, it is important to do your research before settling on your final five. You can use the UCAS search tool to find undergraduate courses in the UK and discover entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary depending on the course and university. If you don't have the necessary A-Levels or equivalent qualifications, there are alternative ways to meet entry requirements. These include:

• Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma: for students who left education without the qualifications needed to enter higher education.
• Foundation courses: these help you get up to speed with the subject you plan to study and are ideal if you've had some time away from education.
• Recognition of prior learning: if you have past work or study experience, you may be able to skip subjects you are already familiar with and graduate faster.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines also vary depending on the course and university. For example, for 2025 entry courses at Oxford, Cambridge, or most medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry courses, the deadline is 15 October 2024 (6:00 pm UK time). For all other undergraduate courses, the deadline is 29 January 2025 (6:00 pm UK time).

The application process for mature students is similar to that of younger students. You will need to create a profile in UCAS Track, upload a personal statement, and choose up to five courses.

Personal Statement

As a mature student, you may want to include the following in your personal statement:

• Why you are applying as a mature student
• Any relevant work experience or qualifications
• Any skills you have gained from your work or life experience that will help you succeed on the course
• Any challenges you have overcome that have led you to apply for university

Financial Support

Finances can be a concern for mature students, especially if it puts a strain on household budgets. However, mature students can apply for government loans and universities often offer scholarships specifically for mature students. There are also other government incentives like Childcare Grants and Parents' Learning Allowances.

Accommodation

If you are planning to live in student accommodation, it is important to research your options and apply early, as spaces can fill up quickly.

Clearing

If you miss the UCAS January deadline, you can use Clearing to secure a place on a suitable course starting in the same year. Clearing is a service where universities advertise courses starting in September/October that still have places available. There is no age limit to using Clearing, and mature students can find themselves at an advantage as they don't have to wait for exam results.

Funding and scholarships

Government Funding

Mature students are entitled to apply for government funding in the same way younger students are. The amount of funding you receive will depend on your personal circumstances, such as your income and whether you have children. If you are under 59, your household income will be assessed based on your income or your partner's, rather than that of your parents. If you are 60 or over, you can only get a loan for tuition fees, not living costs.

University Funding

Universities themselves may also offer funding opportunities. For example, Goldsmiths, University of London, offers a Mature Students Scholarship of £3,000 for students over 25, and Royal Holloway offers a £1,000 bursary for full-time undergraduate students over 21 with a household income of £25,000 or less.

Scholarships and Grants

There are thousands of scholarships, grants, and bursaries available for mature students, and you may be eligible for some of the regular scholarships that are not specific to mature students. For example, the Ford ReStart Program Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship covering 90% of college costs for students aged 25 or over in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California. The Working Parent College Scholarship Award is available to employed parents enrolled in higher education with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Employer-Sponsored Funding

If you are currently employed, your employer may be able to provide funding or tuition assistance.

Student accommodation

Mature students can live in student accommodation, and there are many benefits to doing so. Student accommodation has started to shed its reputation of being associated with messy kitchens and all-night parties.

University Halls

University halls can be a convenient option for mature students, as they are often located close to the university campus and have bills included in the rent. However, mature students may prefer to live in accommodation with older students, such as postgraduates, rather than undergraduates who are typically 18 or 19 years old.

Private Rented Accommodation

Private rented accommodation can be a good alternative for mature students who want more privacy and don't want to live with younger students. The Students' Union often has an accommodation office that can help students find privately rented accommodation. There may also be options for mature students to live in private halls, where residents tend to be older students, such as internationals, PhD students, or second or third-year undergraduates.

Studio Accommodation

Studios offer the most privacy, as students have their own living area and kitchen. This option may be preferable for mature students who want a quiet environment.

En-suite Rooms

En-suite rooms are another option for mature students who want more privacy. These rooms have a private bathroom, but the living area and kitchen are shared. This can be a good way to get to know flatmates and socialise, but it may not be as quiet as a studio.

Part-time and Flexible Courses

For part-time and flexible courses, students can apply directly to the universities and colleges, and there may be options for studying online or from home. This can be a more convenient way for mature students to balance their studies with work or family commitments.

Open Days

Open days are a great opportunity to ask questions and see what accommodation options are available. If you can't visit in person, many universities offer virtual open days. It's a good idea to consider your budget, the location of the accommodation, and whether you prefer to live with older or younger students when making your decision.

Online and part-time courses

Online courses typically provide access to lectures, tutorial exercises, readings, and assessments through a university's online portal, which can be accessed from anywhere. Some universities, like Open Universities Australia, also offer the option to complete qualifications one subject at a time. This approach can make the workload more manageable for students with busy schedules.

Part-time courses are another option for mature students who want to spread their studies over a more extended period. This route allows students to work at their own pace and gradually build credits towards their qualification. Part-time study can include modular programmes, which are made up of separate self-contained units completed at different stages. Modular courses can be taken in a classroom, blended, or fully online setting.

When considering online or part-time courses, it's important to remember that the commitment and workload remain significant. Students can expect to spend 10-40 hours per week on coursework, even with the added flexibility. Additionally, some courses may still require in-person attendance for certain sessions or assessments.

For those interested in online or part-time courses, the first step is to research the available options and choose a course that aligns with their interests and goals. It's essential to review the entry requirements and application processes, which can vary depending on the course and university. Some courses may require previous study or work experience, while others offer open enrolment.

Students should also be prepared to navigate the technological aspects of online learning, including learning new software and platforms. Getting familiar with these tools early on can help ensure a smoother experience when submitting assignments, attending virtual classes, or participating in forum discussions.

In summary, online and part-time courses offer mature students a flexible and accessible pathway to higher education. With careful planning and dedication, students can successfully balance their studies with their existing commitments and work towards achieving their educational goals.

Frequently asked questions