Savanna Hoffman
Although A-levels are the most common route to university in the UK, mature students can gain entry without them. Mature students are usually defined as those over 21 at the start of undergraduate study or over 25 for postgraduate study, and many universities and colleges welcome them due to their life skills and experience. Mature students can take foundation years, Access to Higher Education courses, or use work experience or other qualifications to gain entry to university.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Typically, a mature student is someone who is over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. |
| Number of mature students | Around a third of undergraduates are mature students, and over half of them are aged between 21 and 24. |
| Qualifications | Many universities accept a range of qualifications, including professional qualifications, Open University credits, and Access course credits. |
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements vary across universities. While some universities only accept A-Level grades, others are more flexible and accept a wide range of qualifications. Some universities offer foundation years to prepare mature students for undergraduate courses. |
| Application process | Mature students can apply for full-time courses through the UCAS website and for flexible and part-time courses directly to the universities and colleges. |
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What You'll Learn
- Mature students are usually over 21 at the start of undergraduate study
- Mature students are welcomed by universities and colleges
- Mature students can take foundation years to prepare for undergraduate study
- Mature students can take Access to Higher Education courses to gain entry
- Mature students can gain entry with professional qualifications or work experience
Mature students are usually over 21 at the start of undergraduate study
Mature students make up a significant proportion of undergraduates in the UK, with around a third of undergraduates being mature students. Mature students are usually defined as those who are over 21 at the start of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. Over half of mature students are aged between 21 and 24, and around 40% are over 30.
Mature students often balance their studies alongside work or caring responsibilities. They may have few or no previous qualifications, and may be taking Access to Higher Education (HE) courses, enrolling on their first degree course based on their work or life experiences, or taking foundation years.
Access to HE courses are specifically designed for people who want to go to university but don't have traditional qualifications. They are equivalent to three A-levels and are graded on credits, which translate into UCAS points. They are recognised by universities across the UK and are available in a range of subjects, including nursing, social studies, law, and art and design.
Foundation years are also an option for mature students who haven't been in education for a while and would like a 'refresher' before starting a full degree. These courses focus on the development of essential skills needed at university, such as critical thinking, time management, research, and communication.
While some universities only accept A-level grades, most accept a wide range of qualifications, including professional qualifications, Open University credits, and work experience. Mature students are valued at higher education institutions, and course requirements are generally flexible.
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Mature students are welcomed by universities and colleges
Universities and colleges value mature students for the enthusiasm and life skills they bring to the classroom. Course requirements are often flexible, and a wide range of qualifications are accepted. While some mature students will have traditional qualifications such as A-levels, universities will also consider professional qualifications, work experience, and evidence of academic achievement such as a CV.
If you have not had any formal education for some time, you may want to consider an Access to Higher Education course. These are offered by colleges in England and Wales and are available in a range of subjects. They are designed to prepare students without traditional qualifications for study at university, and they carry UCAS points in the same way that A-levels do.
Some universities and colleges also offer foundation years to introduce mature students to the subject area of a degree course and fill any gaps in their academic knowledge. These can be particularly useful for mature students who have not been in education for a while.
Overall, mature students are welcomed by universities and colleges, which recognise the value of their life experience and skills.
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Mature students can take foundation years to prepare for undergraduate study
Foundation years are offered by many universities and can vary in content and structure. Some foundation years focus on a specific subject, such as chemistry or mathematics, while others offer a broader range of subjects and skills, such as communication and research skills. During a foundation year, students receive guidance on choosing their undergraduate degree program and can explore different options with the help of academic advisors or career counsellors. Foundation years also provide an opportunity to develop academic skills and gain confidence before starting a degree program.
Entry requirements for foundation years depend on the university and subject chosen. While some institutions may require A-levels or equivalent qualifications, many programs accept alternative qualifications or consider applicants based on different criteria, such as work experience and passion for the subject area. Universities often have their own set of entry requirements for foundation year programs, which may include qualifications such as BTEC diplomas, Access to Higher Education diplomas, or international qualifications.
Foundation years can be a great option for mature students who want to return to education. They provide a stepping stone into the world of higher education and can help students feel more prepared and confident before starting their undergraduate degree. Additionally, foundation years offer an opportunity to experience university life, make new connections, and develop a better understanding of their chosen field of study.
Mature students considering a foundation year should research the specific program they are interested in to gain a clear understanding of the curriculum, modules, and learning outcomes. It is also advisable to get in touch with the admissions tutors for the course(s) they are considering to discuss their position and receive guidance on the application process.
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Mature students can take Access to Higher Education courses to gain entry
Access to Higher Education courses are available in a range of subjects, including nursing, social studies, law, and art and design. They are typically offered by colleges in England and Wales and can be studied full-time or part-time. The full-time option usually takes one year to complete, offering a faster route into higher education than A Levels.
Mature students opting for this route should ensure that their chosen university accepts the specific Access to Higher Education course. While most universities welcome mature students and value their extensive life skills and experience, they may require evidence of the student's ability to study at an acceptable level or relevant experience related to the chosen course.
Additionally, some universities offer foundation years specifically designed for mature students to introduce them to the subject area of their degree course. These foundation years focus on essential skills such as critical thinking, time management, research, and communication, helping mature students gain the confidence and academic knowledge needed for higher education.
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Mature students can gain entry with professional qualifications or work experience
Mature students can gain entry to university with professional qualifications or work experience. Universities value mature students for their extensive life skills and experience, and course requirements are generally flexible. While A-levels are the most widely accepted qualification, they are not the only route to university.
Universities accept a wide range of qualifications, including professional qualifications, Open University credits, and Access course credits. An Access to Higher Education course is a qualification designed for people without traditional qualifications like A-levels. It is equivalent to three A-levels and recognised by universities across the UK. Some universities even prefer Access courses because of the way they prepare learners for university. However, it is important to check with your chosen university before enrolling.
If you do not have any formal qualifications, your work experience may be enough to gain entry. Universities will consider your employment history and any academic achievements. Some universities offer foundation years to introduce mature students to a degree course and fill any gaps in their academic knowledge. These courses focus on essential skills such as critical thinking, time management, research, and communication.
Additionally, BTEC Level 3 qualifications qualify for UCAS points towards university applications, just like A-levels. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is another pathway into university, recognised in over 140 countries. It consists of six academic subjects, an independent research project, and extracurricular activities.
Overall, mature students have various pathways to university without A-levels. Professional qualifications, work experience, and alternative qualifications are all accepted by universities, providing mature students with flexible options to pursue higher education.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mature students can go to university without A-levels. While A-levels are the most widely accepted qualification, universities accept a range of other qualifications and will consider your application based on your ability to study at the appropriate level and any relevant experience related to your course.
Alternatives to A-levels include:
- Foundation courses
- BTECs
- International Baccalaureate
- Access to Higher Education courses
Access to Higher Education courses are qualifications designed for people who want to go to university but don't have traditional qualifications. They are available in a range of subjects and are recognised by universities across the UK.
If you are unsure about your qualifications, you can get in touch with admissions tutors at your chosen university to discuss your application and see if you are able to cope with the academic demands of the course.
As a mature student, you may need to balance your studies with work or caring responsibilities. You can apply for funding and may be able to access additional support if you are responsible for the care of a child.
