Mature Student University Application: A Step-By-Step Guide

Applying to university as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it's a chance to develop new skills and career options at any age. The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone over the age of 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of postgraduate studies. Mature students make up a large portion of the undergraduate student population, and there are many ways to experience higher education. The application process for mature students varies depending on the course and university, but there are some general steps you can follow.

Entry requirements for mature students

The term 'mature student' is usually used to refer to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. Mature students are typically over 21 years old at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 years old at the beginning of their postgraduate studies.

The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students, and applications are made through UCAS. However, the main difference is in the entry requirements. If you don't have the necessary A-Levels or equivalent qualifications for your desired course, there are alternative ways to meet entry requirements.

Alternative Entry Routes

• Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma: This route is for students who left education without the qualifications needed to enter higher education.
• Foundation courses: These courses 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.
• Work experience: Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience.
• Other qualifications: Other types of qualifications such as NVQs, BTECs, or other work-based qualifications may be accepted.
• Foundation year: If you've been out of education for a prolonged period, some universities may ask you to complete a foundation year before starting your degree.

Open University

If you don't meet the standard entry requirements, it's recommended to contact the undergraduate admissions office to discuss your particular circumstances before applying. The Open University is another option, as it's open to everyone, with no qualifications needed to study there.

How to apply for an undergraduate course

If you're applying for a full-time undergraduate course in the UK, you'll need to apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The process is simple and straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

Choose Your Course and University:

• With thousands of courses available, research your options and select a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
• Consider factors such as course content, entry requirements, location, and available support for mature students.

Understand Entry Requirements:

• Entry requirements vary for mature students. Some universities may have specific requirements, such as previous qualifications or work experience.
• If you don't meet the traditional entry requirements, don't be discouraged. Many universities offer flexible options, such as adjusting entry criteria or providing additional qualification routes.

Prepare Your Application:

• Gather all the necessary information, including your academic background, work experience, and personal details.
• If you have gaps in your education or career history, be prepared to explain them in your application.

Obtain a Reference:

• As a mature student, you can obtain a reference from a professional colleague, such as an employer, volunteering leader, or training supervisor.
• Ideally, the reference should come from a business, charity, or educational institution email account, as some universities may not accept references from personal email addresses.

Write a Personal Statement:

• Your personal statement is a crucial part of your application. It should demonstrate your motivations, showcase your passion for the subject, and explain why you're applying as a mature student.
• Highlight any relevant work experience, personal development, or extracurricular activities that make you a strong candidate.

Submit Your Application:

• Log in to the UCAS website and fill out the application form. Provide all the required information, including your personal details, education history, and work experience.
• Pay attention to application deadlines, as these vary depending on the course and university.

Explore Funding Options:

Research funding options to support your studies, such as student loans, grants, scholarships, or benefits specifically for mature students.

Consider Accommodation:

• If you need accommodation, start your search early. Check if the university offers on-campus accommodation, especially if you're applying through Clearing.
• Alternatively, look into private student accommodation options near the university.

Attend Open Days:

Attend open days or virtual open days to get a feel for the university and ask any questions you may have about the course, support services, and the application process.

Stay Organised:

Applying to university as a mature student can be a challenging process. Stay organised by keeping track of deadlines, preparing all the necessary documents, and seeking support when needed.

Remember, each university may have slightly different requirements and processes, so it's important to visit their websites and contact them directly for specific information. Good luck with your application!

How to apply for a postgraduate course

Applying for a postgraduate course as a mature student is a similar process to applying as an undergraduate. The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone starting an undergraduate course aged 21 or over, or a postgraduate course aged 25 or over.

Entry Requirements

First, check the entry requirements for your chosen course. Postgraduate courses often require a bachelor's degree, or a certain number of years of professional experience in your field. If you have prior work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you've already covered. You'll need to provide evidence of this experience, such as an academic transcript or a letter from your employer.

Application Process

You can apply for postgraduate courses through UCAS or by contacting the university directly. If you're applying through UCAS, you'll need to create a UCAS Hub account and submit your application there. If you're applying directly to the university, you'll need to fill out an application form on their website.

Deadlines

Make sure you're aware of the application deadlines for your chosen course and try to get your application in early.

Funding

You may be able to apply for student finance as a mature student. The amount you get depends on your family situation, your nationality, and the type of course you're doing. You may also get extra help if you have children.

Additional access courses

Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are nationally recognised Level 3 qualification courses that enable people without recognised qualifications to gain the qualifications they need to enter undergraduate courses at university. They are designed for mature students aged 19 or over who want to go to university but lack the traditional qualifications, such as A-levels.

Access courses are available in a range of subjects, including law, art and design, social studies, business, nutrition, education, nursing, and medicine. They are typically completed in a year of full-time study, but can take two or more years if studied part-time.

The courses are flexible and are taught at colleges in England and Wales. They are recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and are accepted at over 140 universities every year.

To enrol on an Access to HE course, you will need Level 2 literacy and numeracy skills, as well as some experience in your chosen study area. Some courses may also require you to complete a pre-course assessment or have specific entry requirements, such as a minimum GCSE grade in a relevant subject.

The main objective of Access to HE courses is to provide students with the academic skills and knowledge foundation needed for higher education. This includes written skills, presentation skills, note-taking, and essay writing. The courses are credit-based, and to pass, you will need to obtain 15 ungraded credits at Level 2 or 3 and 45 graded credits at Level 3, for a total of 60 credits.

Access courses offer a great opportunity for mature students to gain the qualifications and skills needed to succeed in university-level studies. They provide a bridge back into education and can lead to a wide range of undergraduate courses and career paths.

3 tips for applying to university as a mature student

Applying to university as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it's a great way to improve your skills and knowledge at any stage of life. Here are three tips to help you navigate the process:

• Do your research: It's important to choose the right course and university for you. Consider your interests, career goals, and the entry requirements for different courses. Think about whether you want to study full-time or part-time, and research the various funding options available to mature students, such as scholarships or grants. Attending open days or virtual open days can give you a feel for the university and allow you to ask questions.
• Prepare your application: The application process for mature students can vary depending on the country and university. In the UK, most undergraduate applications are made through UCAS, while postgraduate applications are usually made directly to the university. You may need to provide references, which can come from professional colleagues or employers rather than teachers. Work experience and personal statements are also important components of your application, showcasing your skills, experiences, and motivations for applying.
• Seek support: Returning to education as a mature student can come with unique challenges, and it's important to know that support is available. This could include financial support, childcare facilities, or emotional and practical support. Don't hesitate to reach out to the university's support services or student unions, which often have dedicated mature student officers.

Frequently asked questions