Lori Meadows
There are many reasons why mature students decide to go to university. Some common motivations include pursuing a new career path, enhancing their professional or personal life, or seeking an intellectual challenge. Mature students often bring significant work experience and a diverse range of life experiences to their studies. They may also have family or work commitments that require them to balance their studies with other responsibilities. Online courses offer flexibility for mature students, allowing them to study from anywhere and at their own pace. While returning to education as a mature student can be daunting, universities provide support services and networks to help students succeed. Mature students can also access funding opportunities and may not need traditional qualifications to enrol, as prior work experience or professional qualifications may be considered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal satisfaction | To find satisfaction in life |
| Overcoming problems | To overcome personal problems |
| Interest in a subject | To explore a subject of interest |
| Career progression | To progress in their career |
| New challenge | To take on a new challenge |
| Direction in adversity | To find direction in the face of adversity |
| Qualification | To earn a qualification |
| Flexibility | To balance other commitments |
| Confidence | To gain confidence |
| No age limit | To study without the pressure of an age limit |
| Support | To access support services and networks |
| Funding | To apply for funding |
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What You'll Learn
To gain qualifications to get ahead in their careers
Many mature-age students decide to enrol in university courses to gain qualifications that will help them get ahead in their careers. They may already have significant work experience in their field but feel that a university qualification will help them progress further.
Mature-age students can bring a wealth of experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity of the student population. They are often more confident than younger students, particularly when it comes to things like leading group presentations. They also tend to have better time management skills, which can help them succeed in their studies. For example, one mature-age student who returned to university at the age of 35 found that they had the maturity to do assignments as soon as they received them, get them reviewed, make tweaks, and then submit them for a better grade.
There are several options available for mature-age students who want to gain qualifications. They can enrol in a full degree program, or they can choose to enrol in a single subject that aligns with their professional needs and gain the knowledge needed to upskill quickly. Many undergraduate subjects don't have entry requirements, allowing instant enrolment. Mature-age students can also take advantage of flexible learning options, such as online courses, which allow them to study anywhere, at any time, without having to commute to a campus.
However, enrolling in a university course as an adult can also be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments such as a full-time job or family responsibilities. Mature-age students may worry about fitting in with their younger classmates and keeping up with technology. Nevertheless, many mature-age students find that their decision to return to education is a rewarding one, leading to new career opportunities and a more satisfying life.
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To experience higher education
Enrolling in university as a mature-age student can be a transformative experience. It can be an opportunity to explore a subject that one finds interesting or rewarding, and to progress one's career by increasing one's skills and knowledge. For example, after retiring from a career in banking, Stephen Keane, 66, decided to study a degree in history at the University of Hull. Since graduating, Keane is looking to work as a volunteer in local museums.
Mature-age students often bring significant work experience to their field of study and seek to enhance their careers by earning a qualification. They may also have more self-confidence than younger students, which can be beneficial for leading group presentations and other aspects of university life.
In addition to the academic benefits, mature-age students can also experience the social side of university life. Online discussion forums can be a great way to make friends with fellow classmates, and many universities offer support services and networks to help students during their time at university.
There are also flexible study options available for mature-age students, such as online courses that allow students to study from anywhere at any time. This can be especially beneficial for those balancing other commitments, such as a full-time job or family responsibilities. Furthermore, mature-age students can enrol in single subjects that align with their professional needs and gain the knowledge needed to upskill quickly, without having to commit to a full degree.
Overall, pursuing higher education as a mature-age student can be a rewarding and enriching experience, offering both academic and personal growth opportunities.
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To change career direction
Deciding to go to university as a mature-age student can be a life-changing experience, and for many, it is a chance to change career direction. This decision is often a deliberate and thoughtful one, where the student has chosen to disrupt the normal course of their life to pursue a new path.
Mature-age students often bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the student community. They are usually highly motivated and engaged in their studies, having made a conscious choice to be there. They may have decided to pursue a new career path after gaining significant work experience in another field. For example, a student may have worked for many years in banking and then decided to retire and pursue a history degree, as one student at the University of Hull did.
Others may have taken time off after high school or decided university was unnecessary when they started working, only to decide later that they want to pursue a degree to enhance their career prospects. For instance, one student left a minimum-wage job after a divorce and studied for a business degree while raising three children. After graduating, she started her own business and broke free from what she called the "single-parent poverty trap".
Many mature-age students balance their studies with full-time jobs or family responsibilities, and online courses can offer a flexible way to gain a qualification without having to commute to a campus. Mature students can also access support services and networks within the student community, and they are encouraged to share their situation with lecturers and tutors to gain support and guidance.
Mature-age students can also benefit from the social aspects of university life, making friends with fellow classmates and joining study groups or clubs. They bring diversity to the student population and can contribute to a rich learning environment.
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To gain confidence in their abilities
Returning to university as a mature student can be a daunting experience, especially when balancing other commitments such as a full-time job or family. However, mature students often bring a wealth of experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity of the student population. They are usually there because they want to be, not because they feel pressured by parents or teachers. This means they are more motivated and engaged in their studies, which can lead to increased confidence in their abilities.
Mature students often have more life experience and wisdom, which can be advantageous in the classroom. They may have more confidence in their abilities and be more comfortable leading group presentations or participating in class discussions. This can also extend to their social lives, with mature students often finding it easier to make friends with their classmates and form study groups or clubs.
Online courses offer mature students the flexibility to continue living their lives while studying. They can access lectures, tutorials, readings, and assessments through their university's online portal and complete their work in their own time. This allows them to balance their studies with other commitments and maintain their routine.
Many universities offer support services and networks specifically for mature students, recognising their unique needs and challenges. Mature students can also access funding opportunities, with the amount of financial support depending on their family situation and the type of course they are taking. This can help ease the financial burden of returning to education.
Overall, returning to university as a mature student can be a rewarding experience that boosts confidence and opens up new career opportunities. Mature students bring a unique perspective to the classroom and can thrive in their studies with the right support and motivation.
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To seek intellectual stimulation
Mature students often decide to enrol in university because they seek intellectual stimulation. They may have had their school education curtailed or disrupted, or they may be looking for an intellectual challenge to enhance their professional or personal life. Many mature-age students already have significant work experience in their field and decide they want to earn a qualification to get ahead in their careers.
Mature students bring a wealth of experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity of the student population. They are often more confident than younger students, and their world experience and wisdom can help them fit in. They are also more likely to appreciate their education, as they are there because they want to be, not because they feel pressured by teachers or parents.
Some mature students may have had a break from study for a couple of years or more before deciding to go to university. They may have taken time off after high school or not completed their secondary education, and now wish to return to education. Others may have decided that university is necessary to get ahead in their careers or change careers.
Mature students can access a range of support services and networks to help them during their time at university. They can also apply for funding, as course entry requirements vary, and some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. Online courses offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments, such as full-time jobs or family responsibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Mature-age students go to university for a variety of reasons. Some wish to return to education after some time away, while others may have had their school education disrupted. Many seek an intellectual challenge to enhance their professional or personal lives. They may also want to earn a qualification to get ahead in their careers.
Mature-age students bring a wealth of experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity of the student population. They are often more confident and self-assured, which can be beneficial for things like leading group presentations. They also tend to have better time management skills and are more appreciative of the education they receive.
Mature-age students can access a range of support services and networks to help them during their time at university. Many universities offer guidance and support with applications, as well as online information events and one-on-one sessions. Mature-age students may also be eligible for funding and student finance, depending on their family situation and the type of course they are taking.
