Chapters
- 01. Finding Courses as a Mature Student
- 02. Online or In-Person Studies
- 03. How to Succeed as a Mature Student
- 04. Set Educational Goals
- 05. Ensure You Speak to Teachers and Tutors
- 06. Look After Yourself
- 07. Update Your Learning Skills
- 08. Choose the Right Educational Establishment and Course
- 09. Embrace Technology and Online Resources
- 10. Tips For British Mature Students
- 11. Conclusion – Embarking on Studies as an Adult
Whether you have decided to pursue your GCSEs, A Levels, Degree, or vocational qualifications as a mature-age student, you are probably both excited and slightly daunted by the prospect of fulfilling a dream you have been harbouring for years. In 2021, 39 percent of undergraduate entrants and 50 percent of postgraduates were mature at UK universities. There are more options for unconventional ways of studying, and huge organisations like Open University helping to facilitate older people learning.
Your circumstances are likely to be very different from those of the average students, fresh out of high school or completing their final years of secondary education, primarily because you probably don’t have the luxury of dedicating 100% of your time to your studies. There is a way to get ahead of the game, and this is by using time management skills to ensure your free moments are as productive as possible.
Finding Courses as a Mature Student
Government-recommended resources for UK mature students include:
- Finding undergraduate courses through UCAS
- postgraduate courses through UCAS or by contacting the university
- teacher training courses through UCAS Teacher Training
- search for part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the National Careers Service
- search and apply for courses directly through the Open University
Online or In-Person Studies
This is a decision that pretty much every mature student needs to make. Will you be attending classes and lectures in person or will you be learning online? Before you make your UK University application it is crucial to decide what you are looking for.
There are pros and cons to both of these options, of course.
The choice between these two ways of learning will depend on various factors, including the individual's goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences, plus financial demands. It may be the case that you need to study online to fit it around an existing job with awkward shifts. Here's a comparison of studying online versus studying in person for mature students:
Advantages of studying online:
- Flexibility: Online learning offers a high degree of flexibility. Mature students often have work, family, or other commitments, and studying online allows them to schedule their coursework around these responsibilities.
- Cost-Efficiency: Online courses can be more cost-effective, as they often eliminate the need for commuting, or even housing, and physical textbooks. This can be especially beneficial for mature students who may have financial constraints.
- Accessibility: Online programs often provide access to a wide range of courses and institutions, allowing mature students to choose from a variety of programs that may not be available locally.
- Self-Paced Learning: Many online courses are self-paced, allowing mature students to progress through the material at their own speed. This is helpful for those who need extra time to understand complex concepts.
- Comfort and Convenience: Learning from the comfort of one's home can reduce stress and make it easier for mature students to create a conducive learning environment.
Disadvantages of studying online:
- Limited Social Interaction: Online learning can be isolating, as it lacks the face-to-face interactions with professors and peers. This can be a drawback for mature students who value networking and socialising. It also makes it harder to ask questions and learn from fellow students.
- Self-Discipline: Successful online learning requires a high level of self-discipline and time management skills. Mature students must be motivated to stay on track and complete assignments.
- Technical Challenges: Some mature students may not be as comfortable with technology, and online courses may require a learning curve for using digital tools and platforms.
This video has some fascinating insights on studying at the University of London online:
When applying, remember that you need to be timely with your applications as the university application schedule will dictate when things need to be done. You can't make a last-minute decision to go to university in the majority of situations.
How to Succeed as a Mature Student
How can you take on this daunting task and be sure to nail it? Follow these handy tips and you’ll be an A-grade student in no time.
Set Educational Goals
This is especially important if you are having to work alone, as it is easy to get sidetracked or struggle to manage your own time.
Strictly plan out the time you have to complete assignments and review for tests. If you have a set number of tests and essays to complete this term, use a calendar to determine which tasks have priority and the exact days and times you will dedicate to each. This will stop you from taking too long on one task, over-researching, or focusing too much on details instead of the big picture.
Whether you're pursuing a degree for personal fulfillment or career advancement, having clear objectives will help you stay focused and committed throughout your studies.
Ensure You Speak to Teachers and Tutors
Again, this is something that can be tougher with online studies, but you will still have a teacher or tutor assigned to you. As a mature age student, building a good relationship with your teachers and tutors is key. Make sure you are on the right track when it comes to prioritising areas of study – you don’t want to waste a full Saturday reviewing topics that the teacher will most likely leave out in upcoming exams so identifying key areas will aid you in time management and areas to focus on.
Look After Yourself
Balancing academic responsibilities with other life commitments can be challenging. Prioritise self-care to prevent burnout and maintain mental and physical well-being. Ensure you get enough rest, eat healthily, and engage in regular physical activity such as walking or going to the gym. Additionally, communicate openly with family and employers about your academic pursuits to manage expectations and gain their support. If you need to balance working along with studying it can add some extra pressure, and it is important that you put your own welfare first.
Update Your Learning Skills
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.”
Anthony J. D’Angelo
Learning itself is a skill you need to get back into the swing of. Depending on the level of education you are undertaking as a mature student, this could be tricky. You may not have built up the skills needed to analyse texts, for instance. If it has been a long time since you were in education then the way things are done may have changed, and certainly will have become more digital.
Find out if the school or university you are attending offers special courses to help mature age students get back into the swing of studying, especially in areas such as computers. Many universities also offer revision classes to help you for your final exams while others offer childcare services. Make sure you are fully availing of any opportunities that may make life easier for you.
Choose the Right Educational Establishment and Course
If you are considering obtaining a degree, try to select a university that will bring out the best in you. Some universities and colleges have Middle Common Rooms (MCRs), a community comprising mature age and postgraduate students who benefit greatly from developing strong networks with others in similar situations to their own. Before you consider making your university application, make sure you have done plenty of research about where you will be learning. This is especially helpful in person.
Studying isn’t just about academic achievement, of course; many mature age students look forward to enjoying the social aspects of university life as well.
Some institutions have special social events and associations for mature students. Others offer a careers advice service, available from the time you begin your studies. This will help you establish your final goal; after all, all this sacrifice should definitely be worth something, whether your aim is to improve your economic situation or work in the field that truly ignites your passion. Choosing a course might be something that is taken out of your hands, for instance, if you have to undergo a certain course for a job. If you do have the choice, it is crucial that you spend some time considering what is actually best for you.
Embrace Technology and Online Resources
As a mature student, you may not be as familiar with technology as younger classmates. Invest time in becoming tech-savvy, as many courses and resources are available online. Learn to use educational platforms, virtual libraries, and communication tools effectively. This will enhance your ability to access course materials and collaborate with peers and professors.
It is amazing how much academic information is now available online for those who are willing to do the research.
Tips For British Mature Students
This fantastic guide is perfect for British mature students who are looking to take on a university degree. You have some advantages over young students, and all that life experience that you can include when writing your personal statement and apply to your studies.
Of course, there are plenty of other courses besides degrees, and many of the tips shared by the students can help with other areas of study.
Conclusion – Embarking on Studies as an Adult
It can be intimidating to embark on studies as a mature learner, but it is certainly something that can improve and enhance your life and your career prospects. There's no point if you aren't going to give it your all though, and following our tips can help you to ensure you have the best chance of success.
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