Support for Mature Learners

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overview

There are lots of reasons why adults make the choice to return to education.

For many, the motivation is to change career or make further progress in an existing one. For others, it’s about a second chance – to turn an interest, or passion for a subject, into something more.

A higher education qualification is often the passport to these ambitions.

Qualifications & Support

There are many different qualifications available – particularly across vocational (work-based) subjects. These are designed to address skills shortages and give you a head start on a specific career path.

Financial support is also available while you study, with nothing to pay upfront.

Whatever your starting point, we’re here to help.

Further Information

What is a Mature Student?

A mature student is deemed to be somebody who is aged 21 or over.

Often more adults apply for higher education courses when there is an economic downturn in the knowledge that, in the long-term, this can lead to increased earnings over a lifetime.

These guides can help you make sense of your options and what lies ahead.

UCAS mature undergraduate students

The Complete University guide for mature students

Where to start?

If job prospects and career progression is your motivation, concentrate on that first.

Then you will be able to ‘work backward’ to identify a course that supports your goal.

The National Careers Service will help you assess your skills and inform your next steps.

The Prospects website helps you match your skills and personality to careers.

UCAS subject guides will help you identify the perfect subject to study and also link to careers information.

The other big questions

What are my further education options?

Here you can explore your options for once you’ve completed your GCSEs, whether it’s study further or something else.

Find out more

What are my higher education options?

Higher education can come in all shapes and sizes, and there are plenty of factors to consider when making your choices.

Find out more