Sign in Subscribe
Children

Pursuing Higher Education as a Mature Student: Access and Flexibility

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

More than half of UK undergraduates and nearly 70% of postgraduate students are classified as mature students, defined as those over 21 for undergraduates and over 25 for postgraduates. Institutions like Birkbeck College at the University of London offer courses tailored for mature students, taking into account their work and family commitments. Many mature students find that their life experience and discipline from working or raising a family make academic work less daunting than for school-leavers. With new European legislation set to ban age discrimination, mature students will have equal access to graduate recruitment schemes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has a significant number of mature students, with over 50% of undergraduates and nearly 70% of postgraduates classified as mature.
  • Institutions like Birkbeck College at the University of London offer courses designed for mature students, with flexible schedules to accommodate work and family commitments.
  • Many mature students find that their life experience and discipline make academic work more manageable than for younger students.
  • Access courses, like those offered by local colleges, provide a gentle introduction to study skills and can be completed over a year or two.
  • Access courses cover broad subject areas, such as business, science, and humanities, allowing students to explore different fields before applying to university.
  • Mature students have equal access to graduate recruitment schemes, thanks to new European legislation banning age discrimination.
  • Successful mature students, like Vickie Osborne and Sarah Nabawnuka, have transformed their lives through education, gaining new career options and raising their children's aspirations.

Statistics:

  • 50.6% of UK undergraduates are mature students (Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency)
  • 69.1% of UK postgraduate students are mature students (Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency)
  • 75,000 students over 30 started undergraduate degrees in 2003 alone (Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement)
  • 55% of mature students are women, and 45% are men (Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement)

Sources:

  • Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
  • The Times Higher Education Supplement (THES)
  • The University of London (Website)
  • The University of East London (UEL) (Website)
  • UCAS access course database (www.ucas.ac.uk)
  • LearnDirect (0800 100 900)

Read more