Thinking about going back to education after several years away? Whether you want to progress in your career, change direction or finally get the qualification you always wanted, becoming a student again can be a great way to open new opportunities.
If you have been working for years, have a family or simply haven’t studied for a long time, you may wonder whether university is still the right choice for you. The good news is that mature students are a normal part of UK higher education, and there are different ways to make studying fit around your existing life.
Here are some of the most important things to consider before taking the next step.
1. You are not too old to go back to education
One of the biggest concerns for adults considering university is their age. In the UK, a mature student is generally someone applying for undergraduate study aged 21 or over. Universities and colleges regularly welcome students who are returning to education after several years. UCAS also provides specific guidance for mature applicants. Learn more about applying as a mature student on UCAS.
According to official statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there are 654,240 university students aged 30 or older enrolled at UK higher education providers. This demographic makes up approximately 22.8% of the total UK university population, which stands at roughly 2.86 million students.
2. Do you need recent qualifications?
Not necessarily. Entry requirements depend on the university, course and level of study, so there is no single set of requirements for every mature student. Your previous qualifications and experience may be relevant, depending on the course.
If you left education a long time ago, don’t assume that you automatically have no route into higher education. Some courses offer alternative entry routes or foundation options for students who do not follow the traditional route into university. The best thing to do is check the requirements for the specific course you are interested in and speak to the provider if you are unsure.
3. Can you study while working?
For many mature students, this is the biggest practical question. If you already have a job, you may not want to give up your income in order to study. Depending on the course and provider, you may be able to choose a study format that works alongside your existing commitments. This can include:
- Full-time study
- Part-time study
- Online learning
- Blended learning
- Different types of flexible timetables
The important thing is to look beyond the course title. Before enrolling, find out when you actually need to study and attend classes, how much independent work is expected and how assessments are organised. A flexible course can make returning to education much more manageable if you have a job or family responsibilities.
If flexibility is important to you, you can explore Atlantic London’s flexible university courses and see what options are available.
4. What about student finance?
Going back to education as an adult does not automatically mean paying for everything yourself. Depending on where you live in the UK, the course you choose and your personal circumstances, you may be eligible for student finance to help with tuition fees and/or living costs.
In England, this can include support such as Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans for eligible students. There may also be additional support available in certain circumstances, including for students with children or other dependants.
Because eligibility can depend on your circumstances and the course you choose, it is important to check the latest official guidance before making financial decisions. You can find current information through GOV.UK’s student finance guidance. We can also help you find out what support you may be entitled to.
5. How do you balance studying with your life?
Returning to education as an adult is often less about whether you can study and more about how you will fit it into your life. You may have work, children, rent or a mortgage, household responsibilities and other commitments. That means planning your time is particularly important.
Before starting your course, think about:
- When you will study during the week
- How much time you can realistically dedicate to assignments
- How you will manage busy periods at work
- How you will travel to classes, if attendance is required
- What changes you may need to make to your budget
Don’t try to create the perfect schedule. Create one that you can maintain.
6. What if you haven’t studied for years?
This is another common concern. You might be worried that you have forgotten how to write essays, conduct research, revise for assessments or use academic sources. That’s understandable, but these are skills you can develop again.
You also have something valuable that you didn’t necessarily have when you were younger: experience. Your work and life experience can help you understand practical problems, communicate with different people and connect what you learn to the real world. If you choose a course related to your existing career, you may already understand many of the situations and challenges that the course discusses.
You don’t need to remember everything you learned years ago before you start. You just need to be prepared to learn again.
7. Choose a course that fits your goals
Going back to education is a significant commitment, so think carefully about what you want your qualification to achieve. Are you looking to:
- progress in your current career?
- move into a completely new industry?
- qualify for a more senior position?
- develop skills for a specific profession?
- complete a higher education qualification?
Your answer should influence the course and level you choose. It is also worth considering the practical side: study format, timetable, location, entry requirements and available financial support.Â
Don’t choose a course simply because it sounds interesting. Choose one that makes sense for where you want to be next.
8. Starting later may be the best time
Returning to education as an adult can feel like a big decision, especially if you have been away from studying for many years. But being older doesn’t mean you have missed your opportunity.
You may already have the work experience, motivation and clearer career goals that can make studying particularly valuable at this stage of your life.
Whether you want to change careers, progress in your current field or finally get the qualification you’ve been thinking about, there are routes into UK higher education for mature students. The first step is simply to explore your options, check the entry requirements and find a course that fits your life.
Thinking about returning to education? Explore university courses with Atlantic London and find out what your options could be. Once you’re ready, you can register with full confidence and we’ll provide thorough and free support throughout the application process.
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