Are They Any Mature Students Here? Students Over 28?

Hi I'm 35 doing Access to teacher training next year once kids have settled into school (one stating primary school and one starting comprehensive!!!) So I'll be 36 when I actually start it

Hi, I'm 31 and about to embark on an English degree at Southampton Solent. I did the Access to Higher Ed and it was such an incredible experience. They will definitely equip you with the skills needed for university study. It was unfortunate that upon completion I still didn't know what subject I wanted to study so I did an A Level in English. Suffice to say that I am now clear about the path I wish to take. Ultimately I hope to teach English from GCSE onwards.

There has been a lot of procrastinating with regards to my studies, since the Access course but it seems to me that it is now happening at an ideal time as my 4 and a half year old son starts school himself in September.

I wish you the best of luck with your future studies and ultimately your career

Sounds challenging Mountainmetman, your perseverance will be worth it in the end. I have heard good things about the OU science degrees.

Lynette, it sounds like you'll be timing it perfectly. My husband works from home so fortunately for me he was able to look after our son whilst I did the Access to Higher Ed on a part time basis. The fast track A Level on the other hand was a conscientious effort during my son's naps and after his bedtime as it was a distance learning A Level. It certainly yielded an ability to work under pressure lol, so I hope I can transfer that skill to uni. One piece of advice, pick your subjects early as the popular ones like English and Psychology get full very quickly. One thing that you may also find advantageous within this next year could be to find out what the syllabus will be for each of your subjects (provided it's not changed annually) and do some preliminary research. This really helped me, particularly with History and part of English.

I think you've made the right decision Lynette as you will have more time to concentrate on course work (as this is a big part). They may not be forthcoming with an exact syllabus but they will probably be able to give you an idea of the things you'll be studying next year. If you contact the college and ask for someone who deals with the Access course they may be able to offer some kind of vague reading list. With that said, mine were particularly helpful but all colleges are different. It's worth a try anyway.

Tabbycat, we share the same concern. I just want to get the 24th September out the way.

Hey there, I'm 28 and doing the BEd course in Scotland...although the majority of people on my course are young, there is actually a wide mix of people from 19-45. Primary school teaching is definitely one of those courses that uni take life experience into consideration.
So don't be nervous...and I loved my access course!!

Well done on your daughter's 1st, educatingsusie. Good luck with your course too x

Lynnette, I really don't envy you having to wait a whole year!! I got my unconditional offers back in December, so it feels like I have been waiting FOREVER!! I can't believe the time is nearly here. Enjoy your time off though

I think I may have commented on this thread way back, but will just tell you all what I am doing anyway lol.

I am going to Chester University, to study English. I am 32 and have 4 children, and quite a scary thought but my eldest is starting High school next week!!!


Well done to everyone about to start uni x


This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my GT-P1000

No it's not easy waiting for a year but to ensure I am able to complete the course I really need to.......I don't know how I'm going to manage to wait a whole year as I'm quite impatient hen it comes to waiting for things to happen lol

Good luck

Me too lol.

I am quite worried about managing time-wise, as my children are 11yrs, 9yrs, 3yrs and 2yrs... So as you can imagine, the young two particularly, are very demanding. Plus with the added pressure of my eldest starting high school and all the hospital/dental appts that I have in my diary for the eldest 3 children!!

Unfortunately finances have meant that i haven't been able to buy as many set books as I had hoped, so I feel I am falling behind on the reading already, but school is back next week so hopefully a bit of quiet time will enable me to catch up a bit.....

I'm 27 and starting a Law degree at University of Leeds next month (eek!). All of a sudden seems to have come around really quickly though I'm still wrangling with student finance . Not seen any other 'mature' students heading to Leeds on here and on my departmental open day was literally the only one over 20 and not with my parents. Reality of being odd one out starting to set in. Anyone else feel like this?