Applying as a mature student

Im currently applying as a 34yr old mature student for the first time.

Just looking for some advice on completing the application.

1. Reference: Who is best to use as a reference ?, I know a head of dept in a local college, have worked with him off and on over the years .. Would this add anything using him as a reference ? Or should I use my current manager at work ?
Someone who can write a detailed reference about your suitability of the course is best so possibly your college tutor would be better.

2. Applying for multiple courses , is this normal? Same or similar course just different Uni's
The majority of people use up their 5 choices, you might as well give yourself the greatest chance possible when applying, however stick to the same or similar courses or you ll run into problems doing your personal statement.

3. When should I aim to complete and submit my application
The deadline is in January 2016 but the earlier you submit it the better.

4. Where in application should I mention an access course Im starting October ?
You should mention it in the qualifications section

Im also planning to complete a number of online courses in design , are these worth doing to show Im passionate about design and learning ?

If it shows you ve done some extra learning about the subject then anything like that you should definetly mention in your personal statement

3. When should I aim to complete and submit my application
The deadline is in January 2016 but the earlier you submit it the better.

Im also planning to complete a number of online courses in design , are these worth doing to show Im passionate about design and learning ?

Any other advice for a mature student applying for a design course with no previous design background ?

I'm sure the online courses will be strong positive factors in your favour, however, considering these two comments, it does beg the question: do you know what the entry requirements are for the unis/courses you're considering applying to/for? If it turns out your current level of knowledge and experience isn't enough to make a competitive application for the courses you're interested in, you may then need to get cracking asap to rectify that. Therefore, if you haven't done so already, contact your unis of choice to check this out. There's little point in completing a UCAS application (at a cost of £23, or whatever it is now) and sitting around waiting for the outcome if it's pretty much doomed to fail from the outset.

it does beg the question:

I have spoken to the Universities Im applying for and they have advised

"The main areas of consideration for selection to a programme of study are the strength of an applicant’s portfolio and their motivation to study the subject. As a result, applicants will not be deemed unsuccessful in their application based solely on their academic qualifications."

So I'm hoping the access course proves my ability in Math/Physics and then the design courses Im taking will let me build up a portfolio and a few certificates to add to my application. Speaking to a few universities leads me to believe for a design degree a big part of my application is the strength of my interview

because you seem like the kind of guy who appreciates grammar fascism & pedantic oneupmanship...
http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/begging-the-question.html

I'll put my hands up here and admit I made a mistake. I didn't notice point 4 in your OP, where you mentioned the Access course Sorry for any undue concern I may have caused as a result. Suffice to say I feel like a bit of a muppet now! I don't really know much about studying design specifically, but in general terms, Access is excellent uni preparation and I'm sure it will provide you with the basis for a competitive application. Best of luck with it all.

Thanks , No concern caused as I had already spoken to the university. Im just double checking everything as I really want onto this Product Design degree.

Im hoping the online courses allow me to build up a portfolio and from speaking to people who have attended the UNI I prefer they favour mature students so fingers crossed

Hi, as a mature student who has just finished an access course I thought I might be able to shed a little light on the UCAS side of things for you. When you start your course you will be given some advice on your UCAS application such as writing your statement etc... Your tutor at college will write your reference and will also let the universities that you apply for know your expected grades. Whilst most universities will state that there is no preference given to those that apply early it does help in getting this out of the way, helping you to focus on your course. The other advantage is that you will get your offers earlier and you will therefore know what you need to achieve, I sent mine in mid November and received offers in mid December and January. Hope this helps.