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Mature Students 2016 University Applicants

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Reply 20
Original post by rickydg
Hi All,

What are you currently studying/have studied: Access to HE Business, Law & Psychology
Which universities are you applying to: UWE (Offer received), Bath Spa (Pending), South Wales (Offer received), Cardiff (Pending)
Which course(s) do you want to do: HR (with business where not available as stand-alone course).
Any other info you feel like sharing: I'm 35, worked in retail for 20 years, most recently for Superdrug as a Store Manager for 10 years. Decided I wanted to try something different and enjoyed the HR element of my job. Married with 2 kids (10 years & 8 months), ready for any challenge! :smile:

Really excited about going to uni, no-one in my family has gone and I would be proud to be the first! Very pleased to have received 2 offers already, looking to firm my UWE offer at this point (still could change yet!).


Hello! I am starting Access to Business next September, but only because there was not Access to I.T available (I want to study I.T degree!) - will I still be able to study I.T degree if I do Access to Business course? The lady wasn't at the open night so have sent an email but not got response yet. Thanks!
Reply 21
Original post by ASalih
Hello! I am starting Access to Business next September, but only because there was not Access to I.T available (I want to study I.T degree!) - will I still be able to study I.T degree if I do Access to Business course? The lady wasn't at the open night so have sent an email but not got response yet. Thanks!


Hi,

The Access course for most is simply to gain some level 3 learning as required by universities for admission. In most cases uni courses don't require subject relevant level 3 qualifications, but it's essential that you check with the universities you want to apply to that the courses don't require subject specific qualifications.

Bear in mind that if you have no interest in the subjects you'll be studying, it may make it that much harder to finish the course. Access is intense, with a lot of assessment based learning in a short period of time. Good time management is essential to successful completion of the course, and if you're just not interested in the subjects it will be hard to motivate yourself to complete the work required.

Hope this helps! :smile:
Reply 22
Original post by rickydg
Hi,

The Access course for most is simply to gain some level 3 learning as required by universities for admission. In most cases uni courses don't require subject relevant level 3 qualifications, but it's essential that you check with the universities you want to apply to that the courses don't require subject specific qualifications.

Bear in mind that if you have no interest in the subjects you'll be studying, it may make it that much harder to finish the course. Access is intense, with a lot of assessment based learning in a short period of time. Good time management is essential to successful completion of the course, and if you're just not interested in the subjects it will be hard to motivate yourself to complete the work required.

Hope this helps! :smile:


Thank you, that does help! Unfortunately, that is what I thought as soon as they suggested access to business. However I am extremely determined to reach degree level computing so I'm sure that will be the motivation that sees me through the work load! I am going to contact some universities tomorrow to double check the requirements. Fingers crossed for positive outcome! Thanks again!
What are you currently studying/have studied: HND & HNC Acting & Performance from 2009-2011. Also studied a BTEC Diploma in Art & Design in 2013 (where I specialised in Theatre Costume) and did Open Studies at the University of Edinburgh in History of Art.

Which universities are you applying to: Edinburgh Napier & The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Which course(s) do you want to do: Acting. I'm also applying for a combined Acting & English degree at Edinburgh Napier.

Any other info you feel like sharing: I'm 23 years old (soon to be 24) and have had almost 4 years total out of education. I feel now I have had enough time to really consider where I want to progress in the long term, combining my love of the theatrical and visual arts. Acting is what I absolutely want to commit myself to and further develop my skills. I did get into Rose Bruford last year to study BA (Hons) European Theatre Arts but moving to London didn't work out, sadly, so I hope to study in Scotland.
Original post by KristieNCarr
What are you currently studying/have studied: I completed a degree in Politics and International Relations then did a PGCE a few years ago.

Which universities are you applying to: Leeds Beckett and University of Leeds, Huddersfield and Sheffield Hallam.

Which course(s) do you want to do: Mental Health Nursing.

Any other info you feel like sharing: After my degree(s) I went into teaching for a short while but felt the red tape and paperwork was not worth it and was not I had intended to be a teacher for. I spent very little time in the classroom. Since then I have worked in Mental Health as a Support Worker and OTA and found that mental health is my real passion. So hopefully third time lucky I will have chosen a career I will stick to and enjoy!


Good luck! I too made the switch from teaching to nursing.

Best of luck to everyone else with your applications, I started both my first degree and second degree as a mature student.
Hi, Ive applied as an affiliated undergraduate to St Edmunds College Cambridge for HSPS.
Currently doing a BA in History for delhi university in india. I was wondering if anyone here has applied to St. Edmunds and gotten interview invite?
What are you currently studying/have studied: GCSEs, AS Levels and on my second year of Open Uni.

Which universities are you applying to: Oxford (rejected), SOAS, Durham, Edinburgh and Leeds

Which course(s) do you want to do: Chinese

Any other info you feel like sharing: It's a bit frustrating seeing people getting offers already, knowing my application will take that much longer because of my non-standard recent certifications, only to potentially wait much longer and still be rejected. Waited 6 months last year at worst, for a response from one university regarding my application.
I had a bad start with my HE life, and derailed for a while owing to circumstances and worked and travelled this past decade, and now feel I'm able to go back to Uni. Family background is no previous university, mom has many jobs, dad has none and is alcoholic unable to work properly; I make wigs, I'm a qualified award winning hairdresser, I'm a certified nutritionist, I volunteer at huge events in London, I work two jobs, working my butt off with the Open Uni, looking after my Aspie partner and doing my best to improve myself :smile: Love Chinese culture and language, have a mini library dedicated to it in my room and study Chinese with OU and self-teach with online apps and books. Keeping positive that something good will come! :smile:
x
Reply 27
Original post by Ivoryfall
What are you currently studying/have studied: GCSEs, AS Levels and on my second year of Open Uni.

Which universities are you applying to: Oxford (rejected), SOAS, Durham, Edinburgh and Leeds

Which course(s) do you want to do: Chinese

Any other info you feel like sharing: It's a bit frustrating seeing people getting offers already, knowing my application will take that much longer because of my non-standard recent certifications, only to potentially wait much longer and still be rejected. Waited 6 months last year at worst, for a response from one university regarding my application.
I had a bad start with my HE life, and derailed for a while owing to circumstances and worked and travelled this past decade, and now feel I'm able to go back to Uni. Family background is no previous university, mom has many jobs, dad has none and is alcoholic unable to work properly; I make wigs, I'm a qualified award winning hairdresser, I'm a certified nutritionist, I volunteer at huge events in London, I work two jobs, working my butt off with the Open Uni, looking after my Aspie partner and doing my best to improve myself :smile: Love Chinese culture and language, have a mini library dedicated to it in my room and study Chinese with OU and self-teach with online apps and books. Keeping positive that something good will come! :smile:
x


Woah... I admire that you're aiming for prestigious universities with rather demanding entry requirements while working two jobs. Honestly, it's people like you who deserve a place at university.

Best of luck!
Original post by m_james
Woah... I admire that you're aiming for prestigious universities with rather demanding entry requirements while working two jobs. Honestly, it's people like you who deserve a place at university.

Best of luck!


Thank you for such kind words, it's genuinely appreciated <3 Best of luck to you, too! :smile:
Original post by Ivoryfall
snip


Aw bad luck re Oxford but I think you have a very good chance getting into your other choices. Do you have a favourite?
Original post by Snufkin
Aw bad luck re Oxford but I think you have a very good chance getting into your other choices. Do you have a favourite?


Oh yes! I'm doing my best to just see Oxford as a bump in the road, and to be upbeat :smile: My favourite choice is actually SOAS, and I know they've already started giving out offers for Chinese so I'm hoping beyond hope I will be one of the lucky ones, although I'm aware my non-standard certs slow the process down.
I spoke to them during clearing last cycle and they said 120 credits at pass grade 2 were fair for consideration, but not a guarantee of an offer; so while I may have a chance, it's not for certain. I just have my fingers crossed and am hoping for good news soon! :smile:
Original post by Ivoryfall
Oh yes! I'm doing my best to just see Oxford as a bump in the road, and to be upbeat :smile: My favourite choice is actually SOAS, and I know they've already started giving out offers for Chinese so I'm hoping beyond hope I will be one of the lucky ones, although I'm aware my non-standard certs slow the process down.
I spoke to them during clearing last cycle and they said 120 credits at pass grade 2 were fair for consideration, but not a guarantee of an offer; so while I may have a chance, it's not for certain. I just have my fingers crossed and am hoping for good news soon! :smile:


Oooh you're doing 120 credits at level 2? How many years have you been doing the OU?
Original post by Snufkin
Oooh you're doing 120 credits at level 2? How many years have you been doing the OU?


Oh nonono, not level 2, pass grade 2! :smile: They're level 1 credits, this is my second year. The pass system is like that of a normal university degree grading, so when I say pass grade 2, I mean between 70 and 84 average OCAS, which is the equivalent of a 2:1 in degree terms. Over 85 is a Distinction, or First :smile: My current average grade overall is OCAS 83, which is SO close but I screwed up one of my submissions last year and it was too late to rectify it when I realised so it brought down my mark, sadly.
But yes, only level 1. Completed L161 Languages & Cultures, L193 Beginners German and working on L197 Beginners Chinese and L185 EAP Online :smile:
x
Original post by Ivoryfall
Oh nonono, not level 2, pass grade 2! :smile: They're level 1 credits, this is my second year. The pass system is like that of a normal university degree grading, so when I say pass grade 2, I mean between 70 and 84 average OCAS, which is the equivalent of a 2:1 in degree terms. Over 85 is a Distinction, or First :smile: My current average grade overall is OCAS 83, which is SO close but I screwed up one of my submissions last year and it was too late to rectify it when I realised so it brought down my mark, sadly.
But yes, only level 1. Completed L161 Languages & Cultures, L193 Beginners German and working on L197 Beginners Chinese and L185 EAP Online :smile:
x


Oh I see, eeeppp... I think doing your modules over two years will prove costly. Have you read this?
Original post by Snufkin
Oh I see, eeeppp... I think doing your modules over two years will prove costly. Have you read this?


I had no choice given my circumstances meant that an access course was not viable, and was lucky enough to receive a charitable grant to help with partial costs this year. I'm not worried about the SFE stuff, I covered it all last year, and know full well I will lose most of one year of funding, but I am prepared for it :smile:
Had an access course been viable, I would've taken that option, but sadly I couldn't get funding and I needed to be employed to pay bills and expenses whilst my partner (unable to wok because of Aspergers related anxiety) also studied.

I appreciate your concern though, but I am prepared for the risks :smile: Worst case scenario, I have to take out a private loan from Future Finance or something similar. But hell or high water, I AM getting into a brick university! :smile: x
Original post by Ivoryfall
I had no choice given my circumstances meant that an access course was not viable, and was lucky enough to receive a charitable grant to help with partial costs this year. I'm not worried about the SFE stuff, I covered it all last year, and know full well I will lose most of one year of funding, but I am prepared for it :smile:
Had an access course been viable, I would've taken that option, but sadly I couldn't get funding and I needed to be employed to pay bills and expenses whilst my partner (unable to wok because of Aspergers related anxiety) also studied.

I appreciate your concern though, but I am prepared for the risks :smile: Worst case scenario, I have to take out a private loan from Future Finance or something similar. But hell or high water, I AM getting into a brick university! :smile: x


Aw well I hope it works out for you. It is a very unfair rule but as long as you're prepared, I'm sure you will be able to work around it.
Original post by Snufkin
Aw well I hope it works out for you. It is a very unfair rule but as long as you're prepared, I'm sure you will be able to work around it.


Hahaha, I suppose really I have to actually get in first! :,)
What are you currently studying/have studied: Access to HE: Healthcare
Which universities are you applying to: Lincoln DMU Nottingham Trent Bedfordshire and Derby
Which course(s) do you want to do: psychology
Any other info you feel like sharing: I'm 29 :colondollar:
Reply 38
I have studied:
history, English literature, and physics at As
I am studying:
As Law, A2 maths, EPQ and Cope
I have applied For:
bristol UWE, Chichester, Manchester met, Cardiff, Hertfordshire
Any other info:
They suggested just taking maths A2 but I wanted more things to do I'm also mentoring students in Gcse English and maths aswell as a teaching assistant in History classes
Reply 39
What are you currently studying/have studied: Access to Psychology
Which universities are you applying to:Reading
Which course(s) do you want to do: Speech and Language Therapy
Any other info you feel like sharing: I'm 47 and panicking slightly about my ability to study after all these years! I am currently waiting (impatiently) to discover if I will be called to interview at Reading.

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