Hello! New mature student seeking art course advice

Hi

I am 52(!) and have suddenly made the decision that I am going to do this Art Foundation that I have been wanting to do for, oh, 20 years or so haha!

I live in Hertfordshire. Used to work in the City as a Legal PA, now work locally in a similar capacity. It's a stressful job being a PA and I really need a change! It has been such a dream of mine to do this but I've kept putting it off as it will be very hard financially but it's come to the point that I feel I just have to.

I made this decision yesterday and don't have a lot of time to apply\find out the things I need to know so I'm hoping for some advice here

My local college offers various courses and I am unclear who much it matters which I embark on.

I am thinking of taking the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Edexcel) as this specifically says it is geared towards Mature Students. I don't have any A levels but was accepted on such a course a few years ago on strength of portfolio\interview (financial circumstances meant I couldn't take it up).

However I notice some other courses - BTecs - level 1, 2, 3.

What I haven't had time to work out, so I am hoping you can help me is whether it matters which I take. Obviously the BTec route would take a lot longer. The foundation is 1 year FT or 2 years PT. The BTec would take 4 years to do 1, 2, 3.

I don't really know what I should do. Does the Foundation get you into a Uni Art & Design course? Do you need the BTec? Is the BTec in some way equivalent to a degree - 4 years seems a long time just to get INTO uni?

Sorry for not knowing how it all works - grateful for any help and advice.

Thanks : D

Firstly, good for you! I usually deal with this from the point of view of sixth form students and mature students aren't within my area of expertise, but I can add a few things. Your best bet, though, is to speak to the college asap. The course I think you probably want is the one year foundation course, which is the usual route into an art degree. Its aim is to help you build up a portfolio and decide on a pathway for your degree. Universities will make you an offer based on your portfolio and the offer is pass, or sometimes merit (not heard of one asking for a distinction, but it's possible, I suppose) in the foundation course, on top of your other qualifications. You should contact universities you're interested in about this, though, because your lack of A levels or equivalent could be a problem, although I imagine the exams you must have taken to become a legal PA will have value. You really need this from the horse's mouth, rather from us on here. I assume you are aware that as the foundation course is classed as further education not higher, it isn't eligible for a student loan. The fees are lower than university fees, though. I really do wish you luck with it. It was a dream of mine for ages, until my son did one and I realised my idea of art was a bit passe!

Hi. I'm not sure how old this post is but I'm just wondering if you managed to do a course? I'm seriously considering it but am worried about being too 'old' now. I've just turned 50. Thank you 😊

Hi

I am 52(!) and have suddenly made the decision that I am going to do this Art Foundation that I have been wanting to do for, oh, 20 years or so haha!

I live in Hertfordshire. Used to work in the City as a Legal PA, now work locally in a similar capacity. It's a stressful job being a PA and I really need a change! It has been such a dream of mine to do this but I've kept putting it off as it will be very hard financially but it's come to the point that I feel I just have to.

I made this decision yesterday and don't have a lot of time to apply\find out the things I need to know so I'm hoping for some advice here

My local college offers various courses and I am unclear who much it matters which I embark on.

I am thinking of taking the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Edexcel) as this specifically says it is geared towards Mature Students. I don't have any A levels but was accepted on such a course a few years ago on strength of portfolio\interview (financial circumstances meant I couldn't take it up).

However I notice some other courses - BTecs - level 1, 2, 3.

What I haven't had time to work out, so I am hoping you can help me is whether it matters which I take. Obviously the BTec route would take a lot longer. The foundation is 1 year FT or 2 years PT. The BTec would take 4 years to do 1, 2, 3.

I don't really know what I should do. Does the Foundation get you into a Uni Art & Design course? Do you need the BTec? Is the BTec in some way equivalent to a degree - 4 years seems a long time just to get INTO uni?

Sorry for not knowing how it all works - grateful for any help and advice.

Thanks : D

Hello!

There have been some really great threads on this post already. I am unsure if your local college offers it, but we tend to recommend students over the age of 19 look at doing our Extended BA course. If you haven't already, perhaps look and see if that's an option for you there?

How exciting though, I think it's a great idea to explore all of the different creative practices for a year before settling on one. I hope you have a brilliant experience and wishing you lots of luck with whatever course you end up choosing!

Jenny - a rep from Arts University Plymouth.

You are never too old! I am 68 and just been offered a place on a BA (Hons) Fine Art Degree course (with integrated foundation year)!!!!! I can officially say I will be the "oldest student on the block!" Go for it....life is too short.

You are never too old! I am 68 and just been offered a place on a BA (Hons) Fine Art Degree course (with integrated foundation year)!!!!! I can officially say I will be the