best architecture schools for mature students
Hi,
I've been offered unconditional places at Kingston, Portsmouth, Bristol UWE, and Sheffield to study architecture (arch + landscape at Sheff. and arch & environmental engineering at Bristol UWE) however I am 38 and am wondering where is the best for the more mature student! Maybe it's just me but it's felt a bit intimidating visiting the uni's and been surrounded by people half my age.... Does anyone else feel like this??? Any advice from current or potential arch. students would be greatly appreciated... cheers.
(Also considering PT at London Southbank or Lon. Met)
I've been offered unconditional places at Kingston, Portsmouth, Bristol UWE, and Sheffield to study architecture (arch + landscape at Sheff. and arch & environmental engineering at Bristol UWE) however I am 38 and am wondering where is the best for the more mature student! Maybe it's just me but it's felt a bit intimidating visiting the uni's and been surrounded by people half my age.... Does anyone else feel like this??? Any advice from current or potential arch. students would be greatly appreciated... cheers.
(Also considering PT at London Southbank or Lon. Met)
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id not worry about it, im starting at 26 and the idea of being a mature student hasn't bothered me. Having already done a degree at art school I can assure you that there are loads of older students... After all how many people get mid way thru their career and go do what they always wanted to do... Good luck choosing! I say go to the school you like and disregard your age...
well there aren't that many at cardiff - i'm the oldest by about 10 years in the school. we had a guy in his mid-forties who started first year and who dropped out. its very hard work, and i think you'd be better off hitting it as a full time degree rather than part time.
it will be mostly younger students everywhere, its just the nature of the degree, but it doesn't really matter - all you're all doing is working pretty much 24/7, so they could be any age, it really doesn't make any difference. i look at the 21 and 22 year olds on my course as the same as me really, i don't view them as less mature.
it will be mostly younger students everywhere, its just the nature of the degree, but it doesn't really matter - all you're all doing is working pretty much 24/7, so they could be any age, it really doesn't make any difference. i look at the 21 and 22 year olds on my course as the same as me really, i don't view them as less mature.
Hello miss construction, I'm 28 and will be going to UWE for architecture & planning. I don't think you will be the only mature student there. My architect acquaintance's mother went back to study architecture at the age of 55! This encouraged me to go back as well 
so don't worry!
And you can impart your wisdom learnt through the years
so don't worry! And you can impart your wisdom learnt through the years
Thanks chappies - feels better already after reading your advice!! I'm absolutely ready for seven years hard slog after travelling and picking my toes for the last ten years. I keep waking up in the middle of the night buzzing with ideas and itching to get started so yipdedoo here we go.... maybe see some of you there wherever that may be??? Good luck to you all....
Hey thanks Ebreni - good advice. I guess we can always offer a bit of tea and sympathy - bless 'em! Are you going to be living in halls?
westminster and london met has a high percentage of mature students on the architecture course. 45% of the students at westminster are mature students.
a lot of mature students do well (the one's that stick it out - the same is true at my school as at JR's - a lot of them drop out after first year due to the work load, they have children to look after, other commitments, mortgages to pay etc).
However, the ones that do stay, often do quite well, I know this is a sweeping generalisation, but mature students often have wider knowledge as a result of their age, about politics, geography and the general workings of the world, which can be a real boost in generating concept / interesting discussion / essays' of a high quality.
So all best of luck with your studies to you both.
Custard cream anyone?
However, the ones that do stay, often do quite well, I know this is a sweeping generalisation, but mature students often have wider knowledge as a result of their age, about politics, geography and the general workings of the world, which can be a real boost in generating concept / interesting discussion / essays' of a high quality.
So all best of luck with your studies to you both.
Custard cream anyone?
i'll have a bourbon if there's one going spare? or a hobnob?
on topic: although i'm massively biased, sheffield is the best school you've applied to so go there! I'm going to be turning 23 in the same month i start, and although i'm not as old as you i've still had a few doubts about how its gonna be, being older than most people. But then i realised that once people start uni, ages are blurred together, no one really notices or cares how old you are, cos you're all in the same boat. Sheff seems to have a really nice mature community, though i don't think its necessary to limit yourself to any one community. In summary go to Sheffield! i'll see you there.
on topic: although i'm massively biased, sheffield is the best school you've applied to so go there! I'm going to be turning 23 in the same month i start, and although i'm not as old as you i've still had a few doubts about how its gonna be, being older than most people. But then i realised that once people start uni, ages are blurred together, no one really notices or cares how old you are, cos you're all in the same boat. Sheff seems to have a really nice mature community, though i don't think its necessary to limit yourself to any one community. In summary go to Sheffield! i'll see you there.
i'd agree with rockettown there. from what i've heard i'd say sheffield is probably known to be the best school out of the one's you've listed. but obviously location and the course (arch and landscape at sheffield - would you prefer to do straight arch?) will probs make quite a difference in your situation.
OP, the course landscape course last year at sheffield barely had any mature mature students. the oldest person in my old class was 24 but i dont think it made a difference at all because he fitted in like any other student in the class.
my friend is going bath for architecture this year and shes 35. to be honest, I thought she was in her mid twenties until she told me her real age!
i hit the boardline of what is consider a mature student and my other friend is 22 and is going to be in the same class as me.
I would only recommend part time if you have other commitments like kids and wife etc.
my friend is going bath for architecture this year and shes 35. to be honest, I thought she was in her mid twenties until she told me her real age!
i hit the boardline of what is consider a mature student and my other friend is 22 and is going to be in the same class as me.
I would only recommend part time if you have other commitments like kids and wife etc.
HI missconstruction, I am also severely mature at 35 and just goin into my third year at Kingston. I cant really help re: kingston, as I have had a year off and they have just had a reshuffle, however when I was there last, MOST of the tutors were thoughtful, enquiring and personally talented, (of course everywhere you go you will meet arrogant, supercillious tossers in this game).
Just to reiterate what the others have said about architecture in general - it's bloody hard work, not like other degrees, and if you're anything like me its the disorganisation that'll drive you mad. The missed appointments, missing tutors and unreliable equipment. I think it's worth it though, so throw yourself into it ....!
Just to reiterate what the others have said about architecture in general - it's bloody hard work, not like other degrees, and if you're anything like me its the disorganisation that'll drive you mad. The missed appointments, missing tutors and unreliable equipment. I think it's worth it though, so throw yourself into it ....!
Cheers everyone. I've narrowed it down to Sheffield or Bristol UWE as both seem like good courses.... RocketTown where are you going to be living? I've been looking at places in Kelham Island - the old Cornish Works or Brooklyn works - yum yum, lots of achingly gorgeous buildings and beer at the Kelham Island brewery... are you familiar with that area? Seems great, friendly, and undergoing regeneration with the 3 best ale houses in sheffield on the doorstep..... role on September....
missconstruction
Cheers everyone. I've narrowed it down to Sheffield or Bristol UWE as both seem like good courses.... RocketTown where are you going to be living? I've been looking at places in Kelham Island - the old Cornish Works or Brooklyn works - yum yum, lots of achingly gorgeous buildings and beer at the Kelham Island brewery... are you familiar with that area? Seems great, friendly, and undergoing regeneration with the 3 best ale houses in sheffield on the doorstep..... role on September....
I think a couple international students on K100 were living in Kelham this year, it will certainly be handy for the final project which is based on the area. I think it's mostly Hallam students though (not that there is anything wrong with them) but most people on your course will be the opposite side of the Uni.
Again I highly recommend Sheffield, tutors are so friendly and helpful, (I don't know about the landscape side of things but i'd say it's much the same, haven't heard any complaints anyway!)
I recommend living near west street, near to all the shops, bars and close to the art tower.
how about living with older/post grad students in a house?
in sheffield they seem to put similar people in the same flat. like mature students generally are place with other mature students. but its just not base on that, can be done on interests and hobbies that you tick in your accomodation form.
how about living with older/post grad students in a house?
in sheffield they seem to put similar people in the same flat. like mature students generally are place with other mature students. but its just not base on that, can be done on interests and hobbies that you tick in your accomodation form.
hey hey , if youv got kiddies make sure you havea good action plan becuase the hours at sheffield are loooooong and you might be in the studio till 5 in the morning :s
i thought the studio's at sheffield closed in the evening?
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