Mature Student Reference

Hi all,
Biting the bullet and applying for 2025 entry, got a course all picked out and my personal statement is done. The reference is proving to be a challenge though, I've just started working for a new company and management don't know the first thing about me yet, and I'm also trying to keep the fact that I plan on leaving in less than a year close to my chest. My old manager is more than happy to help, but the company are being difficult as I'm no longer a direct report and they're worried it he's not allowed. Anyone see any way round this?

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Generally when applying to degree programmes you need an academic reference, rather than a professional reference. Have you confirmed with the universities you are intending to apply to that they can accept a professional reference?

Typically for mature students unis like to see some recent study within 3 years of starting the course (i.e. in your case, since 2022), and it would probably be anticipated the academic reference would be provided by the course provider for that course.

Reply 2

Jayden99

OP

3

Original post by artful_lounger

Generally when applying to degree programmes you need an academic reference, rather than a professional reference. Have you confirmed with the universities you are intending to apply to that they can accept a professional reference?
Typically for mature students unis like to see some recent study within 3 years of starting the course (i.e. in your case, since 2022), and it would probably be anticipated the academic reference would be provided by the course provider for that course.

The UCAS website pretty clearly states that mature students can use professional references from a manager or other professional colleague. I've not been in mainstream education since I left 6th year in 2017, which is a similar situation to many people who apply to university later in life. If we needed an academic reference only then no-one would be able to apply to uni outside of immediately after leaving school 😅

Reply 3

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Jayden99

The UCAS website pretty clearly states that mature students can use professional references from a manager or other professional colleague. I've not been in mainstream education since I left 6th year in 2017, which is a similar situation to many people who apply to university later in life. If we needed an academic reference only then no-one would be able to apply to uni outside of immediately after leaving school 😅

This isn't true, I work in admissions and people regularly provided academic references up to 5 years out of education. Colleges quite often just keep one on record.

In your case, can you not just approach the HR dept from your previous employer?

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Jayden99

The UCAS website pretty clearly states that mature students can use professional references from a manager or other professional colleague. I've not been in mainstream education since I left 6th year in 2017, which is a similar situation to many people who apply to university later in life. If we needed an academic reference only then no-one would be able to apply to uni outside of immediately after leaving school 😅

You can but universities may prefer an academic reference.

Also as stated, many universities expect mature students to have undertaken some recent study within 3 years of entry to the proposed course.

It's very common for mature students to e.g. undertake an Access to HE course, an A-level or two, or Open Uni modules before reapplying to degree level study.

I'm telling you this as a mature student who has successfully applied to university after taking some time away from education myself :smile:

Mature Student Reference

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