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Would you apply to a Uni who's website didn't have any Mature Students information?

Hi all,

I'm looking at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/ as an example.

As a mature student I've a ton of questions and need resources to self serve information to guide my decisions. I think I've found the perfect course at Queen Mary but it's bothering me that I can't see any references/links/menu items for Mature Student information, let alone answers to questions I might have, for example about the relative value of my work experience.

Going deeper into the search there I've found a reference to Music and Mature students, but that's about it. And it's not the music faculty I'm looking into...

My question to you is; would this put you off applying to the university? Should it be a red flag for me?

Any thoughts appreciated! And good luck with your applications this month!

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

This is a good question, I kind of was looking into this a bit (more from a current students perspective though) for a project I was working on this past summer. I did find information for mature students is really variable between universities, and often quite fragmented/hard to find on their website. I definitely can see how that can be off-putting for prospective applicants (and make it harder for current mature students to find information).

I wouldn't consider it an absolute red flag, but maybe also look to see what provisions they have for existing mature students if you can (e.g. mature student society/networks, any particular dedicated study skills support or similar for mature students or is it just the general stuff available to all students, etc). I wouldn't say don't apply to a university with not much in that range (because unfortunately that is more the default) but you may want to prioritise those who do have offerings in that vein which are aligned with your academic interests :smile:

That said, often you can get a lot of information by just contacting them directly - most unis I contacted when I was applying previously were fairly forthcoming if there was something unclear on their webpages. Although at this time in the application cycle you may struggle to get a response before the deadline unless they have a live chat type service :redface:

Reply 2

rahulpradeep

Original post by Immature Student

Hi all,
I'm looking at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/ as an example.
As a mature student I've a ton of questions and need resources to self serve information to guide my decisions. I think I've found the perfect course at Queen Mary but it's bothering me that I can't see any references/links/menu items for Mature Student information, let alone answers to questions I might have, for example about the relative value of my work experience.
Going deeper into the search there I've found a reference to Music and Mature students, but that's about it. And it's not the music faculty I'm looking into...
My question to you is; would this put you off applying to the university? Should it be a red flag for me?
Any thoughts appreciated! And good luck with your applications this month!

No.

Rankings and job prospects matter way more to me.

Reply 3

PG Study Chester

Official Rep

Original post by Immature Student

Hi all,
I'm looking at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/ as an example.
As a mature student I've a ton of questions and need resources to self serve information to guide my decisions. I think I've found the perfect course at Queen Mary but it's bothering me that I can't see any references/links/menu items for Mature Student information, let alone answers to questions I might have, for example about the relative value of my work experience.
Going deeper into the search there I've found a reference to Music and Mature students, but that's about it. And it's not the music faculty I'm looking into...
My question to you is; would this put you off applying to the university? Should it be a red flag for me?
Any thoughts appreciated! And good luck with your applications this month!

Hello

It’s so great to hear you are considering uni as a mature student I’m one myself and have done 3 degrees as one so it’s a system I’ve really had experience of. Your question is really interesting because it is one that I never considered myself when choosing unis and courses - I wanted to go and for me age didn’t really come into my consideration.

I wouldn’t really take it as a red flag but if it is something that concern you, I would enquire with the university. I would contact the student support, or equivalent, team and ask if there are any provisions for mature students. Also look at the university’s student union website. Here you will find a list of all the clubs and societies the uni has currently, is there one for mature students? Remember if there isn’t you could set one up yourself! On the SU page there will also be details of the committee, is there a student officer representing mature students? If the SU website doesn’t have this information, drop them an email to ask.

I think open days are a great source of information too. If possible go to the open day and meet the students. You will have the chance to speak to them about life at the uni from the student social point of view and this could help to answer a lot of your questions.

I hope this helps, good luck
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

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