Nursing degree as a mature student with children
I'm currently looking into doing an adult nursing degree as a mature student.
I know the work will be hard and challenge and I would be absolutely committed to that but I have a few concerns.
Firstly - financial commitments. I have 2 children so I will need to work as well as doing the degree, childcare may be an issue at times i have a partner and family support but having to work alongside is a must.
Is there anyone with similar circumstances that can advise on what they do to find a balance on work, study and life?
Secondly - study and work. There may be occasions where I may not be able to attent lectures etc so I can work or look after my children. How flexible or supportive are universities with this? I would be able to catch up online and attend virtually but I want to be as committed as possible.
How do people find a balance please? Struggling with this
I know the work will be hard and challenge and I would be absolutely committed to that but I have a few concerns.
Firstly - financial commitments. I have 2 children so I will need to work as well as doing the degree, childcare may be an issue at times i have a partner and family support but having to work alongside is a must.
Is there anyone with similar circumstances that can advise on what they do to find a balance on work, study and life?
Secondly - study and work. There may be occasions where I may not be able to attent lectures etc so I can work or look after my children. How flexible or supportive are universities with this? I would be able to catch up online and attend virtually but I want to be as committed as possible.
How do people find a balance please? Struggling with this
Financially (assuming you will get your funding from SFE), you will be able to apply for student finance for the tuition fee loan and maintenance loan, and you may also be eligible for the Parents' Learning Allowance. If you study at a uni in England, you will also be able to apply to the NHS Learning Support Fund that pays an annual training grant of £5,000 and parental support of £2,000 per year.
I can't comment on how to manage your studies with children, but this has been raised previously on TSR. I've edited your thread title a little to help you get some replies.
I can't comment on how to manage your studies with children, but this has been raised previously on TSR. I've edited your thread title a little to help you get some replies.
Reply 2
Original post
by SamjfI'm currently looking into doing an adult nursing degree as a mature student.
I know the work will be hard and challenge and I would be absolutely committed to that but I have a few concerns.
Firstly - financial commitments. I have 2 children so I will need to work as well as doing the degree, childcare may be an issue at times i have a partner and family support but having to work alongside is a must.
Is there anyone with similar circumstances that can advise on what they do to find a balance on work, study and life?
Secondly - study and work. There may be occasions where I may not be able to attent lectures etc so I can work or look after my children. How flexible or supportive are universities with this? I would be able to catch up online and attend virtually but I want to be as committed as possible.
How do people find a balance please? Struggling with this
I know the work will be hard and challenge and I would be absolutely committed to that but I have a few concerns.
Firstly - financial commitments. I have 2 children so I will need to work as well as doing the degree, childcare may be an issue at times i have a partner and family support but having to work alongside is a must.
Is there anyone with similar circumstances that can advise on what they do to find a balance on work, study and life?
Secondly - study and work. There may be occasions where I may not be able to attent lectures etc so I can work or look after my children. How flexible or supportive are universities with this? I would be able to catch up online and attend virtually but I want to be as committed as possible.
How do people find a balance please? Struggling with this
That’s such an inspiring decision! It’s definitely tough juggling work, study, and family, but planning ahead, leaning on your support system, and communicating with your tutors really helps. Don’t be too hard on yourself — consistency matters more than perfection, and you’ve got this!
Reply 3
Hiya,
So I've just started my nursing degree I also have 2 children and work. The only thing I will say is when placements begin I will have to go onto bank at work as I can't travel to wherever it is - do full time hours at placement and work.
Regarding missing lectures, you have to have 100% attendance throughout the course. You can easily catch up on missed hours by going through the PowerPoints etc and proving you have done this but I assume this depends on different universities.
You also will get a lot of support financially. I didn't actually realise how much I would get until my student finance got approved. Currently the finance (I wasn't entitled to the parents support fund through student finance) and the NHS LSF & extra £2000 you get through the NHS with being a parent covers my part time wage.
Regarding life balance - at the moment lectures are twice a week & once a week online. Plus study in your own time which you can fit in once the children go to bed. This will change I have some longer weeks but generally that seems to be what it is.
Hope this helps - it is difficult but just go for it!
So I've just started my nursing degree I also have 2 children and work. The only thing I will say is when placements begin I will have to go onto bank at work as I can't travel to wherever it is - do full time hours at placement and work.
Regarding missing lectures, you have to have 100% attendance throughout the course. You can easily catch up on missed hours by going through the PowerPoints etc and proving you have done this but I assume this depends on different universities.
You also will get a lot of support financially. I didn't actually realise how much I would get until my student finance got approved. Currently the finance (I wasn't entitled to the parents support fund through student finance) and the NHS LSF & extra £2000 you get through the NHS with being a parent covers my part time wage.
Regarding life balance - at the moment lectures are twice a week & once a week online. Plus study in your own time which you can fit in once the children go to bed. This will change I have some longer weeks but generally that seems to be what it is.
Hope this helps - it is difficult but just go for it!
Reply 4
Original post
by SamjfI'm currently looking into doing an adult nursing degree as a mature student.
I know the work will be hard and challenge and I would be absolutely committed to that but I have a few concerns.
Firstly - financial commitments. I have 2 children so I will need to work as well as doing the degree, childcare may be an issue at times i have a partner and family support but having to work alongside is a must.
Is there anyone with similar circumstances that can advise on what they do to find a balance on work, study and life?
Secondly - study and work. There may be occasions where I may not be able to attent lectures etc so I can work or look after my children. How flexible or supportive are universities with this? I would be able to catch up online and attend virtually but I want to be as committed as possible.
How do people find a balance please? Struggling with this
I know the work will be hard and challenge and I would be absolutely committed to that but I have a few concerns.
Firstly - financial commitments. I have 2 children so I will need to work as well as doing the degree, childcare may be an issue at times i have a partner and family support but having to work alongside is a must.
Is there anyone with similar circumstances that can advise on what they do to find a balance on work, study and life?
Secondly - study and work. There may be occasions where I may not be able to attent lectures etc so I can work or look after my children. How flexible or supportive are universities with this? I would be able to catch up online and attend virtually but I want to be as committed as possible.
How do people find a balance please? Struggling with this
Hi! It’s really great to hear that you’re considering adult nursing as a mature student your commitment is clear, and many others have successfully followed this path with similar life circumstances. At LSBU, we have a diverse nursing cohort, including parents, carers, and mature students who understand exactly the kind of balance you're talking about. The adult nursing degree is intensive, particularly because of clinical placements that can include long shifts, weekends, and early mornings, so it’s good that you’re already thinking about how to manage work, study, and childcare. Many students in your position find that clear planning, honest communication with their support network, and using university resources makes a huge difference. While you will need to meet the required placement hours, LSBU is known for being supportive and understanding, especially if you’re proactive in explaining your situation. Personal tutors, student services, and academic support are all in place to help students manage competing demands, and catching up on missed content is often possible through online resources or academic support sessions. Financially, it’s worth looking into bursaries, student loans, and NHS Learning Support Funds, which can help reduce the need to work long hours. Students in similar situations often work part-time in flexible roles and lean on family or partner support during placement periods. It won’t always be easy, but it is absolutely achievable with the right support and structure. You're not alone in this many have walked the same path and found ways to succeed, and LSBU is committed to helping students from all backgrounds thrive in their journey toward becoming registered nurses.
If you’d like to find out more about the course and speak directly with staff or current students, we have an Open Day on Saturday 15th November, where you can visit our simulation labs, learn about placements, and ask questions about applying.
👉 You can sign up here: LSBU Open Day.
👉 You can also chat with our students through our Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.
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