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Help RE: Choosing Course(s) and applying.

Hello.

I am a 29 Year old man student in the UK. I'm currently studying an AQA GCSE Mathematics Foundation tier Board Course at a local community College.

I'm an SEND Student, I have Autism, and Ocd.
On a background of severe Aniexty.(GAD)

I Have a grade D at GCSE maths

grade C at GCSE English

Level 2 Functional Skills Maths ( PASS ) Grade - 2025.

Level 2 Functional Skills English Pass Grade.

What can I do in terms of moving onto higher education, as I want to do an AI Related Degree, particularly At Derby Uni.

I have been out of Education since 2015, and thus, haven't been able to do any higher education, and only returns to formal education, in Sept 2024.

But I passed the L2 FS Maths this year. (AUG 2025)

If I cannot do the AI Degree at Derby uni, then, I would like to do this below course at the Joseph Wright Centre at Derby College.

Foundation Degree in Software Development
This two-year course provides the knowledge base for applicants wishing to pursue or advance their career in the fast-moving digital sector as a software developer.

"
All applicants will be invited to complete an online interview or site visit at which interviews will take place to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related topics.

You should have one of the following:

48 UCAS points, with at least 32 preferably coming from a related subject (e.g. ICT or Computer Sciences)
Access to HE qualifications
You will also need:

GCSE English at grades 9-4 (A*- C)
An appropriate competency in maths for higher level study
We also welcome applicants who lack institutional qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made, taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.

All applicants are subject to approval from the University of Derby.

You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.
"

Would I be probably accepted for this, currently?

Also. 🤔 as I will be sitting AQA GCSE Mathematics Foundation tier Board course in May. 🤔🤔. And June ,2026
What is the best way to revise for this? And best method to get a grade 4/5?

Thanks!

I also have these Two Diplomas :

12/13 (L2 BTEC DIPLOMA IN IT (QCF)) MERIT Grade

13/14 (BTEC LV2 DIPLOMA MEDIA PRODUCTION) PASS Grade

What is your opinions ?

Thanks again!

Reply 1

Original post
by Superalex2
Hello.
I am a 29 Year old man student in the UK. I'm currently studying an AQA GCSE Mathematics Foundation tier Board Course at a local community College.
I'm an SEND Student, I have Autism, and Ocd.
On a background of severe Aniexty.(GAD)
I Have a grade D at GCSE maths
grade C at GCSE English
Level 2 Functional Skills Maths ( PASS ) Grade - 2025.
Level 2 Functional Skills English Pass Grade.
What can I do in terms of moving onto higher education, as I want to do an AI Related Degree, particularly At Derby Uni.
I have been out of Education since 2015, and thus, haven't been able to do any higher education, and only returns to formal education, in Sept 2024.
But I passed the L2 FS Maths this year. (AUG 2025)
If I cannot do the AI Degree at Derby uni, then, I would like to do this below course at the Joseph Wright Centre at Derby College.
Foundation Degree in Software Development
This two-year course provides the knowledge base for applicants wishing to pursue or advance their career in the fast-moving digital sector as a software developer.
"
All applicants will be invited to complete an online interview or site visit at which interviews will take place to discuss their qualifications, experience and any other related topics.
You should have one of the following:
48 UCAS points, with at least 32 preferably coming from a related subject (e.g. ICT or Computer Sciences)
Access to HE qualifications
You will also need:
GCSE English at grades 9-4 (A*- C)
An appropriate competency in maths for higher level study
We also welcome applicants who lack institutional qualifications. All such applicants will be interviewed and may be set an appropriate piece of work upon which a judgement will be made, taking into account their academic potential and relevant experience.
All applicants are subject to approval from the University of Derby.
You will need to be aged 18 or over at the beginning of the course.
"
Would I be probably accepted for this, currently?
Also. 🤔 as I will be sitting AQA GCSE Mathematics Foundation tier Board course in May. 🤔🤔. And June ,2026
What is the best way to revise for this? And best method to get a grade 4/5?
Thanks!
I also have these Two Diplomas :
12/13 (L2 BTEC DIPLOMA IN IT (QCF)) MERIT Grade
13/14 (BTEC LV2 DIPLOMA MEDIA PRODUCTION) PASS Grade
What is your opinions ?
Thanks again!


Hey Alex, I’m in the same boat as you (29 y/o going back to university). From my experience, unis were very welcoming with mature students going back, it shows self development. Depending on your grades from your upcoming maths exams, I have no doubt they’ll accept you!
The best way you can revise for foundation GCSE maths, from what I remember, is BBC bitesize - loads of amazing content on there. Best of luck in your exams and I hope you get to Derby! 👏

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