Return to Study

Thinking about starting a degree after taking time out of education? There are many routes into university you can take and we'll help you every step of the way.

Routes into higher education

Foundation entry

Looking to start a degree but don’t necessarily have the right qualifications? We have a wide range of foundation entry degree courses.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

You can use your work experience to get a headstart on your new degree, using our accreditation of prior learning (APL).

Mature student support

From funding university study to applying for a degree, get the support and answers you need from our mature student support page.

Return to Study programmes

Our free six-week short courses will help you make the transition to university study.

You're in good company

Around two thirds of our students are over 21 years old when they start their degree. You'll be amongst plenty of other mature students at UCLan going through the same experience.

Why returning to study as a mature student isn't scary

Chelsea shares her experience as a mature student

Returning to study after a life-changing event

Martina's shares how she returned to study via a foundation degree

Going back to university after a 9-year break

Rebekah shares her return to study experience in midwifery

Student living costs

Thinking about applying to university and wondering how you’ll afford it? We can help you understand how to manage your finances. Find out what support is available during your time at university.

Find out more

Our free short courses 

Alongside Accreditation of Prior Learning and Foundation Entry, we have a programme of free, six-week courses. Our Return to Study programmes help you translate your work experience into a degree application. 

Don't have Level 3 qualifications, such as A levels or BTECs? Join our free fast-track Return to Study programme and apply for a related degree. 

Discover our programmes

Next

Hear about Martin Sellick's Return to Study journey

Armed forces

We provide full support for armed forces personnel and their families. From course funding and settling in to university, to finding suitable training and careers advice. We can help you make that step back to civilian life.

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Useful information

Fees and funding

Studying with us is one of the biggest investments you'll make towards your future. We're here to help you every step of the way. Find out about tuition fees and financial support available such as scholarships and bursaries.

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Mature student support

Returning to study as a mature student can help you start a new career, improve your job prospects or expand your knowledge. Find out how we can support you.

Read more

Campus tours

Get a feel for our campuses and check out the facilities through our campus tours. Our campus tours are led by current students and offer a great way to have an informal look around.

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Student stories

  • Neil Osbaldeston

    A Preston man has turned his love of gaming into a full-time career, after completing a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Games Development at UCLan. Read more.

  • Community leadership class

    Aicha Khan is currently in Year 2 of the BA (Hons) Children, Schools and Families after completing the Foundation Entry Health and Social Care course and credits the course with some big improvements in her life from growing in confidence to becoming a better parent.

  • uclan together campaign day 3 (2)

    As a returning UCLan student, Rupak previously studied MSc Network Computing and decided to return to develop his skills in business management.