Mature student support

Mature students are defined as any student aged 21 or over at the start of their studies. For Postgraduate study this is anyone over 25 years old.

At the University of Central Lancashire, over 50% of mature students are between the ages of 21 and 24. 40% are over the age of 30.

Mature students might be returning to study after a break from full-time education. They also might be leaving employment to return to full-time education. Or be planning to study part-time alongside existing employment.

You can study at university as a mature student even if you do not have traditional qualifications. You can also apply for funding.

You may be able to apply for student finance, Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. The amount you get depends on your family situation and the type of course you’re doing. You may get extra help if you have children. You also may be able to access a short-term loan and grant assistance, including our Access to Learning Fund, bursaries, and other support.

Bursaries and Scholarships may be available whilst studying. Bursaries are awarded depending on household income. Scholarships are available for several areas, and are based on academic excellence.

For more information on Bursaries and Scholarships, please see our related page.

Entry requirements are specific to each course. They usually include either an A Level, Access to Higher Education course, NVQ, BTEC or other work-based qualifications. In some cases, Maths and English GCSEs are required.

Mature students may not have gained the same traditional qualifications as someone who has been through college, sixth form or an apprenticeship, including A Levels, BTEC and other Level 3 qualifications.

Many courses will also look at experience gained in employment or training. Courses may consider this experience through Accreditation of Prior Learning.

There are multiple routes that will help you return to study. These include Foundation Entry Degrees, Accreditation of Prior Learning and our free Return to Study entry programmes.

If you want to study a degree full-time, you would apply through UCAS. To do this, create a profile in UCAS Track, upload your personal statement and choose up to five courses.

If you want to study part-time, apply directly through our online application portal.

You’ll follow the same application deadlines as other students.

For full guidance on how to apply for an undergraduate degree, see our how to apply for an undergraduate webpage.

If you're applying for a postgraduate degree, see our how to apply for a postgraduate degree webpage.

Part-time study is available for mature students in some course areas. Part-time study for mature students offers you flexibility, helping you plan your life around your studies

We have free Return to Study entry programmes available across a range of subjects that will help you take the next step towards a full degree. If you lack the formal qualifications to apply for a related degree, join our free fast-track Return to Study programme.