Mature student support
Considering starting university as a mature student? Everyone has the potential to study at university. It’s never too late to gain new skills, improve your job prospects or change your career path.
40%
Around 40 percent of mature students are over 30 and have work, family or rent or mortgage responsibilities.Two thirds
Around two thirds of our students are over 21 years old when they start their degree.Return to Study
There are multiple routes you can take into returning to higher education.Top 10
We were listed in the top 10 UK universities for students aged over 50. (Sunlife, 2023)
Frequently asked questions
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 degrees with a foundation year, 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 an account on UCAS Hub (previously UCAS Track). You'll then be able to 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 degree 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.
Student living costs
Considering university and concerned about finances? We're the most affordable uni in the country according to The Times (2023). Discover how to manage your finances and explore the support available.
Visit our cost of living support hub
Support every step of the way
If you’re considering a return to education, you might have lots of questions about:
- Mature student courses
- Entry requirements and financing your studies
- Managing your other commitments, from work to childcare
If it’s been a while since you last wrote an essay or worked on an assignment, don't worry. We’ll help you make the step up to university-level study and develop the core skills you need.
If you are thinking about starting a degree after taking time out of education, there are multiple routes into university you can take.
- Degrees with a foundation year - studying a course with a foundation year is the perfect route if you're ready to study at university but don't quite have the right qualifications for your course.
- Recognition of prior learning - use your work experience to get a head start on your new degree, using our accreditation of prior learning (APL).
- Return to Study programmes - these free six-week programmes will help you prepare for university study and get your application ready.
To find out more about the different options available to you, visit our Return to Study webpage.
If you're not sure how you are going to finance your studies, there’s a wide range of support available that cover all sorts of circumstances:
- Student finance - If you are considering applying for a degree as a mature student, you may be eligible for student finance, Tuition Loans and Maintenance Loans. The amount of finance you would receive depends on your family situation and the type of course you want to study. You could also be eligible to receive extra help if you have children.
- There are also other government incentives like Childcare Grant and Parents’ Learning Allowances.
- You be also be able to access a short-term loan and grant assistance, including our Access to Learning Fund, bursaries, and other support.
There are many ways to save money whilst you study too. Full-time students are exempt from paying council tax, public transport is discounted, and many places offer student discounts regardless of what age you study.
Balancing family commitments with your studies isn’t easy. But there are ways of making it work for you.
Our Pre-School Centre on our Preston Campus is available for children from six months to four years. So your young ones can have their own university experience while you study.
We can also support you to access grants available for childcare. This includes the Parents’ Learning Allowance or Childcare Grant.
If you’re a carer (paid or unpaid) for a dependent, we can provide you with a dedicated staff member. This will help you to manage your caring responsibilities alongside your studies.
If you've got questions about returning to education, sometimes the best person to speak to is another mature student who has been in the same position you are now. We can match you up with a fellow student who will get in touch with you on a regular basis.
If your digital skills are lacking we can help you get up to speed with the latest technology and software. We can also provide you with technical support to help you make the most of our library’s many resources.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You may have transferable skills from previous work experience or qualifications. This means you could be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where you can receive credit towards your new degree.
Find out more about RPLWhat our mature students say
My fears were quickly dispelled. The staff at the University have been incredibly supportive and caring since my initial expression of interest.
During my time at UCLan, I’ve been taught by inspiring midwives and researchers. The staff and my course mates have been really supportive. The academic skills support team have also helped me relearn academic skills and referencing that I’d long forgotten.
I want to be a teacher and studying as a mature student has increased my confidence, improved my people skills and enabled me to obtain teaching experience in ways I never expected.
Returning to study was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be, although I did have many wobbles along the way. I have surprised myself with how well I have adapted, and I feel like a fully-fledged student now.
Tutor support has been very useful from day one until the end. I love the campus and the facilities, the library is one of my favourite places.
Greece
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