Back to School: Understanding Entry Requirements for Mature Students

Whether you're pursuing further qualifications to advance your career, diving into a new field of study, or simply fulfilling a lifelong dream, embarking on education as an adult comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. 

If you’re starting the exciting journey of adult education, you might have some concerns and questions that need answering.  

We’ll be addressing common questions about the mature student entry requirements for higher education.

On his page you’ll find:  

• Adult entry requirements for higher education 
• How to utilise work experience towards higher education entry requirements 
• Tips for balancing studies with work and family commitments 
• UCEN Manchester student support services 
• And more! 

Entry requirements for adult learners

It's essential to recognise that while each course may have its unique entry prerequisites, there are several common requirements applicable across many programmes. 

In addition to A-levels or GCSE (O-levels), many higher education courses readily accept Access to Higher Education (HE) courses completed by mature students.  

What is an Access to HE qualification?

An Access to HE course is specifically designed for adults (19+) who want to pursue higher education but lack traditional qualifications like A-levels. It provides a pathway for mature students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to university-level study.  

The course varies between 48-144 UCAS points depending on your grade. 

Must your Access to HE course match your chosen university course subject?

The answer to this varies depending on your chosen course.  

Typically, students will choose the higher education course they wish to pursue, for example, nursing. They will then read the entry requirements for their chosen course, then choose their Access to HE course accordingly. 

Specialist subjects such as dentistry, medicine and nursing will require you to have achieved an Access to HE course in the same subject. Other subjects may not be so strict and may accept any Access to HE course - as long as you meet the UCAS points requirement.  

Some Access to HE courses may be broad in subject area. For example, a business Access to HE course may open doors to degrees in marketing, HR, and even law! 

Can I use old qualifications when applying to uni?

For adult learners in the UK, the prospect of returning to education may raise questions about the relevance of old qualifications like O-levels when applying to university.  

The good news is that many higher education providers recognise the value of these qualifications, considering them alongside other criteria during the admissions process.  

However, if your current higher education subject choice has specific subject entry requirements for A-levels/O-levels, you may have to complete a higher education course in the appropriate subject.  

If you completed your O-levels years ago, they could still be valuable in your journey towards higher education. So, if you're considering a return to university as an adult learner, don't hesitate to highlight your O-level achievements as part of your application! 

Can work experience count towards higher education entry requirements?

For adult learners considering higher education, work experience can be a valuable asset when it comes to meeting entry requirements. Many universities recognise the skills and knowledge gained through work, and they may consider your professional background alongside - or even in place of - traditional academic qualifications.  

So, if you're an adult learner thinking about returning to education, remember that your professional journey can be a valuable part of your application process.  

Speak to your higher education provider if your work experience is substantial enough to be considered in replacement of traditional qualifications.  

Navigating your adult higher education journey

In this section, we'll explore the specific demands and expectations that adult learners face as they navigate their journey through university.  

From balancing work and family commitments, to investing time and effort into academic pursuits; we'll provide insights tailored to the unique challenges and experiences of mature students returning to education.

How can I balance studies with work and family commitments?

Balancing responsibilities as an adult learner can be challenging, but it's essential to prioritise and organise your time effectively.  

Here are some things you can do to manage your time:  

• Prioritise tasks and set clear goals 
• Create a schedule or timetable to allocate time for studying, work, and personal commitments 
• Learn to say no to non-essential activities to avoid overcommitment 
• Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to make them more achievable 
• Use tools like planners or digital calendars to stay organised and track progress 
• Delegate tasks where possible and ask for help when needed 
• Remember to schedule regular breaks and time for relaxation to avoid burnout 
• Stay flexible and be willing to adjust your schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected events or changes. 

What resources are available to help me manage higher education?

At UCEN Manchester, we take pride in our support services. We understand that adult learners may face unique challenges and barriers in their adult educational journey.  

That's why we're committed to providing tailored support every step of the way through our Future U Student Support Services.  

Our dedicated careers and welfare team is here to offer guidance, advice, and additional support to ensure no one gets left behind.

 We offer assistance with: 

• Accommodation 
• Academic support 
• Counselling 
• Career advice 
• Disability support 
• Financial guidance 
• Health and wellbeing resources 
• And more!

What strategies can I employ to stay motivated and focused?

Staying motivated throughout your educational journey is crucial, especially as an adult learner juggling multiple responsibilities. Here are a few tips to tackle periods of low motivation:  

• Set achievable goals and break tasks into smaller steps 
• Celebrate your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small! 
• Find inspiration by connecting with peers 
• Take regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout 
• Remind yourself of the reasons why you started your educational journey 
• Seek support from friends, family, or academic advisors when needed 
• Explore new learning methods or study techniques to keep things fresh and engaging.

How can I manage the financial aspects of pursuing higher education as an adult learner?

In the UK, you have access to student loans to support your educational expenses. It's important to assess your entitlement and carefully plan your finances in advance to ensure smooth progress on your educational journey. 

Find out more about our fees and finance support.