Back To School!
It’s never too late to return to education
You’re never too old to discover something new! And with a quarter of undergraduates falling into the “mature student” category, it appears that more and more of us are adopting the philosophy that every day’s a school day.
Whether you’re considering undertaking an honours degree because you missed out on university when you were younger, you’re tempted by the career-enhancing benefits of a qualification or you simply want to give your brain cells a good work out, there’s an excellent choice of options available – and no matter which you choose, there’s no need to worry about being the oldest one in the class!
“Almost 45% of our learners are over the age of 40,” says Fran Puddick, spokesperson for learndirect, the UK’s largest training provider.
“Learners at this stage in their lives are clear about what they want to achieve and know what works for them.”
As well as full-time, part-time and evening courses, many higher education establishments offer distance learning qualifications, which enable students to fit their studies around work and family.
“Flexibility is one of the key advantages of studying with The Open University,” says Dr Liz Marr, Director of Teaching at The Open University, where students learn in a variety of different ways, including video, podcasts, interactive apps and online tutorials.
“Students have the freedom to work at their own pace, wherever they want, at times that fit around them and their busy lives.”
As well as her job with learndirect, Fran Puddick is currently doing a Leadership and Management Diploma.
“With studying, working full time and managing a young family, I can vouch for how complex the juggling act is,” laughs Fran. “However, because I’m motivated and because I’m able to fit studying around my other responsibilities thanks to learndirect’s ‘blended learning’ approach, it’s completely do-able.”
To find out more about returning to education, ask at your local university, college or training centre or visit WWW.UCAS.COM /MATURESTUDENTS.
Many courses begin in September so this is a good time to take your first steps into student life!
“There’s an excellent choice of options available”
Access to Higher Education: If you don’t have the necessary qualifications for the university or college course you’re considering, this one or two-year course will prepare you for studying and help you obtain the qualifications you need. WWW.ACCESSTOHE.AC.UK/ WWW.SCOTTISHWIDERACCESS.ORG College: Colleges offer a diverse range of courses, whether you want to gain new skills, gain the qualification you need to embark upon a different career or brush up existing skills at evening classes. learndirect: Launched in 2000, learndirect has helped over 4.5 million people gain qualifications in subjects such as maths, English and IT, as well as occupation-related qualifications and skills. WWW.LEARNDIRECT.COM The Open University: For almost 50 years, The Open University has been helping people achieve their dreams by offering, part-time distance learning. WWW.OPEN.AC.UK University: Studying for a degree at university takes three years of full time study, although some universities offer flexible learning. University of the 3rd Age: A wide network of groups which enable older people to share their skills, knowledge and expertise with others. WWW.U3A.ORG.UK