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Mature Student Support
Welcome
At Staffordshire University we extend an especially warm welcome to all our mature students. A mature student is normally classified as an undergraduate student who is at least 21 years old at the start of their course and usually having been away from school for at least two years.
The first thing to understand is that you are not alone – far from it. Nearly half our students are aged over 21 and, like most universities, we value our mature students for the enthusiasm and experience they bring. As a whole, they are highly motivated and successful in achieving their goals.
Nevertheless, we recognise that you may face different pressures than many other students, such as school leavers. You may have different financial and family circumstances, especially if you have children.
So while you possess many advantages due to your maturity and experience, starting a higher education course can still be daunting. In particular, some mature students are concerned about coping with the academic demands of a degree course. For others, family or work commitments can cause a headache. We appreciate this and will do all we can to support you, wherever you need it.
Access to Education
Access programmes are designed for adult learners and returners to education - the courses are 'adult friendly' and recognise your existing skills. They concentrate on the skills you will need for university, such as English, numeracy and information technology.
Access programmes are flexible, and can be studied full-time or part-time, to suit your individual needs. Many students who have completed Access programmes go on to study for a degree at Staffordshire University. For more information on Access programmes, contact our Information Centre on 01782 292746.
Applying
Mature students come to us through a variety of different routes and we have a flexible, progressive approach to the admission. Your qualifications and experiences are likely to differ from those of an 18 year old, so each application is considered individually.
Don’t write yourself off if you lack the normal entry requirements – you may still be able to apply. It may be that your previous experience (in work or other areas of your life) will have prepared you for some of our awards – so please contact us.
Before You Start
Our support to you begins before your course starts. You are invited to participate in our ‘Step Ahead’ summer school programme to gain a feel for student life and familiarise yourself with the university and its systems.
Childcare
We offer a well-established and high-quality childcare service, both for students at our Stoke and Stafford sites, ranging from long-term placements to emergency and single-day bookings.
Student Advisors
Our student advisors and welfare officers are here to help you. We have advice centres serving Stoke and Stafford sites, providing free, confidential and up-to-date information on a wide range of subjects from grants and loans to courses and legal matters. If our trained advisors cannot deal with your enquiry immediately they point you in the right direction.
Mentoring
Our student mentor support system is geared to help not only recent school leavers but students of various ages and from all different backgrounds.
Financial help for mature students
The help available to independent or mature students is broadly the same as for dependent students going into higher education. However some additional support, such as help with child care, is often available.
There are two main expenses that students have whilst at university or college - tuition fees (a contribution towards the cost of the course) and living costs. For a general overview of student finance, visit our money section. From here you can find out more about fees, grants, bursaries and student loans.
Student loans
If you are a full-time student and will be aged under 60 when you start your course, you will be eligible to apply for a student loan.
Student loans and fees will be added together and only have to be paid back once you have finished studying and are earning £15,000 or more a year.
Grants
From September 2006, new full-time students from low-income households will be able to apply for a non-repayable maintenance grant of up to £2,700 a year. The amount payable depends on a student’s income and that of their household
Other help
- Students with dependent children are currently able to claim extra help for the costs of child care and for additional course-related costs (the Parents’ Learning Allowance). See Student finance at DirectGov.
- Students with adult dependants can also claim an extra allowance and there is a fund for students with disabilities to help with any extra study costs. See Student finance at DirectGov.
- Course funding for teachers – see Training and Development Agency for Schools for more information
Support Group
There is also a Mature student support group on Facebook. Please note that the Mature Student Network is independently managed by students; Staffordshire University is not responsible for this external site.
