Mature Students

Higher Education as a Mature Student

  • Type: Booklet

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It’s never too late to go into higher education!

If you want to make a change in your life, progress your career or just love the challenge of learning something new, then higher education could be for you.  

Whilst the decision to return to education isn’t an easy one – and as a mature student you need to consider factors such as funding, childcare and work commitments – there is a wide range of support available to help you successfully make the transition. 

There are many benefits to returning to education including developing your skills and knowledge in a subject you are passionate about, changing or enhancing your career or promotion prospects, increasing your self-confidence and becoming a role model for others in your family or community.

You will also develop important transferable skills that can give you a boost in the job market including planning, research, communication, writing, analysis and presenting.

There are 395 providers of higher education across the UK, with 12 of those in the Sheffield City Region – check them out here.

Visit our events page to find out about open days and taster events. Checking out institutions and courses, and chatting to academics and support staff, is the best way to get more information as well as answers to all your questions.

Or visit our partners’ websites where you can find out more about their offers:

The University of Sheffield, Department for Lifelong Learning

Sheffield Hallam University, Student Support Services 

If you have any questions for us, please contact us here

For supporters and practitioners click here for additional resources

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Film

Supporting young people and adults into higher education – Mature Students

Supporting young people and adults into higher education – Mature Students

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Grants for Students with Children or Adult Dependents 2019/20

Grants for Students with Children or Adult Dependents 2019/20

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Booklet

NameDescriptionLink
Students’ Guide to University 2024The key higher education facts for students thinking about university from UniTasterDays.comView
Higher Education as a Mature StudentHepp produced booklet which helps provide information for Mature Students who are wanting to progress onto higher education. This guide highlights support available, where you can study and routes into higher education.Download
To Go or Not To Go? The Hepp Guide to Higher EducationHepp guide to higher education. In this booklet there is information about student finance, benefits of higher education, student life, choices and pathways, degree apprenticeships and degrees in colleges.Download
To Go or Not To Go? The Hepp Guide to Higher Education (Urdu)

اعلی تعلیم کے لئے Hepp گائڈ جو اردو میں ترجمہ ہوا ہے۔ اس کتابچے میں طلباء کی مالی اعانت ، اعلی تعلیم کے فوائد ، طلباء کی زندگی ، انتخاب اور راستے ، کالجوں میں ڈگری اپرنٹسشپ اور ڈگریوں کے بارے میں معلومات موجود ہیں۔

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To Go or Not To Go? The Hepp Guide to Higher Education (Somali)Hepp wuxuu hagayaa tacliinta sare oo lagu turjumay afsoomaali. Buug-yarahaan waxaa ku jira macluumaad ku saabsan maaliyadda ardayda, faa'iidooyinka tacliinta sare, nolosha ardayga, xulashooyinka iyo waddooyinka, barashada xirfadaha iyo shahaadooyinka kulleejooyinka.Download
To Go or Not To Go? The Hepp Guide to Higher Education (Arabic)

دليل Hepp للتعليم العالي المترجم إلى اللغة العربية. يحتوي هذا الكتيب على معلومات حول تمويل الطلاب ، ومزايا التعليم العالي ، والحياة الطلابية ، والاختيارات والمسارات ، والتدريب المهني للحصول على درجات علمية ، والدرجات العلمية في الكليات.

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Information Resource

NameDescriptionLink
Skills Bootcamps NewsThe South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has been awarded £3m from the Department for Education to continue and expand its Skills Bootcamps provision across the region. Skills Bootcamps form part of the Government’s Skills for Life strategy, designed to help those aged 19+ onto the career ladder, transition back into work or progress in work while also helping employers meet skills needs across the region. Read more about this by following the linkView
The Sheffield College Courses for AdultsThis webpage is The Sheffield College's adult learning page. It links you to the adult learning courses available at The Sheffield College, as well as links to the their careers team and support for adults thinking of joining the college.View
Northern College Course ListA link to the list of courses available at Northern College, a college designed only for adults from all educational backgrounds, whether studying for the first time since school, attending a short course to gain a qualification for work or looking to make a career change by studying a new subject.View
Doncaster College’s Adult Course GuideThis webpage links you to all of the adult learning courses available at Doncaster College, from free courses to apprenticeships, access to Higher Education and ESOL courses. It also details information on the careers support and funding available.View
RNN College Group’s Adult Learning Course GuideA guide to the adult learning courses available at North Notts College, Dearne Valley College, Rotherham College and University Centre Rotherham. Includes information on financial and student support as well as student testimonials and a comprehensive course list.View
Barnsley College Adult and Part Time Course GuideBarnsley College's Adult and Part-Time course guide contains a range of courses for adults from GCSEs to apprenticeships; and Access to Higher Education courses to university-level qualifications. Many courses can be studied around your existing commitments and have funding available.View

Sessions

NameDescriptionLink
Festival of Learning – It’s never too late to learn! SlidesDuring the week commencing 7 November there was a celebration of lifelong learning in England. The Higher Education Progression Partnership ran an online session with education providers from across the Sheffield City Region to help you discover the different options for adults wanting to progress their learning. From learning a new hobby through to studying for a qualification at college or university, the options are endless!Download
Festival of Learning – It’s never too late to learn! RecordingDuring the week commencing 7 November there was a celebration of lifelong learning in England. The Higher Education Progression Partnership ran an online session with education providers from across the Sheffield City Region to help you discover the different options for adults wanting to progress their learning. From learning a new hobby through to studying for a qualification at college or university, the options are endless!View

HeppFEST Reloaded is LIVE! Rediscover four days of FREE sessions to inspire, motivate and increase the confidence of students on their journey to Higher Education. Visit website