Return To Study Programme

Unlock your future with our free, six-week course to help you transition to a university degree.

Thinking about returning to education but unsure where to start? Our Return to Study programme supports your transition to university and helps you take the first step toward your dream career.

You'll have the opportunity to choose a pathway from Business, Nursing, Social Work, Health & Social Care, Psychology, Occupational Therapy.

Not sure if university is right for you or worried about entry requirements? This programme helps you explore your options and find the best route forward. Our friendly tutors will support you every step of the way.

Applying is simple:

Upload a photo or scan of your Level 2 English and Maths qualifications (e.g., GCSE or Functional Skills).
If you don’t have a Level 2 Maths qualification, don’t worry - there’s a space on the form to let us know.
The form takes about 15 minutes to complete and consists of four sections.
You can save your progress and return anytime before submitting.

The form takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is split into 4 sections for ease. Each section needs to be completed before you can move onto the next section. You can save and return to the form at any time if you need to before submitting.

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Start Date

Wednesday 14 May (tbc)

Duration

Six weeks

Delivery

Online

Tuition Fees

Free

Entry Requirements

Aged 21+ (on or before 01 September 2025)

GCSE English at grade 4/C or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English

Currently resident within the UK

Must not currently be studying at level 3 (for example, A-level or T-level study or equivalent)

student writing on notebook Banner Image

WHY TAKE PART IN OUR RETURN TO STUDY PROGRAMME?

Get a taste of university life

with an immersive introduction to life and study at the University of Cumbria

Build your academic skills

to feel more confident in your application and transition to university after your break from education

Get a head start

in gaining a place on your chosen degree course

Meet other students

who could be studying the same course as you from September 2024

Boost your university application

with specialist support and guidance

What will you do on the programme?

Our Return to Study programme takes place over eight evening sessions across four weeks and is designed to fit around your other commitments. Choose between our vibrant Lancaster and Carlisle (Fusehill Street) campuses for your face-to-face sessions, where you will master the fundamental academic and digital skills required for studying for a degree, explore what it means to be a health professional, and take part in sessions tailored to your chosen degree subject. You will meet our friendly teaching team and current students to discover first-hand what it’s like to study your chosen course. If you have any questions or are looking for personal advice and guidance, our team will be happy to help.

As well as face-to-face sessions, you will join us for convenient online sessions where you will explore our extensive student support services, and get expert guidance for your university application, including help with preparing for your interview.

This programme will prepare you to successfully progress to our degrees in Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Social Work (subject to meeting the entry requirements and passing your interview).

What happens after the programme?

If you choose to progress to an undergraduate degree, towards the end of the Return to Study programme you will be supported in preparing your application to study your choice of Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Learning Disabilities Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or Social Work. As part of the application process, you will attend an interview on either 4 July 2024 or 5 July 2024.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, you might be eligible to apply for the Health and Social Care with Integrated Foundation Year degree. This will mean you study an additional foundation year, through which you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to progress to your chosen undergraduate degree.

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HEAR FROM PAST RETURN TO STUDY PARTICIPANTS

For anyone considering whether to apply for the Return to Study programme, I could not recommend it highly enough. Just investing that small amount of time has the potential to start you on a new path with enhanced prospects. It can seem daunting to take the first step but, speaking from experience, it is a step in the right direction.

Heidi Dyson
The Return to Study course helped me to gain some essential skills to progress into my dream career. The tutors were supportive and helpful throughout my time. It's a great opportunity for anyone. University of Cumbria is a lovely university with amazing support. It gave me confidence to use the university systems and what to expect in further education.

Lucy Vaughan
The course gave me clarity on my desired path and enabled me to attain the entry requirement for the nursing degree. The supportive environment and professional tutors made it an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in advancing their education. By the end of the course, I was digitally equipped, my academic writing had improved, and I was energised to embark on a journey of reaching what I had previously perceived as impossible.

Cecilia Njoroge
I found the summer school really beneficial and a positive experience. The course tutors supported the group throughout the course, and always answered questions and signposted where appropriate. The university staff were very welcoming and supportive, it felt very genuine as though we were wanted there as prospective future students.

Fiona Simpson