Return To Study Programme

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 Nursing, Social Work, Health & Social Care, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Business, Wildlife Media, Photography, Film & TV.

Not sure if university is right for you or worried about entry requirements? This programme helps you explore your options and 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.

Sign Up

Start Date

Wednesday 14 May

Duration

Six weeks

Delivery

Online sessions will take place every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, starting on Wednesday 14th May and running until Wednesday 18th June.

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)

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WHY TAKE PART IN OUR RETURN TO STUDY PROGRAMME?

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Get a taste of university life

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

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Build your academic skills

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

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Get a head start

in gaining a place on your chosen degree course

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Meet other students

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

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Boost your university application

with specialist support and guidance

 

Contact the Course Enquiry Centre

Our Course Enquiry Centre is here to help you with all your questions relating to your return to study, and advise you through the process.

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What will you do on the programme?

Session 1 introduces the university, the programme structure, support available, including course-specific talks, a Q&A for mature applicants, and guidance on the pre-entry written assignment.

In Session 2, we’ll begin with Study Skills 1: Research and Sourcing Information, where you'll develop techniques to find and evaluate academic sources.

Session 3 will focus on Study Skills 2: Reading, Note Taking, and Planning, helping you organise your study materials and manage your time.

In Session 4, we’ll look at Study Skills 3: Writing, offering practical guidance on academic writing styles, structure, and clarity.

Finally, Session 5 will provide a recap of all the skills covered, include a Q&A session, and introduce key digital skills to support your independent study journey.

In your final session, you will join us for an engaging course talk where you will meet some of the teaching team from your chosen programme and get a deeper understanding of the course, accompanied by an informal Q&A session.

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 Nursing, Social Work, Health & Social Care, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Business, Wildlife Media, Photography, Film & TV.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, you might be eligible to apply for the programme's 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.

Sign Up

HEAR FROM PAST RETURN TO STUDY PARTICIPANTS

  • Heidi Dyson

    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

  • Lucy Vaughan

    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

  • Fiona Simpson

    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