Going to University as a Mature Student
Studying at University has never been more accessible. At the University of Cumbria we are proud to be a part of your higher education journey - whatever age you join us. In fact, over 40% of our University of Cumbria students are mature students.
Whether you're a first-time student looking to power up your skills and boost your employability, or considering going back to university to retrain, or change career at 50, we're experts in supporting mature students to succeed. Mature student is a term that covers any student over the age of 21, it is a grouping that includes a wide variety of students with one thing in common - the drive to achieve their goal. Find out how we can help you achieve yours.
Find the Qualification for You
Undergraduate study is the first higher-level qualification offered at university and often takes the form of a Bachelor of Arts or Science. It usually takes 2-4 years to complete a degree of this nature.
Our Undergraduate courses can be studied full time on campus, with some courses also available part-time. We also offer options which are 100% online through our partner international colleges.
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A Level 7 qualification, PG Diplomas & Certificates take less time to complete than a traditional Master's.
A PG Certificate is equivalent to one-third of a Master’s, whilst a PG Diploma is valued at two-thirds. Some courses may offer the opportunity to top-up PG Certificates and Diplomas to a Master's level qualification at a later date.
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A Master's Degree is a complete Level 7 qualification and can be an opportunity to explore an area of interest in further detail or take the next step towards a Doctorate.
While at the same level as a PG Diploma or Certificate, this qualification requires an intensive period of study and the completion of a dissertation.
A Master's can take one to two years to complete through full-time study. Students can focus on a taught or research course that will increase employability.
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If you already have an Undergraduate degree, a great next step is training to teach. A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is equivalent to 60 credits of a Master’s degree and is available in a number of specialisms.
A PGCE course gives you the skills you need to teach your passion in a classroom setting. Typically lasting one year, students undertake school placements, supported by one-to-one academic support in preparation for their teaching career.
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The highest level of qualification, a PhD offers the opportunity for students to make a significant contribution to their field of study. As a research based qualification, with potential taught components, a full-time PhD typically takes three to four years.
Students will become experts in their field, collaborating with others to conduct and publish a piece of research.
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Challenge yourself, enhance your career prospects and transform your future with a CPD course at the University of Cumbria. Choose from flexible online courses, accredited CPD courses and degree top-ups, apprenticeships, university-based short courses and bespoke training options. Our CPD and short university courses focus on thought leadership based learning and qualifications across three exceptional career paths: Health, Business and Education.
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Unlock your future with the University of Cumbria.
Our Return to Study programme is a free, four-week course that will help you make the transition to university and kickstart your dream career in occupational therapy, social work, and nursing (adult, mental health, or learning disabilities).
Learn more
Why Choose Cumbria
Bring your real-world experience to your studies. Get the most out of your course when we help you align your working experience with academic material – creating a course unique to you.
Our tutors are experts who teach, with heaps of industry knowledge. You’ll benefit from the expertise, network and industry connections of our academics when you join our community of students.
With flexible learning and a variety of study options, we deliver courses that fit around your life. Whatever your passion is, we’re here to support your journey, no matter what life throws at you.
OF OUR GRADUATES ARE EMPLOYED OR IN FURTHER EDUCATION WITHIN 15 MONTHS OF GRADUATING (GOS, 2020)
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Courses in the Spotlight
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
You’re passionate, caring and want to make a difference in the lives of others. Our course is designed to give you the professional and academic qualifications you need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and excel as a practising nurse.
View BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
This degree will enable you to hit the ground running to work as an adult nurse in a variety of settings including hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices, nursing homes, the armed forces and many more.
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Courses in the Spotlight
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Do you have the drive to change lives for the better? Want to inspire the next generation of learners? We’ll equip you with the training to make a difference as a passionate and enthusiastic primary and early years teacher. And, because the programme has QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) built-in, you can apply for a position as a teacher the minute you graduate.
View BA (Hons) Primary Education
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Courses in the Spotlight
BSc (Hons) Outdoor Studies
Do you have a passion to be in and learn about the outdoors and the environment? This course will challenge you to use the outdoors for environmental and societal benefits as well as giving you everything you need to kick-start your outdoor career.
View BSc (Hons) Outdoor Studies
Based at our Ambleside campus in the Lake District National Park, you will study surrounded by mountains, woods, rivers, and lakes.
We did it!
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![Ben Hargreaves, BSc (HONS) Sport Rehabilitation]()
I hadn’t been in education since leaving college at 19 with a HND in Sports Science … I was actively looking for a career change but had not considered University. I've always had a keen interest in sport and injuries and having looked at University saw the Sports Rehabilitation degree which ticked all the boxes for me in terms of interests and an exciting new career.
Ben Hargreaves, BSc (HONS) Sport Rehabilitation
Ben spent nearly 15 years out of education before deciding he wanted a change in his career. He used our 4-year Integrated Foundation Year route into Sports Rehabilitation to get back into education.
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![STEAFAN DEERY, PGCE PRIMARY WITH PHYSICAL EDUCATION SPECIALISM]()
I’ve always wanted to be a PE or primary teacher and spend the rest of my career contributing to the local community back home. My wife was already a teacher and I don’t think there’s any other career that matches teaching.
STEAFAN DEERY, PGCE PRIMARY WITH PHYSICAL EDUCATION SPECIALISM
Steafan Deery was a PE specialist with the Irish Football Association who retrained to become a teacher.
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![CHANTEL CUMPSTY, BSC (HONS) MIDWIFERY]()
My life is completely changed through retraining. I am studying for a career that I love and that feels right for me. I am very proud of what the university has enabled me to achieve. For me, the University of Cumbria is the place to study if you want to study at an up and coming, supportive university.
CHANTEL CUMPSTY, BSC (HONS) MIDWIFERY
Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Chantel lived first in Yorkshire then moved to Lancaster. She already had a degree in Women’s Studies but was unsure what to do career wise.
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Your Questions Answered
Can I Really Fit A University Course Around My Life?
Will I Be Able to Adapt to the Academic Side of My Course?
Who Will My Peers Be?
What if I Need to Pause My Studies?
Will My Qualifications Meet the Entry Requirements?
What Financial Support is Available?
Still have questions?
We know that taking the first step can be daunting. That's why our friendly admissions team are here to help you around the clock. They have decades of experience in supporting mature students, just like you, so don't hesitate to give them a call.
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