- Where to start?
- Step 1: Choosing courses
- Step 2: Applying
- Step 3: Offers
- Step 4: Results
- Step 5: Next steps
- Step 6: Starting university or college
- UCAS Tariff
- UCAS terms explained
- Student finance
- Events
- News
- Important dates
- Student number controls
'Embrace the challenge and make positive changes to your life'
Name: Mark S
Age: 50
Studying: MRes Psychological Research Methods at Loughborough University
Qualifications: BSc Psychology
I left school at the age of 16 in 1977. At that time university wasn't discussed as an option. All my friends left school at the same time and like me got jobs as apprentices in a trade.
Being made redundant twice in quick succession. I decided to enter further education as a means of obtaining a qualification which would give me more opportunities In the workplace. I searched the internet and came across the Leicester College website. The website informed me of all the available courses and options for a mature student. I enrolled at Leicester College where I obtained an Access to HE Diploma in Humanities and Social Science, which enabled me to gain a place on the BSc Psychology course at Loughborough University. After graduating I stayed on at the university to take a postgraduate degree in psychological research methods.
Returning to education after 30 years left me wondering how I would be able to cope not only with the demands, but also with how other students would react to me. I am pleased to say everybody has been very supportive and helped alleviate any concerns. Loughborough University has a strong support network for mature students, and this was evident on the open day prior to enrolling. At the open day I received a personal touch rather than just being one of a crowd. This support has continued throughout my time at the university.
I was also concerned about the financial demands of going to university, but the generous bursaries and grants available to me as a mature student enabled me to complete the degree. With good time management it has also been possible to fit in a part-time job alongside studying.
The undergraduate degree was challenging, as is the postgraduate degree. However, I was grateful to be given a second chance in education and relished the challenge. Fortunately, the initial support I received to settle in left me in a better position to concentrate on the course.
Although there are obvious demands in completing a degree, you are not left completely on your own, as tutors and support staff are always willing to help. The course was enjoyable, which made the challenge of completing assignments so much easier. My advice to others would be to embrace the challenge and make positive changes to your life. The opportunity is there for all and I would thoroughly recommend anybody contemplating higher education to 'do it'. If I can, anyone can.
When I embarked on the course I wasn't sure what to expect. Although I realised there was the incentive of a higher level qualification, I wasn't aware of the benefits I would receive in other areas of my life. I feel more confident, not just academically, but in a variety of life situations. I enjoy being actively involved myself in mature student open days at Loughborough, and other events arranged for mature students. I participate because I enjoy passing on details of my positive experiences to encourage others to do the same.