Returning to study

• I haven't studied for many years. Is there any help with learning how to study again?
• Are there flexible methods of working, so I can fit it into the existing demands of my life?
• Apart from classes I have to attend, how many hours per week of study will I need to do?
• Won't I be out of place studying with people just out of school?
• How much will I be able to contribute to campus life if I am going home at the end of the day?
• Will I be able to stay in student accommodation?
• What support can I expect to receive as a mature student?

I haven't studied for many years. Is there any help with learning how to study again?

Yes, our tutors are experienced in working with people who have returned to study after a break, so they will be able to help support you. Staff in the Library Service also run training sessions on key study skills such as using the library, working with computers, email, file management and referencing. These are an ideal way to brush up on skills you may not have used recently or which are entirely new to you. For postgraduate students we offer courses in research methods to help students prepare for dissertations or thesis presentation.

Are there flexible methods of working, so I can fit it into the existing demands of my life?

Yes, there are a number of ways our courses can be studied; for example, many of them can be taken part time. Methods of learning and assessment vary too, depending on the subject you choose. You can learn through lectures, seminars and practicals, and be assessed by exams, projects and written assignments. Arrangements vary depending on the course, so you should contact the Student Information Desk to find out the details for specific courses.

Apart from classes I have to attend, how many hours per week of study will I need to do?

This depends on the course you choose. On full-time courses you’re generally expected to undertake some self-directed study such as reading and research, but it’s usually possible to fit this around other commitments in your life. Most of our students find that higher education gives them a certain amount of flexibility when it comes to managing their own study time. 

If you have any concerns about fitting study into your life, then please come and talk to us. Our tutors can advise you on how much work is required and help you come to the best decision for you about how to approach your coursework.

Won't I be out of place studying with people just out of school?

No, not at all. Lots of our students come to us later in life, and they fit in very well. In fact, 54% of our full-time undergraduates are over 21 on entry and 17% are over 40. So if you’re a bit (or a lot) older than typical school leavers, you can rest assured you won’t be the only one.

The campus is small and compact, so it’s really easy to join in and make friends. One of the great things about this is that you get to mix with people like yourself as well as people who are different – and this in itself can be part of your learning experience.

How much will I be able to contribute to campus life if I am going home at the end of the day?

You can contribute as much or as little as you like. As the campus is friendly and relatively small, you won’t have any problems finding out what’s going on and meeting like-minded people. Activities take place during the day as well as evenings and weekends, so you can always find something to take part in. We value every contribution, whether big or small – everyone has something to offer.

You don’t even have to take part in planned activities. There’s a great social life on campus, and people often meet up for a drink and a chat in one of the many places you can go to relax: the canteen, the coffee shop, or outside on the grass or decking if the weather’s good. Take it at your own pace, and you’ll find plenty of people who want to do the same.

Will I be able to stay in student accommodation?

If you want any help finding somewhere to live while you study, our accommodation service can provide you with information about what is available. Just contact us through the Student Information Desk if you would like further details.

What support can I expect to receive as a mature student?

We take a holistic approach to supporting our students. Whatever your circumstances, we can offer you many aspects of student support such as healthcare, childcare, careers advice, a chaplaincy service, and accommodation advice. Our Student Services team in particular can offer help with welfare, financial advice, disability support and counselling. The Students’ Guild also has a Welfare Resource and Information Centre, so wherever you are on campus, you’re not far away from support.

“I enjoyed my degree here. I studied part time, which was challenging, but the lecturers were very supportive. I’m glad that I was able to prove to myself that I could do it. What I learnt has certainly helped me in my job.”