7 tips for applying to university as a mature student

If you’re thinking about the next step in your education or career, we have some advice to help you get started.

It might feel like there’s too much to think about when applying to university, especially later in life when you have many commitments. Some of the advice and processes may seem complex and overwhelming – but don’t worry, there’s help at hand.

Our Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) is there to support you at every stage of your journey at the University of Leeds.

Denise Edmunds, Employability and Guidance Officer at the LLC, shares some of her top tips on how to apply to university as a mature student:

1. Do some career research

Is there a specific career area that you’d like to head towards through your degree studies?

A good start is to talk to people you know who have the career you’re considering, to find out more about the reality of the job or sector.

You could also consider work experience or work shadowing to see if you actually like it, and you can include this in your application to show that you’ve researched your choice thoroughly.

Some degrees also offer a direct route into a particular career, which may save on the training you might need to do after you graduate – for example, our Social Work BA will qualify you to become a social worker.

Prospects.ac.uk provides a useful guide to the range of careers you could enter directly after undergraduate study.

It’s good to talk things through, too. You can arrange a chat with an impartial careers adviser at Leeds to discuss your ideas or concerns. Register your interest with our Advice and Guidance service.

2. Get ready for some window shopping

It may seem obvious, but shop around and browse as many courses as you can.

Remember to read the course content carefully – don’t assume that a degree with the same title at one university will offer exactly the same course content as another. Modules and teaching methods will vary between institutions.

You can search for all related courses using the UCAS website and filter for geographical areas or different study methods, such as part-time, distance learning and more.

At Leeds, our Coursefinder website is a great tool for finding the course that will suit you best – it also gives a full breakdown of modules and potential career outcomes.

Remember, choose a course topic that you’ll enjoy. If you enjoy it, you’ll stay motivated even if it gets challenging!

3. Think ahead and plan your time

Applications take time – not just to complete, check and submit, but also to process, depending on the university you’re considering.

Applications for courses may open up to a year in advance of the course starting, and some courses have early closing dates.

For most courses, if your UCAS application is submitted before 15 January, you will be considered by all your university choices. After 15 January, only courses with vacancies will consider your application.

It’s a good idea to note your deadlines for application in a calendar, and work towards submitting your application well in advance. Key information about deadlines can be found on the UCAS website.

4. Get to know the entry requirements

“I was provided with information that was extremely helpful and feel encouraged knowing that I actually have some options!” — user of our Advice and Guidance Service

Look at the entry requirements and check if you meet them. Sometimes these can vary for mature students, depending on the course or institution. If you’re not sure, contact the relevant admissions team (often listed on the course information pages).

If you don’t have the necessary Level 3 qualifications to meet the entry requirements for university, consider a Foundation Year at university or an Access to Higher Education Diploma at college. These will give you the relevant subject knowledge within one year – but always get in touch with the university’s admissions team to check if this route will allow you to progress onto your preferred degree choice.

5. Perfect your personal statement

Your personal statement shows your passion and commitment for your subject area – it’s your opportunity to shine!

Some courses may have more applicants than places, and there may be many students applying for the same course as you, so it’s important to take time to craft the best statement that you can.

Starting your personal statement can seem like a real challenge, but don’t worry, we have some advice to help your personal statement stand out.

6. See if you qualify for financial support

“Money doesn’t need to be a barrier to university,”– John Lees, External Liaison Officer at the LLC

Have you tried out the calculator on the Student Finance England website to see what funds you could access whilst studying? It provides a useful estimate of student loans and extra funding opportunities (if you’re disabled or have children, for example).

At Leeds, there’s also a raft of support and financial advice available. A great place to start is with John Lees’ blog, Nine things to know about student finance as a mature student.

7. Get to know your university

Accepting your place at university is an important decision – and remember, through alumni, it’s a lifelong relationship – so be sure to get a real feel for where you’re thinking of applying.

If you can, visit the campus – especially if your course is based there. Consider how long it would take for you to commute, or how much it would cost you to live in that area while you’re studying.

Explore the facilities that will benefit your studies, such as libraries, computer suites, student union activities, societies, student support and accessibility.

At Leeds, you can take a virtual tour, join one of many in-person guided tours throughout the year, or attend a range of open day activities. These events are a great opportunity to discuss your options as a mature student, meet other students and academics, and decide which course suits you best.

About the author

Denise Edmunds is an Employability and Guidance Officer at the Lifelong Learning Centre, offering confidential and impartial guidance to those considering higher education, or thinking about their career options following graduation.

Please note this blog is for general information only. For more guidance about studying at Leeds as a mature student, and for a range of resources and support, visit the Lifelong Learning Centre website.