Removing barriers for adult learners
If you’re considering studying later in life, don’t assume you need formal qualifications like GCSEs or A Levels to enter higher education. Sitara Akram, Centre Manager at the Lifelong Learning Centre, reveals how previous work and life experience can all be part of a successful application.
We know that mature learners coming back to education may have completed their GCSEs (or O Levels) some time ago, or left school without formal qualifications. This can sometimes act as a real or perceived barrier to pursuing higher education.
Whilst it is true that universities often talk about course entry requirements in terms of A Levels, in reality, they accept a variety of qualifications. Some universities also have pathways available for applicants who do not hold these formal qualifications.
It’s not just about grades
At the University of Leeds, we’re committed to inclusive admissions. This means using different ways of recruiting and supporting a diverse range of students, including mature learners.
One way of opening up university to applicants from diverse backgrounds is through an approach called contextual admissions — where an applicant’s previous education, experience and other factors are taken into consideration.
There are two main contextual admissions schemes at the University of Leeds. One is for school leavers who are completing A Level and BTEC qualifications. This scheme is called Access to Leeds and recruits students from under-represented backgrounds, using a set of priorities such as household income and being the first in the family to attend university.
Alternative opportunities
The second main scheme is called the Alternative Entry Scheme, and is for applicants who have been out of compulsory education for three years or more.
This scheme is run by the Lifelong Learning Centre, our specialist service and academic school focused on creating transformational education opportunities for learners from under-represented backgrounds, or for those returning to study after a gap.
The scheme includes Maths and English exams set by the Lifelong Learning Centre, and a 1,500-word essay. Applicants who do not hold GCSE qualifications or whose grades do not meet the University’s entry requirements will sit these exams with the Centre.
Applicants who do not hold A Levels or BTEC qualifications will be asked to complete the essay. We offer support throughout, including Maths support and learning resources. All applicants get a re-sit opportunity.
Alternative entry is available for all courses taught by the Lifelong Learning Centre, including our extended degrees with a foundation year which lead on to hundreds of degrees at Leeds across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Business Studies.
If you want to study a healthcare programme like Nursing, for example, then you must hold GCSE qualifications as this is a requirement of registration as a professional. We can advise you about all this — get in touch with the Lifelong Learning Centre to find out more.
Starting a new journey
If you are thinking about studying at the University of Leeds and do not have formal qualifications, don’t let this hold you back. You’ll bring unique talents, life and work experience with you and we can assess your readiness to study.
In the last academic year, 99 students successfully completed our Alternative Entry Scheme and started their journey at Leeds. We hope you will also feel encouraged to get in touch and have a chat with us.
We offer impartial advice and guidance as well as support with every step of the application process.
Give it a go!
Sitara Akram is Centre Manager at the University of Leeds’ Lifelong Learning Centre.
