Courses for mature students
Mihai Flueraru
January 19, 2026
If you’re a mature student thinking about going back to education in the UK, choosing the right course can feel overwhelming.
You might be asking yourself:
- What courses are actually realistic for someone my age?
- Do I need A-levels or recent qualifications?
- Can I study while working or raising a family?
- Is it even worth going back now?
You’re not alone. Thousands of adults in the UK ask these exact questions every year.
On this page, you’ll find a clear, honest overview of university courses for mature students, how to compare your options properly, and what to consider if you’re looking for online courses for mature students or flexible degrees that fit around real life — not just student life.
How to choose a course for you
Choosing a course as a mature student is very different from choosing one at 18.
Back then, many people picked something because:
- a teacher suggested it,
- friends were applying,
- or it “sounded good”.
As a mature student, you’re usually more practical — and that’s a good thing.
Here are the main things to consider.
Previous experience
Your work and life experience matters far more than you think.
Many entry requirements for mature students in the UK are flexible and consider:
- work history,
- professional experience,
- informal learning,
- motivation and commitment.
You may not need traditional A-levels or any other college/ high school diploma if you can show you’re ready for degree-level study.
Future goal
Ask yourself one simple question:
What do I want this course to help me achieve?
That could be:
- a better-paying job,
- a career change,
- progression in your current field,
- or personal fulfilment.
A course that doesn’t move you closer to a clear goal often becomes frustrating — especially when you’re juggling work and family.
Lifestyle & schedule
This is crucial for mature students.
You need to think about:
- your working hours,
- childcare or family responsibilities,
- travel distance,
- energy levels.
Many mature students do best on:
- part-time courses,
- 2-day-per-week programmes,
- evening or weekend study,
- blended or online formats.
Level of commitment
Some people are ready for a full degree straight away.
Others benefit from a gentler re-entry through:
- foundation courses,
- Access to HE,
- or college pathways.
Different routes exist for a reason — not everyone needs to jump straight into year one.
There are different routes such as foundation courses and Access to HE for mature students, and choosing the right one can make the difference between enjoying your studies and burning out.
We can help you find the perfect course
How to compare university courses as a mature student
Two courses can look similar on paper — but feel completely different in real life.
Here’s what you should compare carefully.
Fees
Most mature students want to know:
- is the course funded?
- how much will I actually have to pay?
Before choosing a course, it’s essential to check what funding you can get as a mature student, including tuition fees and maintenance support.
How the courses are taught
Ask questions like:
- Is it exam-heavy or coursework-based?
- Are lectures recorded?
- Is attendance flexible?
- Is there support for students returning to study?
Teaching style matters a lot more when you haven’t been in education for a while.
Employment rate and salaries after study
A degree is an investment of time and energy.
Look at:
- graduate outcomes,
- employability support,
- placement options,
- typical career paths after graduation.
This doesn’t mean you should only chase salary — but you should understand the return on your effort.
University and college course pages
Always check:
- official course pages,
- module lists,
- assessment methods,
- progression routes.
Marketing headlines don’t tell the full story — the details do.
Examples of popular courses for mature students
Below are examples of mature student courses that adults commonly choose in the UK. These aren’t recommendations — just realistic options many people explore.
Law degree for mature students
Law attracts mature students who:
- enjoy structured thinking,
- want intellectual challenge,
- are interested in justice, policy, or professional roles.
It’s demanding, but many universities welcome mature applicants with strong motivation and life experience.
Management courses for mature students
A popular choice for those .
Management degree suits mature students who:
- enjoy learning deeply,
- prefer analytical and research-based work,
- are interested in becoming leaders and get promoted.
You can pick from Accounting, Business, Construction, Hospitality, Health Care, and even Fasion.
Psychology courses for mature students
Psychology is one of the most popular mature student degrees.
People choose it because:
- it connects strongly with life experience,
- it helps in careers working with people,
- it builds understanding of behaviour, wellbeing, and communication.
Many students go on to further training, counselling, or applied roles.
Art foundation courses for mature students
Art foundation courses are often used as a re-entry route into creative degrees.
They’re ideal if:
- you want to build a portfolio,
- you haven’t studied formally in years,
- you want to explore creative direction before committing to a degree.
Online courses for mature students
Online courses appeal to students who need maximum flexibility.
They work well if you:
- work full-time,
- live far from campus,
- need to manage family responsibilities.
Not all online courses are funded in the same way, so it’s important to check before applying.
You can explore more courses for mature students and check which degrees are funded directly on our Courses page – Enrollmate.
How to apply to a course as a mature student
Applying as a mature student is not the same as applying straight from school.
The process usually includes:
- choosing the right route (degree, foundation, Access),
- preparing a personal statement that reflects real experience,
- gathering documents and references,
- applying through UCAS or directly (depending on the course),
- applying for Student Finance.
We can help you with the whole process – from choosing the right course to submitting your application and Student Finance forms.
What to do if you don’t know which course is right for you
This is more common than you think.
Many mature students:
- know they want change,
- but don’t know which course fits best.
That’s exactly why we created a mature students hub — to help you
