Going to University as a Mature Student
Studying at university has never been more accessible. At the University of Cumbria, we are proud to be part of your higher education journey, whatever age you join us.
Whether you're a first-time student looking to power up your skills and boost your employability, returning to university to retrain, or considering a career change at 50, we're experts in supporting mature students to succeed.
A mature student is anyone aged 21 or over. This diverse group includes people from a wide range of backgrounds, all united by one thing: the drive to achieve their goals. Find out how we can help you achieve yours.
Find the Qualification for You
An Integrated Foundation Year is an additional year of study before you begin your undergraduate course. Designed to help you succeed at university, it provides a supportive learning environment where you can develop key study skills, build subject knowledge and gain the confidence needed to progress onto a full Bachelor's degree.
It can be a great option if you're considering a career change, are unsure which degree is right for you, or do not currently meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate course.
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An undergraduate degree, also known as a Bachelor's degree, is often your first university qualification and can help you develop specialist knowledge, practical skills and the confidence to pursue your career goals.
At the University of Cumbria, most undergraduate courses are studied full-time on campus, with some also available part-time. Undergraduate degrees typically take three years to complete full-time, or five to six years when studied part-time.
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Postgraduate Certificates (PGCerts) and Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDips) are Level 7 qualifications that allow you to develop specialist knowledge and skills in less time than a full Master's degree.
A PG Certificate is equivalent to one-third of a Master’s degree, whilst a PG Diploma is valued at two-thirds. Some courses offer the opportunity to progress from a PG Certificate or PG Diploma to a full Master's qualification at a later date.
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A Master's degree is a full Level 7 qualification that allows you to explore a subject in greater depth, enhance your professional expertise or prepare for further research study.
Master's courses often combine taught modules with an independent research project or dissertation and typically take one to two years to complete when studied full-time.
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If you already have an undergraduate degree and are considering a career in teaching, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) could be your next step. We offer both campus-based and school-based PGCE courses, allowing you to choose the route that works best for you.
Typically taking one year to complete full-time, a PGCE combines academic study with practical teaching experience, providing you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a difference from your very first day in the classroom.
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A PhD is the highest academic qualification and offers the opportunity to make an original contribution to your chosen field of study. PhD students work closely with academics to investigate a topic in depth and produce a substantial piece of original research.
A full-time PhD typically takes three to four years to complete, enabling you to develop advanced research skills and become a specialist in your field.
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Our continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities are designed to help you sharpen your skills, explore new areas of expertise, and build towards a bigger career goal.
We will work with you to tailor your CPD education to meet your personal and professional development needs, with bitesize modules, degree top-ups, apprenticeships, university-based short courses and bespoke training options to choose from.
Explore CPD and Short Courses
Why Choose Cumbria
Our courses are designed with your future in mind. Through strong links with local and national employers—including law firms, schools, NHS Trusts, creative agencies and more—you’ll gain practical experience, industry insight, and the real-world skills employers are looking for.
You’ll learn from lecturers with extensive professional experience and research expertise, benefiting from the resources of a larger university within a more personalised learning environment.
With campuses in the Lake District, Lancaster, Carlisle, Barrow, and London, you’ll study in inspiring locations that combine outstanding natural surroundings with welcoming, close knit communities.
university in the North West and in the Top 5 in the UK for graduates into employment or further study within 15 months. (97.5% of graduates – HESA 2026)
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Courses in the Spotlight
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
You’re passionate, caring and want to make a difference in the lives of others. Our course is designed to give you the professional and academic qualifications you need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and excel as a practising nurse.
View BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
This degree will enable you to hit the ground running to work as an adult nurse in a variety of settings including hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices, nursing homes, the armed forces and many more.
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Courses in the Spotlight
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Do you have the drive to change lives for the better? Want to inspire the next generation of learners? We’ll equip you with the training to make a difference as a passionate and enthusiastic primary and early years teacher. And, because the programme has QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) built-in, you can apply for a position as a teacher the minute you graduate.
View BA (Hons) Primary Education
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Courses in the Spotlight
Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Studies
Do you have a passion to be in and learn about the outdoors and the environment? This course will challenge you to use the outdoors for environmental and societal benefits as well as giving you everything you need to kick-start your outdoor career.
View BSc (Hons) Outdoor Studies
Based at our Ambleside campus in the Lake District National Park, you will study surrounded by mountains, woods, rivers, and lakes.
We did it!
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![Carolyn Dobson, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing]()
If you have a passion for something, don’t wait for the right time; do it now! If I can do it as a single mum, anyone can. Be organised, give it everything you’ve got, and create the vision for yourself that you’ve always dreamed of. Even if you think you can’t, you really can with the right mindset and support from colleagues and staff at the university.
Carolyn Dobson, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
Feeling unfulfilled in her previous role and determined to build a brighter future for herself and her children, Carolyn took a leap of faith and returned to education to pursue her life-long dream of becoming a nurse.
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![Oliver Merryweather, BSc (Hons) Zoology with Integrated Foundation Year]()
If you’re considering applying to university, especially if you’re a nervous mature student like I was, then I recommend just giving it a try! Go to an open day, look around the campus and get a general feel for the place. You can talk to the tutors and get some advice, and it might just help you realise that it’s exactly the positive change you need.
Oliver Merryweather, BSc (Hons) Zoology with Integrated Foundation Year
Oliver took his first step back into learning through an Integrated Foundation Year. The experience helped him develop the confidence and skills needed to progress onto his BSc (Hons) Zoology degree, where he is now embracing every opportunity university life has to offer.
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![Carly Dawson, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling & Psychotherapy]()
Before starting university, aside from doing a short course with The Open University, I had been out of education for over 12 years, so the thought of going back into full-time education was slightly daunting. However, the learning environment is so supportive at the University of Cumbria. Not only with peers and tutors, but there are so many other areas of support available if you need it.
Carly Dawson, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling & Psychotherapy
While taking a break from education to raise her family, Carly never lost sight of her ambition to make a difference. Now she is working towards a future where she can provide the same care that once helped her navigate challenging circumstances.
Your Questions Answered
Can I really fit a university course around my life?
Will I be able to adapt to the academic side of my course?
Who will my peers be?
What if I need to pause my studies?
Will my qualifications meet the entry requirements?
What financial support is available?
GET IN TOUCH
We know that taking the first step can feel daunting, which is why our friendly Enquiry Centre team is here to help. If you're looking for more information or advice about going to university as a mature student, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an email.
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