Mature Students’ Guide
Education For All
Higher education is for everyone, regardless of age. There are many different reasons to enrol on a course with University Centre Farnborough. This might include the desire to start a new career or develop an existing one, to turn an interest into something more, or to take a ‘second chance’ and open a new chapter in life.
As a mature student you may be worried about how you’ll cope with the demands of academic work – particularly if you’ve been out of education for a few years. However, we offer lots of support to help you make the most of your time with us.
Feeling a bit rusty when it comes to studying?
If you’re lacking confidence or haven’t studied in a while you may want to consider starting your studies with one of our Access to Higher Education diplomas.
An Access to Higher Education course could help prepare you for your return to study and help you achieve the qualifications for a university-level course and are specifically designed for adults looking to progress to higher education.
Funding your Studies
Higher education is a major investment and working out how you’ll pay for it is a big part of deciding to study. One of the many ways in which we help our students to be successful is by making sure that we provide support for meeting the costs of studying for those who need it.
This could include:
- Our cash bursary available to many eligible students
- The student finance loan for students starting their first Degree or Higher Education course. There are no upfront fees to be paid, there is no upper age limit for the loan and you don’t start repaying until you earn more than £21,000 per year
- The governments Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of an Access to higher education diploma
Find out more information about funding here or by contacting us at 01252 407339 or emailing info@farn-ct.ac.uk.
A Welcoming Environment
There is no typical mature student. We accept students of all ages and from all walks of life. Because we don’t use lecture theatres as teaching spaces, your classes here will feel more personal and will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback and get to know your lecturers and classmates.
Our new UCF Study Centre is also tailored to create a welcoming space for all of our degree students. We also offer a wide range of part-time and work-based programmes. So that you can fit your study around your other commitments.
Childcare Facilities
Our fun and friendly on-site nursery is very popular and has helped many students balance their childcare and study needs.
Our aim is to provide a broad and balance curriculum for children aged three months and older, meeting the individual needs of your child through our fully qualified and enthusiastic staff.
For more information or to arrange a visit, email bookworms@farn-ct.ac.uk or call 01252 407080.
Access for all
Higher education is an option for all. Our typical entry requirements are measured in terms of the UCAS Tariff, but we welcome students from all backgrounds to apply as we value the work and life experiences students bring to our courses.This is why we offer places based not only on formal qualifications but also on individual merit and the ability to develop.
We offer a variety of course types and study options which you can find out about here.
Get in Touch
If you’re unsure if you meet the entry requirements for a course or if you have other commitments that you feel may effect how you study feel free to get in touch with us before enrolling on a course.
Our friendly admissions team is available on 01252 507028 or at admission@farn-ct.ac.uk. Alternatively, visit one of our Open Events to see our facilities, speak to tutors and ask any questions you might have about studying with us.
