Information for Mature Students

Some facts about mature students…

• A ‘mature’ student is aged over 21

• In recent years the number of mature students entering higher education (HE) has been increasing

• At Birmingham City University around 60% of students are classed as ‘mature’

• Mature students are welcomed to study at HE institutions

Deciding to go to university

• Why become a mature student?– Change career – Learn new skills– Study a subject of interest– Return to study after having a

family– Loss of employment– No motivation at work– Need a new challenge

Deciding to go to university

• Any concerns?– Finances– Time management– Exams– Assessments– Stress– What if I can’t cope?– What will a typical timetable

look like?

Part-time study

• Benefits of part-time study– Same course and qualification

as full-time study– Work while you study– Employers may contribute to

your tuition fees– Same levels of student support

and facilities– Study can fit in around family

and work commitments– Potential to progress in your

career– Large group of like-minded

people

Forms of assessment

• Assignments• Essays• Reports• Presentations• Placements• Exams• Group work• Practical assessment• Dissertation

Support Available

• Libraries• Personal Tutor• Centre for Academic

Success– Taking notes– Preparing for exams– Research– Essay writing– Report writing– Presentations– Referencing– Time management

• Student Services– Advice and guidance for issues

relating to health and wellbeing, money, careers and childcare

• Students’ Union– Dedicated Officer to look after

mature students’ interests and activities

Indicative Student Timetable

Why choose Birmingham City University?

• A top 30 university for placing students in graduate-level jobsSunday Times University Guide 2013

• £180 million investment programme - a top 10 university for facilities spendComplete University Guide 2013

• 90 per cent of students in work or further study within six months of graduatingDLHE Survey 2012

• Award-winning student supportWinner – “Outstanding Support for Students” Times Higher Education Awards 2010

Our approach • We focus on professional practice and employability

Our staff have excellent links to and come from industry – working with the likes of Apple, Jaguar Land Rover, Cisco and CartierOur courses are underpinned with practice-based learning and experienceWe ‘future proof’ our graduates by providing skills for real life

• We take pride in our friendly, inclusive attitudeRecognised sector-leading partnerships between staff and studentsAward-winning outstanding student support

• Providing real-life experienceWe offer practical solutions for business through placements, graduate employment and knowledge transferGain work experience through OpportUNIty - Student Jobs on Campus

Mature students at university

• Overall Benefits:– Life-long learning– Enhance skills and knowledge– Better career prospects– Commitment– Share life experiences– Gain qualifications– Achievement– Age is no barrier to learning!

Increased employability

• Transferable employment skills:

‘‘Employability skills are a set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace.’’

The Confederation of British Industry

• Transferable skills are those which are pertinent to employment generally, such as communication, presentation, team-working, numeracy, analytical, problem-solving and ICT skills

• Maintain independence of thought and be self-reliant (self-confidence)

• Capacity for self-discipline, motivation and diligence (independence)

• Respond positively to changing circumstances (adaptability)

Further information and useful contacts

• Birmingham City University Course Enquiries Team: – 0121 331 5595 www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/choices

• UCAS: www.ucas.com• Student Finance England: 0845 300 5090• NHS Grants: 0845 358 6655• Social Work Bursaries: 0845 610 1122• Teacher Training Bursaries: 0845 600 0991• Child Tax Credits: 0845 300 3900• If you are not resident in England:

– Wales: 0845 602 8845 Northern Ireland: 0845 600 0662– Scotland: 0845 111 1711 Other EU Countries: 01412 433 570

Find out more…

• University-wide Open Days– 6 November 2013

• 9am – 3pm

• Birmingham Conservatoire Open Day – TBC

• Birmingham School of Acting Open Day – TBC

www.facebook.com/birminghamcityuniversity

www.twitter.com/MyBCU

www.bcu.ac.uk or Course Enquiries Team 0121 355 5595

And Finally…

• This is what some of our own mature students have to say…– “Studying part-time at BCU enabled me to complete my degree while

holding down a full-time job. The course was flexible which meant that I could fit it around my other commitments and the lecturers were always willing to help. I met some fantastic people while studying at the University and I’m still in touch with many of them today.”• Rachel Whitehouse, BSc (Hons) Management - 2008

– “Support from staff has been fantastic - very much an open door policy. Without being patronising and chastising, they still encourage me to be pro-active and work things out for myself. Their advice has been invaluable. The Personal Development Department acts as a supportive backup for those struggling with academic writing. The lecturers are so knowledgeable and passionate. My placements have been incredibly varied and relevant. The content on the modules has been interesting and the library is amazing!”• Emma Linden, BSc Nursing (Hons) - Mental Health