Advice for mature learners

'Mature student' means that you are over 21 when you start your course. More than half of our students who enrol at UEL each year are mature students.

Pre-entry programmes

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'Mature student' means that you are over 21 when you start your course. More than half of our students who enrol at UEL each year are mature students.

Pre-entry programmes

Advice for mature learners

How can we help?

Our qualified and friendly advisers are available to provide information, advice and guidance by email and telephone. Send us your enquiry below and we will arrange a convenient time to discuss your interests and options. We are also happy to meet you in person at University Square Stratford. Give our IAG team a call on 0208 223 4354.

The University of East London Advice service is here to answer your questions about higher education. Whether you are exploring if university is right for you or checking if your UK or overseas qualifications meet course requirements, we welcome your enquiry.

We are proud to support mature students and offer a wide range of guidance, advice and practical assistance throughout your university experience.

We strongly encourage you to visit us in person at one of our UEL open days and evenings.

Matrix accredited

We are accredited by the Matrix quality standard for Information Advice and guidance service.

Studying as mature student

We understand that some applicants may have had breaks in their education, and we are committed to helping mature students succeed at University of East London. Some begin their higher education journey with few or no qualifications and progress to a degree through pre-entry programmes or an Access to HE diploma.

Others return to education to change careers, prepare for promotion or study a subject of interest. Many mature students balance study with work, parenting or caring responsibilities, and we are here to support you throughout your journey

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Levan – New Beginnings

‘It’s always been my ambition to be a choreographer but there hasn’t always been a roadmap.' 

Learn about Levan's journey into higher education. The New Beginnings is a unique course that offers access to many degree programmes for mature learners and those without formal qualifications.

Advice for mature students

The University of East London provides free and impartial advice and guidance for mature students from a team of qualified, experienced, and friendly advisers – the Mature Information Service. Our advisers will listen to your ideas and aspirations, answer your questions and help you to realise your plans to come to university. Whether this is your first step, exploring if university is for you, or checking if you have the right qualifications from the UK (or overseas) for the course you are interested in, we welcome your enquiry.

Foundation courses

Foundation students join the Level 3 programme for the first year of study towards a Bachelor's degree. The University of East London is proud to be one of a limited number of institutions that offer the Foundation route into Higher Education. 

Find out more about a Foundation Year.

  • Advice and support

    Our advisers will listen to your ideas, answer your questions, support with mock interviews and help you to realise your plans to come to university.

  • Funding your studies

    Assess if the qualifications you have now are what’s required or if you need to do some other study first.

  • Choose your course

    Whether this is your first step, exploring if university is for you, or checking if you have the right qualifications from the UK (or overseas) for the course you are interested in.

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Natasha – Introduction to Law

'All these people are going to think that law is not a career for me because lawyers are posh, white, upper-class old men.’ 

Hear from Natasha on how she approached studying at UEL as a mature student. The Introduction to Law short course is a unique way to apply for a law degree, even if you don’t have formal qualifications.

FAQs

Our experienced and qualified Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) advisers are trained to answer your questions and to help you make plans that will work for you. Here are some of the questions you have asked.

I am thinking of a career change. What qualifications do I need to get on a degree course?

This depends on your individual situation and what you want to study.  We can help you review what you already have and what you might need to meet the requirements for courses.  For example, maybe start with a short course that gives you the foundation to then start your degree. Your previous qualifications may be enough to get you on to a postgraduate course.

I left school with no qualifications. Can I come to university?

In the IAG service we see very many people come back to education after time away either working or raising a family. The good news is that there are options open to you to get you ready to study for a degree course.  For example, Pre-entry programmes at the University of East London, Access to Higher Education courses at further education colleges or a preparatory or foundation year of a degree course.  Why not speak to an adviser to find out more?

What types of degree courses are there?

Undergraduate degrees, also known as Bachelor or first degrees, can be 3 years (or 4 years with a Foundation year). There are also some 4 year degrees that include a postgraduate award such as an MSc (quite common for subjects like engineering).
After a first degree, it is possible next to do a Master's degree, normally 1 or 2 years long.   Beyond an MA/MSc there is research and perhaps a PhD degree.

I'm not sure if I can afford university. How do the fees and funding work?

Funding depends on your circumstances but normally UK and EU applicants can get a tuition fee loan (paid directly to your university) for one undergraduate degree. In addition, UK applicants can apply for a repayable maintenance loan. Other arrangements apply to international students who pay their own fees and living costs.  Some bursaries and scholarships are available - check if you're eligible.

How do I apply?

For full-time undergraduate courses you apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This service sends your application to up to 5 universities on your behalf. Register with UCAS, fill in a form and write a personal statement before submitting your application. See: www.ucas.com/undergraduate

For most postgraduate courses apply directly to the university except for Teacher Training (UCAS) and some professional courses. You can apply for preparatory courses at the University of East London such as Get into Nursing, Introduction to Law or New Beginnings by contacting the IAG service who will help you apply.

I am confused about which course I should study

Why not talk to an adviser who can help you consider your options? Consider whether you want to study something you know and have enjoyed or opt for something new and unfamiliar. Do you want a work-related degree - accounting, engineering, nursing, physiotherapy, social work etc,  or to use a degree to make a career change? 

Check courses on our course finder page and explore careers information on the Prospects website.