Lifelong learning at UEL
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Lifelong learning at UEL
Mature students
Mature students (aged 21 and over) make up almost half of our undergraduate community.
We welcome students of all backgrounds and ages. If you are returning to education or changing career, your life and work experience can strengthen your application.
If your experience is relevant to your course and you can demonstrate your commitment to study, we will support you to succeed.
Get back into education
If you
- have been away from education for some time
- do not have formal or current qualifications
- gained qualifications overseas and are unsure of their UK equivalency
New Beginnings
New Beginnings is a 12-week part-time course that prepares you for progression to many of our undergraduate programmes.
It helps you:
- Build academic skills
- Use your work and life experience in a higher education setting
- Prepare for undergraduate study
Pre-entry programmes and foundation years
Pre-entry programmes and foundation years: Many of our degrees include a short pre-entry course or foundation year. These routes allow you to start an undergraduate degree if you do not yet meet the entry requirements.
Information, Advice and Guidance
Information Advice and Guidance (IAG)
Our Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) team can help you explore:
- Entry requirements
- Study options
- The best route based on your experience
Contact us
Call the Information, Advice and Guidance team on +44 (0)20 8223 4354 to discuss your options.
You can also check the entry requirements on your chosen course page before applying.
Lifelong learning FAQs
What is “Lifelong Learning” at UEL?
It means routes into undergraduate study for adults who want to return to education, change career, or build their qualifications, even if they have been away from formal learning or lack recent qualifications.
Do I need formal qualifications to apply?
Not always. If you lack current or formal qualifications but have relevant experience, the university can guide you on the best pathway, including pre-entry programmes or foundation years.
Do foundation years or pre-entry courses lead to degrees?
Yes, many undergraduate degrees at UEL include pre-entry or foundation year options so you can start even if you don’t yet meet standard entry requirements.
Will I be supported throughout my studies?
UEL provides guidance at every stage, from preparing for study to choosing pathways and succeeding on your degree.
I never thought that heading towards 40, I would be a student, let alone an athlete and a Paralympian. But it’s never too late to discover your passion. I didn’t have the chance to go to university when I was younger so I've grabbed this opportunity."
Vanessa Daobry
Paralympian
I thought to myself, 'I want to turn my life around. How am I going to turn my life around?' And I thought to myself, 'I could do further education.'
Jonathan Lofulo
Jonathan enrolled in New Beginnings and entered the BA Education Studies programme, followed by an MA in Refugee Studies.