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 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

Student Support 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 Timetable

Top tips from a mature student Don’t panic! You are at university under your own merits and are not a ‘second class citizen’. Don’t be afraid of younger students There is no age divide at university. Younger students normally value what their more mature colleagues have to say, both academically and otherwise. Plan your time carefully As mature students often tend to have more commitments, plan ahead and allocate time in your diary to complete assignments on time. Don’t let poor learning experiences in the past deter you University is a completely different learning experience from school or college, with more focus upon independent study. Take advantage of all the support available to you It is particularly important to do this in the first academic year. Seek out all the help and study skills support available to you. Your first year is all about gaining academic confidence. Enjoy yourself! University is an experience like no other.

£180 million investment programme - a top 10 university for facilities spend Complete University Guide per cent of students in work or further study within six months of graduating DLHE Survey 2012 Award-winning student support Winner – “Outstanding Support for Students” Times Higher Education Awards 2010 Our approach

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) Increased employability

Further information and useful contacts Birmingham City University Course Enquiries Team: – UCAS: Student Finance England: NHS Grants: Social Work Bursaries: Teacher Training Bursaries: Child Tax Credits: If you are not resident in England: – Wales: Northern Ireland: – Scotland: Other EU Countries:

Find out more… University-wide Open Days: Saturday 4 October 2014 Saturday 15 November am – 3pm on both days Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham School of Acting hold their own Open Days: The next dates are to be confirmed – please check our website for up-to-date information or Course Enquiries Team

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