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 jobs Sunday Times University Guide 2013 £180 million investment programme - a top 10 university for facilities spend Complete University Guide 2013 90 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 Why us? Recognition from outside, independent sources: One of the top 30 universities in the UK for placing students in graduate-level jobs – Sunday Times league table One of the top 10 universities in the UK for spending on facilities – the independent Complete University Guide. We are investing £180 million on new facilities including two-stage expansion of City Centre Campus. Each year, the independent National Student survey asks our final year students to rate their teaching experience – the latest survey (2012) saw our overall satisfaction rating rising to 83%. 87% of our students said staff were good at explaining things and 86% said staff were enthusiastic about what they taught. Award-winning student support – THE Award for Student Academic Partners scheme, where staff and students work together to find ways to make our learning even better

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 Cartier Our courses are underpinned with practice-based learning and experience We ‘future proof’ our graduates by providing skills for real life We take pride in our friendly, inclusive attitude Recognised sector-leading partnerships between staff and students Award-winning outstanding student support Providing real-life experience We offer practical solutions for business through placements, graduate employment and knowledge transfer Gain work experience through OpportUNIty - Student Jobs on Campus Professional practice and employability: Many of our staff have done, or still do, work with the leading companies or organisations in their field giving them insight into the latest trends in the sector Needs of business and industry are fed into our course content, ensuring our students are equipped with the latest knowledge Friendly, inclusive attitude: Student-Academic partnerships team up staff and students to work together on projects to make our teaching even better Scheme won prestigious Times Higher Education Award in 2010 and has continued to progress since then Real-life experience: Our close relationships with business give our students the chance to take part in placements from a few weeks to a whole year where they put the knowledge they had learned into practice Many students who go on placement end up returning to the same company to work full-time Our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships team up students, staff and employers to find solutions to real-life business problems, again giving our students access to valuable experience and contacts Our new student employment agency Opportunity – Student Jobs on Campus gives you the chance to apply to work in various roles within the university, providing experience in the application process and giving you the chance to develop your employability skills in 20 key areas, identified in consultation with organisations including the Confederation of British Industry and the National Union of students.

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 www.bcu.ac.uk or Course Enquiries Team 0121 355 5595 www.facebook.com/birminghamcityuniversity www.twitter.com/MyBCU

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