 |
|
|||
|
|
|
||
| |
Studying > Undergraduate > Mature Students
Mature StudentsSam Whitchurch, BA (Hons) English "As a mature student with family commitments, I began this course with no more than a love for poetry and a handful of qualifications I'd gained at evening classes when the kids were growing up. I soon realised how much I could bring from my life experiences into my studies, and also how much the texts I studied would influence and develop my own ideas. Studying on this degree course has not only been a lesson in Literature, but also in History, Theology, Psychology, Politics and Culture. I have managed to find a healthy balance between my home life and my student life, which is made possible by the new friends I have made here, and also by the support of all the Lecturers."At the University of Exeter we very much welcome applicants who may not have come directly from school or college and who wish to return to education at different stages of their lives. We fully appreciate that the decision to enter Higher Education as a student within this category can be a difficult one in terms of commitment and financial circumstances. We will endeavour to provide the support that you need to make the most of your time here and with that support and your own determination you’ll find the whole experience very rewarding. Around a quarter of our full-time undergraduates at our Cornwall Campus are mature students, and many tell us that the smaller scale of the campus makes their transition back into full-time study easier. Our smaller teaching groups mean you won’t get lost in an over-crowded lecture theatre, and there is a wide range of support on offer to guide you through your studies. The Mature Students’ Network provides peer support and organises activities. Some students with family and work commitments do combine these with a full-time degree, particularly in arts and humanities subjects where private study can be fitted around timetabled lectures and seminars. Under the new student finance system for higher education, part-time students will continue to pay their tuition fees up-front, whilst full-time students benefit from a deferred payment system whereby they only start repaying their student loan for fees and maintenance after they have graduated and are earning more than £15,000 per year. Find out about part-time programmes offered at the Cornwall Campus >> Applying as a Mature StudentAs a mature student you may not necessarily have to have the same formal academic qualifications as other applicants. Applications will be considered on their individual merits and, in coming to a decision, your academic background and relevant experience since leaving school are taken into account. Students who wish to study full-time should apply through UCAS. Whilst we recognise that mature students may offer different qualifications and experience which will be taken into account, it is obviously important that you have adequate experience and/or qualifications. It is normally recommended that you should have undertaken some recognised systematic course of study (e.g. Access, Open University credits, or Advanced GCE) within the last three years. You may also be asked to produce a portfolio of evidence. Relevant work experience may also be considered twards your application, and therefore please supply full details with your application. If you have any queries concerning entrance requirements, please contact the Admissions Office who will be happy to advise accordingly. Following an application we may also ask you to attend an academic counselling session in order to ensure that you are suitably matched to a particular programme of study. What's it like being a mature student within our Schools?Find out more on our department webpages: School of Humanities and Social Sciences >> Tuition feesUK and EU full-time Students Government Grants and Loans Means-tested non-repayable Government maintenance grants of up to £2,765 a year (2007/8 level) are available for new full-time students from lower-income backgrounds. Further information can be found on the Aim Higher website. The University of Exeter also offers Access to Exeter bursaries that are additional to the Government maintenance grant. For further information please visit the University's Student Finance website. Additional costs There may be additional costs, such as the cost of field trips and books, for some programmes. Where applicable these are outlined in the information provided for individual subjects/degrees. Financial SupportAccess to Exeter bursaries Scholarships We offer a range of institutional and subject-specific scholarships which are awarded on academic merit. For further information visit our Scholarships and Bursaries website. Access to Learning Fund Access to Learning Funds are allocated to every university by the Government to provide extra financial support to UK students who have serious financial difficulties. Universities use these funds at their discretion to help students who might otherwise have to abandon their studies. The Access to Learning Fund can be of particular help to the following groups of students: mature students; students with dependent children; single parents; students entering higher education from care; students from low income backgrounds; students with disabilities; and final-year undergraduate students. Further information on the Access to Learning Fund is available from the Student Funding Team: tel: 01392 263858, email: money@exeter.ac.uk. Support and Advice
|
|
Search this site:
|
|
The University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK, TR10 9EZ Telephone: +44 (0)1326 371800 Copyright and Disclaimer Text too small? |
||||
