Should You Do a Masters as a Mature Student?
There are lots of reasons to consider heading (back) to university for a Masters (especially right now).
But the thought of going to university as a so-called ‘mature’ student might be a bit intimidating. Whether you’re concerned about finance, balancing your time, or just fitting in with ‘the kids’, here’s a quick guide to let you know what to expect from postgraduate study and why entering (or re-entering) higher education could be a great idea!
Who counts as a mature student – and does it actually matter?
Perhaps, the best thing about studying a Masters as a mature student is that, technically, everybody is one too. The UK defines ‘mature students’ as those aged 21 or over. Unless there’s a whizz kid genius who skipped a few years of education, even those fresh graduates are actually mature students.
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you aren’t a recent graduate yourself. But neither are lots of other Masters students. In fact, 38% of people studying a taught postgraduate degree in the UK are aged 30 or over. That’s almost as many as are aged 21-24, by the way.
Why should you do a Masters?
There are many reasons to do a Masters when you’re older. If you’re career minded, then it could be a great opportunity to give your progression a little boost. Or, if you’re thinking about changing direction then a professional Masters or a postgraduate conversion course could allow you to retrain while also providing a degree to help you stand out from the crowd.
Returning to education is also a great way to learn something new. The whole point of a postgraduate degree is to open up your mind to study a topic in depth, and also to build upon those ever-important soft skills such as communication, organisation, and project management. A Masters is therefore a great way to build upon useful everyday skills and explore interests at a deeper level, not just to progress a career.
The first hurdle will probably be the application process as there are no fixed entry requirements (and, in most cases, no UCAS).
Entry requirements will vary from course to course and from, institution to institution.
The good news is that you won’t necessarily need a recent undergraduate degree. Current work experience, education and professional qualifications will always be considered and sometimes will be enough for admittance. Other programmes may require you to complete a foundation course or a ‘Pre-Masters’ to prepare (these are more likely to be required for international students).
Finance is the next big consideration. There are a range of options available to mature students. If you have not already completed a Masters degree then the postgraduate loan is available to people aged 59 or under. Additionally, many universities offer scholarships aimed at mature students.
If you have a family and are studying full-time then you might also be eligible to apply for a Childcare Grant (though you can’t combine this with a postgraduate loan). It’s also worth considering studying part-time to help spread the costs (and your time).
On the plus side, if you decide to study full-time then you will be exempt from council tax (and other people you live with may get a reduction on theirs). You’ll also get access to the many student discount schemes offered by businesses across the country (and world!).
Finally, we’ve reached the big question, what should you expect? Will you fit in?
The simple answer is yes, you will fit in. If you’re interested in the social side, many universities have societies run by and for mature students so you can meet other peoples in a similar boat across departments. Postgraduate societies also tend to offer a larger mix of social events that are much more accessible to older students or people with family responsibilities. They include, visits to the local pub, quiz nights, trips to sporting events, etc.
You also shouldn’t be concerned about standing out in seminars. One of the great things about higher education is that it allows people to mingle from all walks of life. Not only will you bring your unique perspective to the seminar room, but you’ll be able to learn from others whether they’re younger, older, or just simply have a different life story.
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