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Mature student

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X

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By *appy squirrelWoman
over a year ago

Norwich

done an extra qualification at uni 2014- they all looked increasingly young there but I was lucky as all of us were older due to the nature of the course.

it has been really great though- it was something I wanted to learn and not these things that you had to do like at school. and I found out that I actually like learning again!!!

not sure what kind of tips you'd need - I'd just say enjoy the learning experience and happy perving over all the young male students

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Mrs N is just about to finish her OU physics degree. 8 years in the making, and at considerable cost. But if you have your heart set on it. Get on it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"done an extra qualification at uni 2014- they all looked increasingly young there but I was lucky as all of us were older due to the nature of the course.

it has been really great though- it was something I wanted to learn and not these things that you had to do like at school. and I found out that I actually like learning again!!!

not sure what kind of tips you'd need - I'd just say enjoy the learning experience and happy perving over all the young male students "

Thanks for your reply. Yes I'm doing something now I genuinely want to as opposed to an unrealistic degree path that at the end I'm unlikely to find employment. And the young students and hot tutors will help. X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'll keep an eye on this thread. I want to train as a primary school teacher. I'm shitting myself at the prospect of giving up a job to study. It's nearly 20 years since I left school.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Mrs N is just about to finish her OU physics degree. 8 years in the making, and at considerable cost. But if you have your heart set on it. Get on it. "

Brilliant well done Mrs N. I'm doing a full time degree 3 yrs at edge hill. I'm lucky enough to be self employed and my work is predominantly of an evening.

I know it will be hard going especially as most of my degree will be placement as opposed to lecture seminar based but I'm determined to make this work for mine and my children's future x

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By *orum TrollWoman
over a year ago

•+• Access Denied •+•

check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I'll keep an eye on this thread. I want to train as a primary school teacher. I'm shitting myself at the prospect of giving up a job to study. It's nearly 20 years since I left school. "

Go for it!!! And I believe teaching degree is a one of the 'not so harsh' degree paths (not my words, my psychology tutors) PM me if you want to chat. I done a fast forward programme which gave me to relevant points to my said degree x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've just done it, finally did my degree I'm in my 40's with two kids at home and now I've just been offered a PhD studentship. I am so glad I did it. There were lots of mature students on my course some much older than me. I had a great time, feel free to message me if you want any more detailed info

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I'll keep an eye on this thread. I want to train as a primary school teacher. I'm shitting myself at the prospect of giving up a job to study. It's nearly 20 years since I left school.

Go for it!!! And I believe teaching degree is a one of the 'not so harsh' degree paths (not my words, my psychology tutors) PM me if you want to chat. I done a fast forward programme which gave me to relevant points to my said degree x"

Thanks. I will do.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them."

Can I just say I love your posts and how you think, your totally a philosophical person like myself x

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I've just done it, finally did my degree I'm in my 40's with two kids at home and now I've just been offered a PhD studentship. I am so glad I did it. There were lots of mature students on my course some much older than me. I had a great time, feel free to message me if you want any more detailed info "

Wow that's amazing, well bloody done you! I just feel I'm a bit past it now sometimes but other times I realise I've got until I'm past 60 until I retire and I want to make a carear now x

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By *orum TrollWoman
over a year ago

•+• Access Denied •+•


"check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them.

Can I just say I love your posts and how you think, your totally a philosophical person like myself x"

funny you should say that, i just did my first ever philosophy course on 'god, knowledge, and consciousness' and highly enjoyed it.

think i'm going to do part 2 of 'women have always worked next', really enjoyed part 1. when i'm able to concentrate.

anyway the site i'm using is edx, loads of great courses on there if you fancy having a nosey.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Technically I did as I was 22, does sound much of an age gap but was nearly a generation gap with must I came across.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them.

Can I just say I love your posts and how you think, your totally a philosophical person like myself x

funny you should say that, i just did my first ever philosophy course on 'god, knowledge, and consciousness' and highly enjoyed it.

think i'm going to do part 2 of 'women have always worked next', really enjoyed part 1. when i'm able to concentrate.

anyway the site i'm using is edx, loads of great courses on there if you fancy having a nosey. "

I studied psychology originally with history. I did want philosophy as my major but my uni back then didn't offer it and a few people kinda told me it's a subject that's becoming less known hence why I went for the latter. I touched on the subject though in my first year as its closely related x

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By *inky-MinxWoman
over a year ago

Grantham

I did my second degree as a mature student and it was great. Got on fine with the younger ones

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A relation of mine done her degree after having children at 45 and is now doing her masters at 52 and she loves it, age is but a number. If it's what you want to do go for it.

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By *orum TrollWoman
over a year ago

•+• Access Denied •+•


"check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them.

Can I just say I love your posts and how you think, your totally a philosophical person like myself x

funny you should say that, i just did my first ever philosophy course on 'god, knowledge, and consciousness' and highly enjoyed it.

think i'm going to do part 2 of 'women have always worked next', really enjoyed part 1. when i'm able to concentrate.

anyway the site i'm using is edx, loads of great courses on there if you fancy having a nosey.

I studied psychology originally with history. I did want philosophy as my major but my uni back then didn't offer it and a few people kinda told me it's a subject that's becoming less known hence why I went for the latter. I touched on the subject though in my first year as its closely related x"

just did a search and there are 73 philosophy courses.

what sort of history did you do? i tend to be interested in social history mostly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Like 3sum, I do a lot of non degree home studying albeit in the field I work in but they give me credits which I can use towards a degree.

I've not long turned 40 & it's only now that I know what I want to do!

It's never too late to reach for the stars!

Well that's my philosophy anyway

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them.

Can I just say I love your posts and how you think, your totally a philosophical person like myself x

funny you should say that, i just did my first ever philosophy course on 'god, knowledge, and consciousness' and highly enjoyed it.

think i'm going to do part 2 of 'women have always worked next', really enjoyed part 1. when i'm able to concentrate.

anyway the site i'm using is edx, loads of great courses on there if you fancy having a nosey.

I studied psychology originally with history. I did want philosophy as my major but my uni back then didn't offer it and a few people kinda told me it's a subject that's becoming less known hence why I went for the latter. I touched on the subject though in my first year as its closely related x

just did a search and there are 73 philosophy courses.

what sort of history did you do? i tend to be interested in social history mostly."

Ancien history. (30 credits I think as a minor ) it touched on many things that I enjoy about history , not really into the religious side, more political and ancient I enjoy although I do enjoy some aspects of postmodernism stuff x

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By *mm_n_ZedCouple
over a year ago

Fareham


"Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X"

I did an access to University course when I was 43... did a full time 3 year degree at 44, graduated at 47. Since then I did a PGCE and am now a teacher - go for it!

Emm x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X"

I did my first degree in my 30s and am doing a second degree now. Best thing I ever did. Make it something you want to do (so it'll inspire you through the tough bits), get as organised as you can, and if you can get a support network (other students and at home) going it'll be a great help. Feel welcome to PM me. Good luck!!

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X

I did an access to University course when I was 43... did a full time 3 year degree at 44, graduated at 47. Since then I did a PGCE and am now a teacher - go for it!

Emm x"

Thank you. Messages like this make me more determined and not think I'm 'too old' x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X

I did my first degree in my 30s and am doing a second degree now. Best thing I ever did. Make it something you want to do (so it'll inspire you through the tough bits), get as organised as you can, and if you can get a support network (other students and at home) going it'll be a great help. Feel welcome to PM me. Good luck!! "

This is reassuring too.

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By *agneto.Man
over a year ago

Bham

Yeah I went back at 29. It was ok. They used to call me dad but am still friends with many of my fellow students today.

It is hard sometimes and sometimes you're not on the same wavelength all the time but I'm glad I went back.

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By *orum TrollWoman
over a year ago

•+• Access Denied •+•


"check out some of the free online courses on offer right now. think i'm on my 15th one in 3 months and enjoying them, they're also giving me an idea of whether i'm any good at a subject or not.

you won't get a degree from them, don't even bother paying for the certificate either as it's not usually something officially recognised by employers, but these courses can give you an idea of what to learn and what you can do. i'm really struggling with DNA tampering right now and given up for a while but will give it another go when i'm ready. a lot of the courses are open ended so you can do that, take you time with them.

Can I just say I love your posts and how you think, your totally a philosophical person like myself x

funny you should say that, i just did my first ever philosophy course on 'god, knowledge, and consciousness' and highly enjoyed it.

think i'm going to do part 2 of 'women have always worked next', really enjoyed part 1. when i'm able to concentrate.

anyway the site i'm using is edx, loads of great courses on there if you fancy having a nosey.

I studied psychology originally with history. I did want philosophy as my major but my uni back then didn't offer it and a few people kinda told me it's a subject that's becoming less known hence why I went for the latter. I touched on the subject though in my first year as its closely related x

just did a search and there are 73 philosophy courses.

what sort of history did you do? i tend to be interested in social history mostly.

Ancien history. (30 credits I think as a minor ) it touched on many things that I enjoy about history , not really into the religious side, more political and ancient I enjoy although I do enjoy some aspects of postmodernism stuff x"

just realised i don't know what the actual academic stuff is, but thanks for answering me. (had to google a few things there, lol).

i don't mind religion, find it fascinating sometimes and sort of equate it to philosophy and psychology also.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X

I did an access to University course when I was 43... did a full time 3 year degree at 44, graduated at 47. Since then I did a PGCE and am now a teacher - go for it!

Emm x

Thank you. Messages like this make me more determined and not think I'm 'too old' x"

Absolutely not too old. You'll probably find you're not the only one. Plus you'll probably zoom ahead of the other younger students cos you'll consider your time is more valuable.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I started my degree with the OU 5 years ago when I was 47 and I will be graduating next year..,

You are never too old imo

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Has anyone any experience of starting a degree as a mature student? I'm hoping at the grand old age of 38 to start mine in September. I defered from my original degree years ago and now the kids are older I'm in a better position to pick it back up (albeit a different subject)

Has anyone been in the same position and got any helpful tips or inspiration for me on my new chapter? X

I did an access to University course when I was 43... did a full time 3 year degree at 44, graduated at 47. Since then I did a PGCE and am now a teacher - go for it!

Emm x

Thank you. Messages like this make me more determined and not think I'm 'too old' x

Absolutely not too old. You'll probably find you're not the only one. Plus you'll probably zoom ahead of the other younger students cos you'll consider your time is more valuable. "

Thank you. That means a lot and I totally understand what you mean x

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I started my degree with the OU 5 years ago when I was 47 and I will be graduating next year..,

You are never too old imo "

Awww that's brilliant well done! Makes me more determined. You should be very proud. I hope in 3 years I can say the same as you. I will find out more on Saturday if I am at edge hill for my first step. Fingers crossed x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Im going back soon. 3rd times a charm

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By *alcon43Woman
over a year ago

Paisley

The hard part is getting in to the way of studying and answering exam questions. Get any mock exams marked by your lecturers, read sample answers to get the tone and language used, make good use of tutorials and ask questions.

Do all your coursework and submit it as your exam and coursework marks are combined. Speak to the programme organiser if you have any concerns and you should get a tutor assigned to you who will answer any questions you have.

I've worked in higher education and went back as a part time student. Was a bit of a culture shock at the time.

Good luck in your studies.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I started my degree with the OU 5 years ago when I was 47 and I will be graduating next year..,

You are never too old imo

Awww that's brilliant well done! Makes me more determined. You should be very proud. I hope in 3 years I can say the same as you. I will find out more on Saturday if I am at edge hill for my first step. Fingers crossed x"

I do mine part time and via distance learning which is why it's taking 6 years instead of 3....

And I miss it when I finish a module so now I can't wait til October for my last module to start...

University wasn't an option for me when I left school so I'm very lucky to be able to be doing this now ..

And good luck to you too... you definitely won't regret it

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"The hard part is getting in to the way of studying and answering exam questions. Get any mock exams marked by your lecturers, read sample answers to get the tone and language used, make good use of tutorials and ask questions.

Do all your coursework and submit it as your exam and coursework marks are combined. Speak to the programme organiser if you have any concerns and you should get a tutor assigned to you who will answer any questions you have.

I've worked in higher education and went back as a part time student. Was a bit of a culture shock at the time.

Good luck in your studies. "

Thank you for that. My chosen degree is 70% practical based, so I know I'll be fine with that as I'm a bloody good worker, person and general nice person (I hope) I have my family to lean on as they are in the same field, I'm just the little black sheep without her cap and gown

Thank you for your input it really does help and inspire me to make this work for me and my two amigos (kids) x

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By *rowleyMan
over a year ago

Edinburgh

I started my degree in 2005 when I was 27.

Was one of the requirements of a new job. Did the degree part-time over 4 years.

There was a varied age group in the class.

Few of us came together as a group and stayed together through the 4 years and had a laugh. Always made sure we went out and blew of steam after the exams were done.

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By *hinypants77Man
over a year ago

Leeds

[Removed by poster at 14/06/17 23:15:55]

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By *hinypants77Man
over a year ago

Leeds

Yep. I'm a mature student now. Best decision I ever made. Had a total career change. Working as a finance analyst and hated it. Quit and started uni as a mature student. Had to sell my car first year.

Currently working on a placement year for a really good company now and negotiatiated a decent wage and hopefully have a job at the end. I'm back to uni in September for my 4th and final year!

Absolutely love being a mature student. Just accept the fact that your older and get over it. throw yourself into everything! It's a massive advantage. I've absolutely loved it and have joined the thai boxing team, started yoga, was class rep, took a second language also for free!

Went to all the socials and got hammered and nailed a fair few 21 year olds! Went abroad on the sports tours with the uni in fancy dress and loved every minute. I've met some incredible people, made some really good friends and have had the best time ever.

Some people might say 'you're old' but most are open and accepting. It's a massive advantage being a mature student. Best time ever! Work your socks off. Be nice to everyone. Ignore the naysayers and say yes to every opportunity. You'll love it! Maximise your time and good luck! Xx

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