Lifelong learning

Our welcome for students returning to education after a break is both warm and practical. We have plenty of experience of working with people who are considering Higher Education after a period of work or bringing up a family. We have resources to help you decide which is the right course for you, look at entry routes into Higher Education, and explore ways to enhance your career prospects and support you in applying to university.

If it's been a while since you left the education system, we have lots of ways to help you get back into the swing of studying. If you don't have the formal qualifications required for degree-level study, you can enrol for an extended degree of either four or five years, with a foundation year at the outset. You don't have to choose your degree course until you've completed your foundation year.

If you're aged 25 or over before the start of the academic year, or have supported yourself financially for at least three years before you start your course, you are regarded as financially independent. You are entitled to the same grants as students who start university straight from school.

For further information contact the Higher Education Access Point:
Tel. +44 (0) 1484 472124
E-mail. careers@hud.ac.uk
www.hud.ac.uk/careers

Help for parents

The extra financial burden of caring for children shouldn't stop you from going into Higher Education. There are a number of schemes to help you. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills' (DIUS) booklet, "Childcare grant and other financial help for Higher Education students", contains detailed information. You can get a copy from the University, your Local Authority, Further Education college or by contacting DIUS:

Tel. 0800 731 9133

Download the mature student guide here.