Returning to learning?
Anyone with the ability and enthusiasm, regardless of their age
or background, can enjoy the benefits of a university education.
Here at York St John we warmly welcome applications from mature
students and many of our staff, both academic and support, are
experts in supporting adult learners through their years with
us.
Perhaps you have reached a significant birthday, are looking to
change jobs or start a new career, have experience relevant to a
degree you’d like to study or now have the time to devote to
learning more about a subject you have always been interested in?
This is the year you can realise that ambition and continue with
your lifelong learning in an academic environment.
Becoming a mature student
For many people, the idea of entering or returning to education
later in life may be daunting. But you need not worry that you will
be in the minority. Here at York St John, nearly half of our
students have not come to us straight from school – they are people
who have decided the time is right for them to get back into
learning.
If you come to study with us, you are almost certain to find
other mature students on the course with you. At York St John we
welcome mature students and value their experience and skills. Do
not be put off because it is a long time since you have done
any study as we will provide support to help you brush up your
study skills.
We are proud of the reputation we have for supporting people
through their degrees, whatever their age. Because we are
relatively small you’ll be more than just a number on a list to us;
we get to know all our students by name. We’ll help you feel at
home from the moment you start your course here and will give you
all the help and assistance you need to achieve what you want.
Who to talk to
Undertaking a degree course can be a
daunting prospect and many adult learners often feel that they just
aren’t ‘clever enough’ to go to university. By talking to one of
our Admissions staff you will be able to find out whether or not
you have the relevant qualifications or experience before you make
a formal application.
We would also recommend that you come along to one of our open
days where you can speak to academic staff and meet other mature
students.
Before you make a final decision, you may also want to talk to a
member of one of our specialist teams if you have specific
questions about, for example, financial matters, disability issues,
childcare queries or career planning. We also have a mature
learner’s contact who will be happy to talk to you about pre-entry
courses and student life.
The Students' Union Mature Learners, Part Time Learners and Post
Graduate Officer is Greg Christie. E: maturestudents@yorksj.ac.uk