Returning to Learning
Are you thinking of joining us as a mature student (by which we mean someone who is returning to education after a break from studying)? If so you'll be in good company - over a third of our students are mature students.
You may feel anxious about returning to study but a lot of help is on hand and our experience suggests you'll surprise yourself [but not us] with how well you will do. You'll bring a wealth of experience and diverse skills to your studies that will be invaluable.
Do I Qualify?
You don't have to have traditional qualifications such as A-levels to be a student at Bath Spa. A good number of students come to us after they've completed an Access to Higher Education programme, which provides an excellent route to university. We will also take your working life, your general educational background and your experiences into account by assessing what's known as 'prior learning' (APL) and 'prior experiential learning' (APEL) as a foundation for study in higher education.
What Support Will I Get?
You can talk to us before you apply - there will be advisers at any of our Open Days or Open Evenings.
During your time as a student here there will be plenty of advice and support for you, both on academic and non-academic matters. At Bath Spa we've always attracted a lot of mature students, so we have a lot of experience in dealing with any issues or problems you may have.
What Else Should I Think About?
Like most students you'll probably be worried about how you will manage your finances, and how you will juggle study and home commitments, and you'll certainly need the support of friends and family in your new venture. But think too about the benefits you'll gain: you'll gain knowledge and skills that you haven't even thought about; your career prospects will be better; you'll meet a whole new set of people; you'll find it hugely satisfying to fulfil what may have been a long-held ambition.
To find out more about the support available to mature and Access learners, contact the Widening Participation and Access Manager on:
Telephone: (01225) 876223.