More and more adult learners are applying to university, so if you are considering applying, there are now more flexible routes into higher education than ever before.
Mature students choose university for all sorts of reasons. It could be to start a new career, enhance the career path you’re on, gain specialist knowledge or simply learn about something you love.
Whatever your motivation or area of study, going to university can be a highly rewarding and life-changing experience.
The idea of going to university – especially if you’re slightly older than the traditional student age – may seem daunting. However, mature learners make up an important part of the UK higher education community, bringing valuable experience, skills and different perspectives to their studies.
Most universities welcome applications from mature students because they tend to be more conscientious and contribute more in seminars. They also bring with them a wealth of skills and experience that younger students simply can’t offer but benefit from.
Many universities recognise that academic potential can be demonstrated in different ways, including previous qualifications, work experience, skills and a commitment to learning.
But what if you’re considering university but you don’t have the A Levels you need to get in?
The good news is that A Levels are not the only route into higher education. There are alternative qualifications designed specifically to help adult learners progress to university.
Using Your Life Experience
Increasingly, universities are starting to recognise that mature learners can bring valuable skills, professional experience and personal motivation to their studies.
Instead they are seeing the value that years of work experience and independently learned skills can bring to a course. Not to mention what it says about the individual’s character and willingness to learn.
This has helped create more opportunities for adults who may not have followed the traditional education pathway but now want to progress into higher education.
Some universities will accept an application from a mature student on to a full course – depending on their skills and experience. Others will invite the applicant to attend a foundation year before moving on to the full degree.
Foundation years can provide an additional year of preparation before beginning an undergraduate degree, helping some learners develop the academic skills and subject knowledge needed for university study.
Obviously, this option adds an academic year to your studies along with the associated costs.
Considering the cost of university can be more than £9,000 per year for many undergraduate courses in England, that’s an uncomfortable prospect.
However, assuming that doesn’t phase you too much, then you can apply directly to university and enrol without any qualifications.
While some universities and courses may consider applicants without traditional qualifications, this depends heavily on the institution, course requirements and the individual applicant’s experience.
It is always recommended to check directly with your chosen university before applying.
Getting the Qualifications
The alternative is for you to study and gain the qualifications you need to be accepted onto your course.
For many adult learners, gaining a recognised qualification before applying to university can provide a clearer pathway into higher education.
Depending on the route you take, the time commitment will vary depending on your chosen qualification, study pace and previous experience, but gaining the right qualification can give you a wider choice of university courses and help you meet specific entry requirements.
Although there are a few different routes into university, the main two are taking A Levels or gaining an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
Both are recognised Level 3 qualifications, but they are designed for different learners and educational pathways.
A Levels
A Levels have been the standard school-leaving qualification since the 1950s. They remain a widely recognised route into higher education, particularly for students progressing directly from school or college.
Rightly or wrongly, they have served as a yardstick by employers and academics alike almost to the exclusion of all else.
That view has been relaxed somewhat in recent years as both universities and businesses have started to recognise the value of life experience, work-based skills and alternative qualifications.
In most instances, you will need at least two or three A Levels depending on the university course and entry requirements, one of which must be a subject relevant to the area of study.
If you’re studying a degree in biology, for example, one of those A Levels may need to be biology.
Equally, it would serve you well to take an A Level in History if you’re planning on studying the subject at degree level.
However, specific requirements vary significantly between universities and degree subjects, so always check the entry criteria for your chosen course before deciding on your qualification route.
While in many cases it won’t be essential, studying relevant subjects helps you to develop the knowledge and skills needed for degree-level study.
For adult learners, completing multiple A Levels may require a significant time commitment, particularly when balancing studies alongside work, family or other responsibilities.
Stonebridge College does not currently offer A Levels, but learners considering this route can explore other education providers offering these qualifications.
Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a qualification which prepares adults aged 19 and over specifically for study at undergraduate level.
The content of each diploma focuses on the degree you want to study and helps you to build up the knowledge and skills you need.
Your course will cover subject-specific knowledge alongside essential academic skills, so you will be comfortable studying at degree level. There are also modules that will teach you how to plan and organise your studies and develop academic writing skills.
This is especially useful for anyone who left school some time ago or without any formal qualifications.
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to help adult learners build confidence, refresh their study skills and prepare for the expectations of university-level learning.
Stonebridge College offers a wide range of Access to Higher Education Diplomas, including pathways in Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care, Health Science Professions, Social Work, Education Professions, Business, Psychology, Computing, Engineering, Veterinary Science, Criminology and Sport & Physical Activity – view them all here.
As with A Levels studied via a distance learning provider, you will have the flexibility to complete your studies around your existing commitments.
Many learners complete an Access to Higher Education Diploma in around 9 to 12 months, depending on their chosen study pace and circumstances.
It’s worth noting that while most universities accept Access to HE Diplomas, a tiny minority don’t. Most universities accept Access to HE Diplomas, but requirements vary depending on the institution and degree course.
Always check with your preferred university before enrolling to ensure your chosen Access to HE Diploma meets their entry requirements.
What Next?
Once you have decided on your approach to study and enrolled, you can start to think about applying for universities.
The university application process takes time, so planning your next steps early can help you stay organised and make informed decisions about your future.
But before applying to a university, it is highly recommended you attend open days. Aside from the course being right for you, you need a good feel for the lecturers and the campus.
After all, you’ll be attending for at least three years, so it needs to be the right fit.
Open days are also a great opportunity to meet current students, ask questions about course content, student support and campus life, and understand what studying at that university could be like.
Make sure you read through the prospectus in advance so you’re familiar with the course details.
If you can’t attend an open day, contact the university as in most cases they will be willing to organise a tour for you or provide alternative ways to explore the course and facilities.
Although you may have your heart set on one university, we recommend researching a range of universities and courses. This will allow you the opportunity to compare courses as well as the university experience.
Granted you may be limited by geography and home commitments but in these cases the university may be able to offer you a distance course instead so make sure you enquire about those too.
Online and flexible degree options are also becoming increasingly popular, allowing some learners to balance higher education alongside work and personal commitments.
Start Your Learning Today
Stonebridge College is a leading online learning provider, offering a wide range of flexible courses designed to help adult learners gain recognised qualifications and progress towards their goals.
Our Access to Higher Education Diplomas provide an alternative pathway for learners who want to progress to university without traditional A Levels.
With 100% online study, support from qualified tutors and a flexible subscription-based learning model, Stonebridge College helps you take control of your education and fit learning around your life.
Whether you want to change career, develop new skills or take the first step towards university, explore our online courses today and discover the pathway that’s right for you.
To view our range of Access to Higher Education Diploma courses, click the link below and start your learning journey today.
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