Mature Students
We welcome mature students to our courses and value the experience they bring. Around 60 per cent of our students are classed as mature - that is, they were aged 21 or over when they started their courses.
There can be many reasons for returning to education. Perhaps you’re looking for a change of direction, a new career or a new interest. Perhaps you felt you ‘missed out’ on higher education earlier or you have been studying at a further education college and now want to take your studies further.
Whatever the reasons, you'll find a welcome environment at Birmingham City University. The large number of mature students here means that there'll be plenty of fellow students who are also getting to grips with the challenges and rewards of returning to education.
Mature Student Support
We offer a wide range of courses at levels varying from foundation to PhD with all levels in between in subjects as diverse as art and design, health, engineering and law. You may also want to explore our part-time study options.
Childcare funding
Childcare and Finance Adviser, Jackie Brophy, explains how she can help students with children find childcare and funding for their degree.
Read moreChildcare FAQs
Jackie Brophy answers some frequently asked questions around childcare and studying.
Read moreSupport whilst studying
See what types of support are on offer should you have any financial worries and childcare needs while studying with us.
Read moreApplication advice
If you’re returning to education as a mature student, then you may be worried about writing your personal statement. Luckily, your work and life experiences will give you lots to write about. Your application will be a little different to those applying straight from college or sixth form, so we’ve put together some dos and don’ts for your personal statement.
Mature Student Experience
Midwifery
Anna shares her experience of being a maternity student, how she balances completing her degree whist working as a support worker and the benefits of studying through a degree apprenticeship.
Read moreNursing
BSc Adult Nursing student Sarah always knew she would work in healthcare. After studying health related subjects and then getting experience working in a hospital as a Healthcare Assistant, Sarah is no stranger to the environment.
Read moreGoing back to university
Going back into education after a break can be a daunting prospect. We've pulled together some advice for getting back into education, including practical tips from other mature students.
Read moreI AM BCU
We have a confident, proud and diverse community of mature students at BCU, who are striving to achieve their career goals and transform their lives.
Ian Green
Redundancy is something Ian didn’t foresee in his future. Unfortunately, things didn’t map out as planned and he found himself unemployed and applying for jobseekers allowance whilst trying to find his feet again.
Read Ian's storyJodie Leonard
Jodie’s drive and passion to help others means she’s been able to balance full-time study and being a mum of two. BCU has provided a place for Jodie to thrive as a successful Social Work student.
Read Jodie's storyShovon Wiggan
After becoming a mum, Shovon didn’t think her dream of going to uni was achievable. Now she’s not only nailing the final year of her degree, but she’s also launching her own business through BCU’s STEAMhouse.
Read Shovon's story