Lifestyle
Can I balance studying with work and other commitments?
We appreciate that studying as a mature student may present you with some challenges, particularly if you have a number of other commitments to balance with your studies.
Many mature students, particularly those studying part-time, are parents, while others care for another family member or friend who, because of age, illness, or disability, cannot manage on their own. Many mature students returning to education are also employed, meaning effective time management is often the key to success at university.
Although finding the time to study between other aspects of everyday life can be challenging, most mature students succeed in striking the balance between their studies and other commitments.
The programme leader will be able to advise how many hours you will need to spend in lectures and seminars for a specific course and whether any placements are required. Your working hours and the times of lectures and seminars will impact on whether you are able to work at the same time as studying, but to avoid overloading yourself we recommend limiting your working hours to less than 20 per week if you are enrolled on a full-time degree.
Do you offer any help with finding childcare?
If you are a parent worried about childcare, Edge Hill University offers an information service providing students who have pre-school children with information, advice and support in securing local places if required. In particular, we recognise that parents want to select a form of childcare to suit their particular needs.
Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/childcare for more information.
How much will it cost?
Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study and whether the programme is full or part time. Fees apply to most programmes but eligible students will not have to pay for their tuition upfront.
The cost of tuition for most courses will be paid by a student loan, offering a low rate of interest and which you only start to repay once you have left the course and are earning over £21,000 per year. Many full-time students are also eligible for non-repayable government maintenance grants and additional loans to assist with living costs.
For a small number of programmes, tuition fees may be paid on your behalf, for example by the Department of Health on selected pre-registration health courses.
You may also be able to obtain additional help with the cost of attending university by applying for a scholarship worth up to £2,000.
For more information about fees and financial support, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fees or the government's Make Your Future Happen student finance website.
What about the social side of University?
Many mature students embrace the social aspects of university including organised nights out and live entertainment at the bar but don't worry if nightlife isn't your thing.
With a wide range of coffee bars, eateries, study areas and places to relax with your fellow students, there are plenty of other places on campus you can make new friends and socialise. A range of clubs, societies and other activities are additional ways you can meet new people and immerse yourself in university life.
You might also want to take advantage of the 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities on campus or enjoy the line-up of live productions and film screenings at our two contemporary theatres.
There's lots to enjoy on campus and the many social events and activities are open to all students with everyone made to feel welcome. If you want to experience university life but think you might have missed the opportunity, you certainly haven't!
