Mature student stories
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Case studies:
Darren Robinson, Creative Writing and English Literature
Kevin Hyde, History Postgraduate Researcher (following an undergraduate degree and Masters)
Darren, third-year Creative Writing and English Literature student
“The support for mature students is amazing.”
“Hi, I’m Darren, and I’m studying Creative Writing and English Literature as a mature student. I’ve always wanted to write. So, after recently selling my business due to health reasons, I decided to look at studying creative writing at UEA. I reached out to the mature student rep and was guided through the application process and managing finances. If you’re worried about this as a mature student, there are bursaries and grants you can access.
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“As a mature student, there’s always someone to help you, whatever potential barriers you’re worried about. For example, the Learning Enhancement Team helped to get me up-to-speed on my academic skills, as I hadn’t studied for a long time, while the IT team helped me to get timetables on my phone.”
“It’s not us and them – it’s just us.”
“As a 56-year-old student who drives into the university each day, I was worried about being in a room full of young people who are having a very different university experience to mine. But you soon find that there are lots of other mature students. And, most importantly, you find that age isn’t a barrier.
“The younger and older students are all united by our interest in the subject. When doing group work, the mature students learn from the younger students and vice versa. As a mature student, you’re bringing some of your life experience to your studies, which can be a great advantage.”
Kevin, History postgraduate – mature student
“As a mature student, it can feel daunting – but there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Hi, I’m Kevin, and I did an undergraduate degree in literature and history in 2018, before doing my Masters; I’m now doing my PhD in History.
“As a mature student, you worry about being treated as a bit weird as you’re older than the other students. But after a couple of weeks, you are just a student and nobody cares about your age. You have a shared passion for your subject with your fellow students which breaks down any barriers. And as a mature student, you can bring fresh insight into how you look at things, which the younger students really appreciate.”
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“The support is absolutely brilliant.”
“I had some medical issues in my second year and was given all so much support and guidance. You never need worry; just go and ask for help whenever you need it, and the support is great.
“What you learn as an undergraduate will stay with you for life. It opens your horizons so much and the fact I’m doing a PhD shows how much I’ve enjoyed it.”