Although getting a University placement is not out of the question for them, many mature students are driven to refocus their lives at various points in their careers. Their biggest concerns are about finding the money to fund studies and finding the time to fit education of any kind into professional and family life.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient studies and courses are found in the distance learning environment, which includes the Open University. Some students and learners may find their course selection and the costs prohibitive, but there are many online and distance learning qualifications in a wide range of commercial sectors that are affordable (many provide monthly payment arrangements, subject to a credit check, of course) and flexible enough to be fitted around a busy lifestyle.
Courses can result in nationally recognised qualifications, and some accredited learning centres also have courses suitable for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) that in many cases are of bespoke design to suit the increasinglydiverse requirements of professional membership bodies such as ILM, CMI and CILT.
As long as the provider has their courses endorsed or accredited by a national Awarding Organisation (regulated by Ofqual, the government’s watchdog), they are valid and credible educational tools.
If studying a worthwhile or career-enhancing subject or qualification as a mature student is of interest to you, there are some excellent tips and snippets of advice to help you on the Career Advice website.
Just click on the link below to visit:
https://career-advice.jobs.ac.uk/career-development/returning-to-education/