Information for Mature Students
The definition of a “mature student” is anyone aged 21 and over studying for many different reasons, including improvement of their job prospects, wanting to make a fresh start or purely for interest in their subject.
Many mature students find the thought of returning to full-time study a challenging prospect with a number of issues to consider including finances, child care, study skills and more.
These concerns affect all mature students to a greater or lesser extent. We know, however, that those who do embark upon a degree find it a rewarding and satisfying experience, a way of broadening their horizons and improving their career prospects that is also fulfilling on a personal level. We will do all we can to advise and support you, and hope you will decide to apply – many others have done it, why not you?
In these pages you will find advice about becoming a student and links to useful sources of information.
Canterbury Christ Church University has a long history of welcoming applications from mature students. We value our mature students, not just for their enthusiasm, but also for their experience and skills. Across the University approximately 30% of the undergraduate full-time students are mature although this does vary from programme to programme.
Entry Requirements
Many potential mature students are already qualified before they apply for their course because of previous study, work or life experience. (The University’s entry requirements can be found here and in each programme entry).
However, if you are a mature student without formal qualifications you can still apply. We look at each case individually and our main concern is that you will benefit from, and successfully complete, the chosen course.
Mature students with some advanced study can sometimes be admitted directly into the second or even later year of a pathway.
Access Courses
We welcome applicants who have successfully completed or are undertaking a ‘kitemarked’ Access course. Access courses provide a pathway into higher education for mature students who have been traditionally under-represented in higher education.
Child Care
The University does not provide child care facilities and prospective students must make their own arrangements. There is a nursery close to the Canterbury Campus (Canterbury Day Nursery, Havelock Street, Canterbury) and students should contact the Nursery direct indicating that they are members of the University. However, places are not guaranteed.
For more information on childcare, please click here
Open Days
Canterbury Christ Church holds a number of open days each year. Please visit the Open Days web pages for more information.
For information on visiting the University outside of Open Days, please click here.
Applying for Teaching after Taking a First Degree
A large number of people decide to take a first degree and then follow a one year Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course to gain qualified teacher status (QTS). The University’s PGCEs are for those wanting to be Primary, 7-14, 11-18 or 14-19 age range teachers. Applicants who may wish to apply for one of our PGCEs in the future should ensure that 50% of their degree includes a national curriculum subject.
Students do progress from our undergraduate programmes onto the PGCE. However, this progression is not an automatic right. To gain a place on a PGCE course all applicants have to successfully pass an interview and University applicants compete equally with graduates from other institutions.