Mature students
Mature students are an important part of our community here at the University of Nottingham (they actually make up 10% of our student population) and we value the skills, motivation and life experience they bring.
Being a mature student can give you an advantage at university, but we understand it can be a big decision to return to study.
Is it for you?
This support is designed:
- for anyone aged 21 or over when enrolling on their undergraduate course
- to help students returning to education after a long break
Thinking about applying to university as a mature student? See our mature students’ leaflet and find out more about upcoming events by joining our mailing list.
Join our mature student mailing list
See our mature students' leaflet
Outreach events to help you explore your options
Ambition Nottingham: Access
Are you hoping to start university in September 2024? Do you need some advice, guidance and support? If you are aged 21+ or are studying an Access to HE Diploma, you can join our online Ambition Nottingham: Access programme.
Ambition Nottingham: Access is a free programme available for Access to HE students. This programme provides information about university, what it is like to study as a mature student and knowledge about particular subject areas. We will also help you to apply by developing your application writing skills and knowledge of the UCAS process.
Find out more about Ambition Nottingham: Access
Adults Returning To Education Evenings
These online sessions are for adults who have had a break in their education and want to study for an undergraduate degree. You will have opportunity to talk to a member of staff and find out more about topics such as finance, student support and university-level study.
We are planning to hold a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions in 2023/24 as follows:
- Thursday 16 November 2023: Virtual session online
- Wednesday 17 January 2024, 5.30pm - 7pm: In person on University Park campus
- Monday 11 March 2024, 6pm - 7.30pm: Virtual session online
- Wednesday 15 May 2024, 5.30pm - 7pm: In person on University Park campus
Book a place on an Adults Returning To Education Evening
Virtual open day talks
Watch pre-recorded lectures and general talks to learn more about subjects, student life and to see some of our academics in action.
View Open Days on demand
Open days
Our undergraduate open days for September 2025 entry will take place on:
- Friday 28 June 2024 (University Park and Jubilee campuses only)
- Saturday 29 June 2024 (University Park and Jubilee campuses only)
- Friday 5 July 2024 (Sutton Bonington Campus only)
- Saturday 6 July 2024 (Sutton Bonington Campus only)
- Saturday 13 September 2024 (Sutton Bonington Campus only)
- Saturday 14 September 2024 (all campuses)
- Saturday 12 October 2024 (all campuses)
Bookings will open in Spring 2024. In the meantime, you can register your interest by visiting our open days page.
There will be a mature student stand on each day where you can come along and ask questions.
View open days information and register your interest
Support with student finance
A key factor in making your decision about higher education is finance – this should not be a barrier. There is such a wide range of financial support options available to help you continue your education.
Starting university in 2024
- The core bursary provides £1,000 per year to students with a household income below £35,000 as assessed by Student Finance who meet certain criteria.
- The Nottingham potential bursary provides an additional £1,000 a year to students entering via an Access route or with vocational qualifications (at further education level) and with a household income figure of up to £35,000.
Please visit the guaranteed bursaries page for more details of the eligibility criteria for these bursaries. Information is always subject to change for future years of entry, so we would recommend checking regularly for further updates.
The funding and financial support team at Nottingham provides information and advice on most aspects of student finance to both current and prospective students. The financial support team also provide information and useful advice about managing your money and budgeting.
The funding mentioned on this page is for undergraduates. Our funding for postgraduates page explains the finance available for masters or doctorate programmes.
Check your eligibility for a lowered grade offer
Some students are eligible for contextual offers at the university. Although being a mature student is not one of the criteria for this, we would encourage you to visit this page to check your eligibility.
A contextual offer is usually one A Level grade lower than the entry requirements on our course pages.
If our standard offer includes a specific subject grade, this will generally remain. For example, if the standard offer is AAB with an A in maths, the contextual offer would be ABB with an A in maths.
We also welcome students with a broad range of experience and qualifications. Our table of alternative qualifications provides details of qualifications for specific courses.
For details of Access to Higher Education courses provided by further education colleges in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire; please visit the Access to Higher Education website
Part-time and flexible study options
You could balance your study with family or professional commitments by studying part-time and spreading your degree over four to seven years. A large number of our courses are available part-time.
Please note, we only offer part-time study to students from/who reside in the UK.
Accommodation options at university
Mature students may choose to live in their own home while studying. However, all full-time undergraduates are guaranteed a place in university accommodation during their first year of study, should you decide to live on campus.
The University of Nottingham has a wide variety of university accommodation available. Factors such as room type and length of contract will affect the overall cost – this webpage shows the differences in fees.
Before term starts, you will be invited to Kick Start, a two-day induction event for mature, care experienced and estranged students. This is not to single you out, but to help you settle in. A chance to meet other students from similar backgrounds, as well as workshops to give you some key information on finance, academic support and wellbeing, ahead of starting your studies.
Your own mature student mentor
In your first year, you will be offered the chance to be mentored by a current second or third-year mature student.
If you attend our Kick Start programme, you will automatically be allocated a mentor. If you are unable to attend Kick Start but would still like to request a mentor, please email us.
A specific student network for mature learners
The students’ union is at the heart of the student community. They are an independent, student-led organisation that represents your needs, protects your rights and makes sure your voice is heard. The union's mature students network organises social activities throughout the year, allowing you to meet like-minded individuals and create incredible memories together.
Dedicated wellbeing support
Alongside support from your personal tutor, you can access dedicated wellbeing support for mature undergraduate students. You can book one-to-one wellbeing meetings, attend a variety of social events as well as specialist information sessions, providing advice and guidance relating to being a mature learner. For general wellbeing enquiries or to book a wellbeing appointment, please email Natalie.
Useful links
Here is a collection of external organisations* that support mature students in their journey to higher education:
*The University of Nottingham is not responsible for the content on external websites.
Contact us
We hope the above information is useful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.