Mature students

Examples

Below are some examples of how providers have supported outcomes for mature students which you may find helpful when developing your own approaches. Some of these approaches may not yet be fully evaluated.

We will update this page with more examples of effective practice as we identify them. If you have, or are aware of, examples of effective practice in this area please contact [email protected].

University of West London: Improving access for mature students

The university has developed a number of interventions across the student lifecycle aimed at improving outcomes for mature students. This includes:

• outreach tailored to mature leaners including off-campus activities, daytime activities to coincide with school runs and evening sessions
• inclusive programmes such as degree apprenticeships
• ‘twilight’ career workshops held in the evenings for students who are working or have caring responsibilities.

See the University of West London's access and participation plan

Lincoln College: Supporting mature students

The college has implemented a number of strategic measures aimed at mature students including:

• financial support packages to reduce barriers such as childcare costs
• one-to-one support for mature students throughout the application process
• a flexible curriculum which includes condensed study days.

See Lincoln College's access and participation plan

University of Durham: Retaining mature students

The university has developed a number of evidence-informed interventions to address non-continuation rates for its mature students. This includes:

• developing its foundation programme admissions process to better assess the support needs of students who typically have not taken A-levels
• introducing a suite of formative assessments early in the first term to inform early interventions with students facing difficulties.

Recognising that its current campus is designed primarily for residential students, the university is also developing a subset of colleges with distinct facilities for students who live locally in an effort to increase the sense of belonging and support engagement among students living at home, including mature students.

See the University of Durham's access and participation plan