1. Information for Mature Students

2. Some facts about mature students…
A ‘mature’ student is aged over 21
In recent years the number of mature students entering higher education (HE) has been increasing
At Birmingham City University around 60% of students are classed as ‘mature’
Mature students are welcomed to study at HE institutions

3. Deciding to go to university
Why become a mature student?
Change career
Learn new skills
Study a subject of interest
Return to study after having a family
Loss of employment
No motivation at work
Need a new challenge

4. Deciding to go to university
Any concerns?
Finances
Time management
Exams
Assessments
Stress
What if I can’t cope?
What will a typical timetable look like?

5. Part-time study Benefits of part-time study
Same course and qualification as full-time study
Work while you study
Employers may contribute to your tuition fees
Same levels of student support and facilities
Study can fit in around family and work commitments
Potential to progress in your career
Large group of like-minded people

6. Forms of assessment Assignments Essays Reports Presentations
Placements
Exams
Group work
Practical assessment
Dissertation

7. Support Available Libraries Personal Tutor Centre for Academic Success
Taking notes
Preparing for exams
Research
Essay writing
Report writing
Presentations
Referencing
Time management
Student Services
Advice and guidance for issues relating to health and wellbeing, money, careers and childcare
Students’ Union
Dedicated Officer to look after mature students’ interests and activities

8. Indicative Student Timetable

9. Why choose Birmingham City University?
A top 30 university for placing students in graduate-level jobs Sunday Times University Guide 2013
£180 million investment programme a top 10 university for facilities spend Complete University Guide 2013
90 per cent of students in work or further study within six months of graduating DLHE Survey 2012
Award-winning student support Winner – “Outstanding Support for Students” Times Higher Education Awards 2010
Why us?
Recognition from outside, independent sources:
One of the top 30 universities in the UK for placing students in graduate-level jobs – Sunday Times league table
One of the top 10 universities in the UK for spending on facilities – the independent Complete University Guide. We are investing £180 million on new facilities including two-stage expansion of City Centre Campus.
Each year, the independent National Student survey asks our final year students to rate their teaching experience – the latest survey (2012) saw our overall satisfaction rating rising to 83%. 87% of our students said staff were good at explaining things and 86% said staff were enthusiastic about what they taught.
Award-winning student support – THE Award for Student Academic Partners scheme, where staff and students work together to find ways to make our learning even better

10. Our approach
We focus on professional practice and employability Our staff have excellent links to and come from industry – working with the likes of Apple, Jaguar Land Rover, Cisco and Cartier
Our courses are underpinned with practice-based learning and experience We ‘future proof’ our graduates by providing skills for real life
We take pride in our friendly, inclusive attitude Recognised sector-leading partnerships between staff and students
Award-winning outstanding student support
Providing real-life experience We offer practical solutions for business through placements, graduate employment and knowledge transfer
Gain work experience through OpportUNIty - Student Jobs on Campus
Professional practice and employability:
Many of our staff have done, or still do, work with the leading companies or organisations in their field giving them insight into the latest trends in the sector
Needs of business and industry are fed into our course content, ensuring our students are equipped with the latest knowledge
Friendly, inclusive attitude:
Student-Academic partnerships team up staff and students to work together on projects to make our teaching even better
Scheme won prestigious Times Higher Education Award in 2010 and has continued to progress since then
Real-life experience:
Our close relationships with business give our students the chance to take part in placements from a few weeks to a whole year where they put the knowledge they had learned into practice
Many students who go on placement end up returning to the same company to work full-time
Our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships team up students, staff and employers to find solutions to real-life business problems, again giving our students access to valuable experience and contacts
Our new student employment agency Opportunity – Student Jobs on Campus gives you the chance to apply to work in various roles within the university, providing experience in the application process and giving you the chance to develop your employability skills in 20 key areas, identified in consultation with organisations including the Confederation of British Industry and the National Union of students.

11. Mature students at university
Overall Benefits:
Life-long learning
Enhance skills and knowledge
Better career prospects
Commitment
Share life experiences
Gain qualifications
Achievement
Age is no barrier to learning!

12. Increased employability
Transferable employment skills:
‘‘Employability skills are a set of attributes, skills and knowledge that all labour market participants should possess to ensure they have the capability of being effective in the workplace.’’
The Confederation of British Industry
Transferable skills are those which are pertinent to employment generally, such as communication, presentation, team-working, numeracy, analytical, problem-solving and ICT skills
Maintain independence of thought and be self-reliant (self-confidence)
Capacity for self-discipline, motivation and diligence (independence)
Respond positively to changing circumstances (adaptability)

13. Further information and useful contacts
Birmingham City University Course Enquiries Team:
UCAS:
Student Finance England:
NHS Grants:
Social Work Bursaries:
Teacher Training Bursaries:
Child Tax Credits:
If you are not resident in England:
Wales: Northern Ireland:
Scotland: Other EU Countries:

14. Find out more… University-wide Open Days 6 November 2013 9am – 3pm
Birmingham Conservatoire Open Day
TBC
Birmingham School of Acting Open Day
or Course Enquiries Team

15. And Finally… This is what some of our own mature students have to say…
“Studying part-time at BCU enabled me to complete my degree while holding down a full-time job. The course was flexible which meant that I could fit it around my other commitments and the lecturers were always willing to help. I met some fantastic people while studying at the University and I’m still in touch with many of them today.”
Rachel Whitehouse, BSc (Hons) Management
“Support from staff has been fantastic - very much an open door policy. Without being patronising and chastising, they still encourage me to be pro-active and work things out for myself. Their advice has been invaluable. The Personal Development Department acts as a supportive backup for those struggling with academic writing. The lecturers are so knowledgeable and passionate. My placements have been incredibly varied and relevant. The content on the modules has been interesting and the library is amazing!”
Emma Linden, BSc Nursing (Hons) - Mental Health