Mature Students

We welcome mature students to our courses and value the experience they bring. Around 60 per cent of our students are classed as mature - that is, they were aged 21 or over when they started their courses. 

There can be many reasons for returning to education. Perhaps you’re looking for a change of direction, a new career or a new interest. Perhaps you felt you ‘missed out’ on higher education earlier or you have been studying at a further education college and now want to take your studies further.

Whatever the reasons, you'll find a welcome environment at Birmingham City University. The large number of mature students here means that there'll be plenty of fellow students who are also getting to grips with the challenges and rewards of returning to education.

Mature Student Support

We offer a wide range of courses at levels varying from foundation to PhD with all levels in between in subjects as diverse as art and design, health, engineering and law. You may also want to explore our part-time study options.

Childcare funding

Childcare and Finance Adviser, Jackie Brophy, explains how she can help students with children find childcare and funding for their degree.

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Childcare FAQs

Jackie Brophy answers some frequently asked questions around childcare and studying.

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Support whilst studying

See what types of support are on offer should you have any financial worries and childcare needs while studying with us.

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Mature Student Experience

Midwifery

Anna shares her experience of being a maternity student, how she balances completing her degree whist working as a support worker and the benefits of studying through a degree apprenticeship.

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Nursing

BSc Adult Nursing student Sarah always knew she would work in healthcare. After studying health related subjects and then getting experience working in a hospital as a Healthcare Assistant, Sarah is no stranger to the environment.

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Going back to university

Going back into education after a break can be a daunting prospect. We've pulled together some advice for getting back into education, including practical tips from other mature students.

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I AM BCU

We have a confident, proud and diverse community of mature students at BCU, who are striving to achieve their career goals and transform their lives.

Ian Green

Redundancy is something Ian didn’t foresee in his future. Unfortunately, things didn’t map out as planned and he found himself unemployed and applying for jobseekers allowance whilst trying to find his feet again.

Read Ian's story

Jodie Leonard

Jodie’s drive and passion to help others means she’s been able to balance full-time study and being a mum of two. BCU has provided a place for Jodie to thrive as a successful Social Work student.

Read Jodie's story

Shovon Wiggan

After becoming a mum, Shovon didn’t think her dream of going to uni was achievable. Now she’s not only nailing the final year of her degree, but she’s also launching her own business through BCU’s STEAMhouse.   

Read Shovon's story

More information

Accommodation

Find your home from home at BCU. We offer eight halls of residence options, ranging from on-campus to inner-city living. You can take a virtual tour of each accommodation option to find the one for you.

More about accommodation

Admissions

Read our admission FAQs to get your application questions answered. If your question isn’t covered, we have all the details of how to get in touch.

More about admissions

Student Support

From disability and mental health support to CV and job interview training, BCU ensures you have all you need during your time here – and beyond – to succeed and flourish in your studies and career.

More about student support

Social Media

Follow our social media channels and discover more about life at BCU, including what the University and city will offer you if you study here.

More about social media

Open Days

When possible, the best way to explore what's on offer is to come and see us in person, and we host a number of Open Days throughout the year. Come and be taught by our trailblazing academics and study in our innovative £400m facilities.

Open days