Advice for mature students wanting to study a nursing degree at university in the U.K (qualifications and money matters)

There is no playing it down, going back into education after a break is daunting. I graduated in 2009 so it has been 5 years since I last studied. It will be 6 years once I finally start my nursing degree.

The beauty of nursing is that universities really do value life experiences whatever your age. Many mature students will probably have some experience working in care or have experience looking after or caring for loved ones. Never under estimate this experience when applying.

I have worked in a college over the last year and I have spoken to a large amount of students regarding suitable courses, so hopefully I can give people an insight into a few of the different routes into nursing. The amount of people enquiring about going back into education to become a nurse is over whelming and goes to show just how competitive nursing is at the moment. Do not let it put you off, just make it your motivation to stand out for other applicants.

First things are first. Contact universities you would be interested in studying at. At the end of the day, entrance onto courses is ultimately down to universities. Each university has different entry requirements, so I cannot stress this enough. Find out and research if you have the academic qualifications and experience needed for the course. If you do not currently meet the entry requirements, ask them for advice. What courses or work experience would support your application in order for it to be considered?
If you meet the entry requirements, fantastic! You can start considering which universities you would like to apply to and you can start thinking about your UCAS application. If not, carry on reading.

Qualifications
What qualifications would you need to get into university?

• When I have researched universities, literally all of them ask for English and Maths GCSE at grade C or above. If you do not already have this, contact your local college. Usually English and Maths GCSE courses are free, but you would need to contact each college directly to find out. Most universities want GCSE Science at grade C or above too, but this is more down to each individual university.
• A-levels are usually the most common route into university. Common entry requirements for Nursing degrees seem to range from around ABB-BCC. Some ask for a science related A-levels. Some will accepted health or social science related A-levels. Some universities will accept any A-levels, in any subject. If you do not already have A-levels, A-levels may not be the most accessible route into nursing for mature students. Usually A-levels are just offered full time and would usually run over 5days a week. Some colleges do offer A-levels part-time, so that may be an option. It may take a while to study part-time but it would be down to personal circumstances.
• Access to Higher Education courses are aimed at mature students aged 19 years or older. They come under different titles, but typical titles for nursing related Access courses are Nursing, Health Science or Health Professions. Entry requirement vary, but at my local college, the entry requirement is English and Maths at level 1 (which is equivalent to GCSE below grade C). These are usually 1 year courses that run full-time but is likely to run over about 2.5-3.5 days per week. Most universities accept the Access to He course, but double check!
• For those who already have done a degree, you can gain access onto courses usually with a 2:2/2:1 classified degree or higher. Science or health related degrees seem to be preferred, but I think they will consider anyone with a degree and experience.
• Some universities request recent academic study. Now, this can be fairly ambiguous, but can seem to range from 3-5 years. Some universities will be flexible with this and some will not. If you do need to gain a recent qualification, you could consider any of the Level 3 qualifications I mentioned above. Alternatively, some universities have advised me to do a Open University module to demonstrate recent study.
• You could also consider doing a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. I think most universities would accept this qualification, but again would be a full-time course and would last two years long so those precious years will start to trickle away.
• Again, contact universities regarding entry requirements. If you do not meet the requirements, some universities offer a foundation course to help you gain access onto their course. Two in my local area is Leeds and York. This really goes to show, universities really want to help you succeed.

Money
But these courses cost so much I hear you cry. Usually these courses can cost anything up to £4000 region, maybe even more. Please do not despair as you have options. Bear in mind financial assistance can change from year to year and personal circumstances so contact your local college for up to date information and information relevant for their institution.
23 years or under- if you are under 24 years or under then the course may be free if you do not already have a full level 3 qualification. If you do already have a level 3 qualification, you will probably have to day.
24 years or older- if you are over 24 years old there is good news and bad news. Unfortunately there is no funding for people aged 24 or older doing a level 3 qualification. Do not run in the other direct as there is a government loan available. Click here for more information about the 24+ loan.
Contact local colleges to see what other financial assistance is available while you study. The information given is accurate to the best of my knowledge, but do not quote me.

I really hope this helps some of you as I understand that education, particularly as a mature student can be a minefield. Graduation as a nurse may seem like a long way off but we all need to start somewhere.