Over 40% of our full-time undergraduates are over 21 when they start their course. We offer specific support for students who have had a break from education.
I chose to come to university as a mature student because I wanted to develop my career and provide a better future for my family. The tutors are very supportive and I can study for my course around my other commitments.
Kelly CapinBSc (Hons) Physiotherapy play Kelly’s video interview
I decided to return to education at 25 after having my children and found the whole experience very positive at MMU. Having dependants at home, it’s been really useful for me to have the intranet system available; it means I can log on and find out what’s going on, whether I need to be in, and what new briefs are being set.
Emma ThompsonBA (Hons) Design & Art Direction play Emma’s video interview
Balancing study with home life can be quite challenging, but MMU offer a lot of support for adult learners like myself. Everybody involved within the course – tutors and fellow students – have been very supportive.
Lucia GwayagwayaBA (Hons) Primary Education play Lucia’s video interview
MMU offers a lot of support to mature students and those with commitments outside studying. I have 4 children which can be very time consuming, but the University and the course staff have been excellent, providing extra support whenever I’ve needed it.
Stephen BroomeBA (Hons) Clothing, Design & Technology play Stephen’s video interview
I don’t think you are ever too old to come to university. I was a mature student when I started here, but there are people on my course in their forties, fifties and sixties, with mortgages and famililies. Because I was classed as ‘financially independent’ I was also given a lot of support financially which was a huge help.
Joe HewettBA (Hons) Creative Writing play Joe’s video interview
I wanted to get a degree to enable me to build my career after I’ve had my family. My course has been designed to embrace all age groups, so it doesn’t matter that I’m a bit older and have more responsibilities. The university do a lot to help mature students to close the gap of having time out of education and were very supportive when I had my baby during my first year.
Simone KellyBA (Hons) Business Management with Law Studies play Simone’s video interview
It was absolutely fantastic to be able to come into full-time, mainstream education at my time of life. I’d watched my own children go off and do interesting things and I wanted to do something for myself. So many doors have opened for me and opportunities come my way as a result of doing the course, it has been amazing.
Elizabeth Brimelow BA (Hons) Embroidery
It is important to prepare as much as possible before starting or applying to university, so that you can make sure you meet any deadlines for applications for university, student finance and perhaps accommodation.
MMU run Mature Entry Sessions with experienced staff. Details of the sessions, and how to book, will be announced soon.
It’s crucial to find out as much as you can about the courses you want to apply for. Doing some research will give you a clear picture about what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what kind of employment or professional development opportunities the course could lead to. You can view comprehensive information on the courses we have on offer or order a printed prospectus.
Many students at MMU manage to organise part-time work around full-time study, however you could also consider part-time MMU courses. Student Services at MMU can also provide information about child care, counselling and MMU Student Support Officers, who are available on every campus to run study skills workshops and help with any other problems you may have.
MMU’s Learner Development Service has advisers who have links with academic colleagues and other central services to ensure that you get the help you need. If you are thinking about studying at MMU and have a disability you can contact the Learner Development Service before you apply.
If you would like to check any of our campus buildings before you visit or decide to study here you’ll find independent information on the DisabledGo Education website (just select Manchester Metopolitan University from the drop-down list of universities and colleges).
Are you aware of the costs of university and the kind of financial support you will be entitled to as a student? Visit our Money Matters section to see how you can support yourself financially while you are studying.
If you are a mature student or have taken one or more years out of education, you may not have access to careers advice and support which is available to those applying to university straight from school or college.
MMU run Mature Entry Sessions with experienced staff. Details of the sessions, and how to book, will be announced soon.
If you are interested in studying at MMU and would like to know more information about courses, please call our enquiries helpline on +44 (0)161 247 6969 or make a course enquiry on-line.
Search for a course and information on entry requirements.
Check if you will be able to study at undergraduate level: In addition to typical entry requirements on a course by course basis, MMU also has minimum university-wide entry requirements of 2 A-Level or equivalent qualifications. If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, please feel free to contact us before booking a place on the sessions.
Visiting the University can help you decide on a course: book a place on one of our open days.
Money matters: Student finance options.
When to apply: Key dates to remember.
How the application process works.
For more information about Mature Entry to University sessions, please email edliaison@mmu.ac.uk.