Mature students - University of Staffordshire

Thinking about a new career or new direction?

Whatever your goals, it’s never too late to return to education. Discover why we're the university for mature students.

We're University of the Year for employability

(Academic Employability Awards 2026) our graduates are among the most employable in the UK. You’ll have opportunities for placements, collaborate on industry projects, and earn while you learn through our recruitment agency.

Welcoming mature student community

Nearly half of our students are over 21 and they come from all walks of life. We have a nursery on our Stoke-on-Trent campus, offer support for other caring responsibilities, and have groups that champion the voice of mature students.

Flexible study options

Fit your studies around your other commitments, with options for full-time and part-time study, distance learning, and September/January start dates. You can also apply through Clearing, making it easy to take that next step towards your future.

Applying as a mature student

Undergraduates who are aged 21 or above are normally classed as mature students. At postgraduate level, you are likely to be at least 25. Returning to education after several years away from the classroom can be daunting. But we assess each application individually and take account of any relevant experience. And whether it’s help with digital and research skills or your work-life balance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Support before you start your course

Mature students returning to education find that a course with a foundation year or completing our Step-Up to Higher Education programme a great way to ease back into academic life. Our admissions team can help you decide whether doing either of these options is the best way to start your university journey.

Step up to Higher Education

Gain the skills and confidence to progress onto degree-level work through our free 10-week programme. This short course is ideal for mature students who want to return to education or may not have taken a traditional academic route.

Step Up to Higher Education course

Unsure whether you have the entry requirements?

Get in touch with our admissions team as there may be some flexibility in entry requirements for mature students. Each application is considered individually so if you don't have the typical entry requirements - you may be able to apply using industry experience in place of traditional qualifications.

Career outcomes

You’ll have lots of opportunities to build real-world experience and professional skills for your future career. On your course, you could be working on live briefs set by industry experts and supporting companies on bespoke projects.

From refining your CV and portfolio to connecting you with opportunities that match your ambitions, we help you stand out and take the next step toward your future career.

A graphic with wording university of the year and a winners cup icon

Placements, internships, and opportunities abroad

You can draw on our huge network of contacts locally, nationally and internationally and you have the chance to study, work or volunteer abroad.

Earn while you learn through our recruitment agency

Unitemps offers part-time roles while you study, graduate jobs and a wide range of other work opportunities to suit your needs.

Careers support for life - even after you graduate

From help with CVs and interview techniques through to one-to-one coaching, securing a graduate role, professional mentoring and self-employment support.

Placements and careers

Unlock your career potential with the support of our Placements Team. We guide you in securing placements across a wide range of industries, equipping you with the skills and confidence employers are looking for.

Our students have worked at

Airbus Operations
Universal Studios Orlando
IBM UK
British Red Cross
Bentley Motors

Disney Europe
bet365
EA Codemasters
Sky
Agilent Technologies

Epic Games
BAE Systems
Crown Prosecution Service
Rolls Royce
Cisco

Sony Entertainment
Royal Bank of Scotland
NHS
Staffordshire Police
Aegis Engineering Systems

Go Abroad

Transform your future with an experience that goes beyond the classroom. Expand your cultural horizons, make friends and develop skills that set you apart. With a wide range of Go Abroad opportunities including study programmes, group trips, internships, paid work, and volunteering across all subject areas.

Explore Go Abroad opportunities

Unitemps

Earn a wage and gain valuable work experience whilst studying at University with help from your dedicated on-campus recruitment team. Students and graduates have access to a range of high quality work experience with large and small employers across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and London.

See how Unitemps can help you

Student life

You’ll find a ready-made community waiting for you. Make friends through our Students’ Union clubs and societies, join our range of sporting pursuits, or get involved in volunteering. Whatever niche interest you’re into, we’ve got something to suit you. You can also connect with other mature students and make your voice heard through networks representing the views and experiences of LGBTQ+ students, people with disabilities, and cultural inclusion.

Living on campus or commuting? Your life, your choice.

A female with blonde hair and glasses is smiling and standing confidently infront of her desk in student accommodation

On campus accommodation

If you’re interested in living on campus, you’ll love our brand new stylish and sustainable Student Village. It’s at the heart of our Stoke-on-Trent campus, which means you’ll be close to cafes, social spaces and our tranquil nature reserve.

Whether it’s a sociable flat, a townhouse with a homely feel or a more private studio space, we’ve got something to suit your budget and lifestyle. Your rent also covers utility bills, contents insurance, high-speed internet access and cycle storage. And with 24/7 security, you’ll feel safe and supported as well.

Explore accommodation options

A mature man with a beard wearing a blue shirt is sitting in a lecture theatre

Commuting

You’ll find it easy to commute to us. Our Stoke-on-Trent campus is next to a mainline train station and is also served by bus routes from across the city. You can get a third off the price of rail travel with a National Rail card – if you’re in full-time education, you’ll be eligible for a 16-25 railcard regardless of your age.

We also have on-site parking and cheap parking permits at both our Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford campuses. Check out our student story on why commuting was the best option for them.

Artistic impression of the reception in the village hub

Your Village Hub

Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, the Hub will be at the centre of your student community. There's comfy spaces to catch up with friends, flexible areas for student-led events, and social and wellbeing activities.

You’ll also have access to study spaces, whether you want somewhere quiet for solo work or for group projects. From pop-up events, makers' markets to student exhibitions, it's the ideal place to showcase your projects and connect with others.

Support for mature students

Support here isn’t an afterthought – it’s part of your journey from the moment you apply to us. We’ll help you to juggle university life with your other commitments.

Academic support

We'll support you with all aspects of your academic work. We help with understanding how to achieve your assignment brief, structuring your written work, writing in the academic style, digital skills, and much more.

You’ll have your own academic mentor to help you stay on track. If you need extra help with research and study skills, there are one-to-one appointments too.

Health and wellbeing

Our comprehensive support system is designed around you. We offer a range of mental health support, including counselling. Our team are here to support any student experiencing mental wellbeing difficulties and appointments are available both in and out of term time.

Students can discounted memberships at our on-campus fitness centre which features a gym, sports hall and pitches for team sports and social sports. We also offer neurodiverse sessions at our gym.

Inclusion

We offer a wide range of guidance and support to all our applicants. We can make reasonable adjustments to make your university experience the best it can be.

We see a range of students with disabilities, medical conditions and diverse needs related to autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning difficulties, mental health difficulties, mobility impairments, sensory impairments, invisible disabilities and long-term medical difficulties.

Childcare support

Our Woodlands Day Nursery at the Stoke-on-Trent campus offers 100 places for under-fives.

Fees and finance

As a mature student, you can apply for Government-backed loans to help fund your time at university. As an undergraduate, these include a loan to cover your tuition fees, which you won’t have to start paying back until after you graduate. You can also apply for a maintenance loan to help with your living expenses.

If you’re thinking beyond undergraduate study, there’s financial support available through Masters and doctorate loans. We offer a 25% alumni discount on tuition fees if you continue your studies with us at postgraduate level.

Our student support team offer clear, helpful advice on how to manage money, what course costs to expect during your studies, and help with getting paid part-time work.

Extra funding

You may be eligible for additional funding, depending on your circumstances:

Scholarships and bursaries – these cover undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Funding for Healthcare students - for students studying an NHS funding degree.
Disabled Students’ Allowance – support for students who incur extra costs as a result of their disability.
Student parents and carers – support includes a childcare grant, a parents’ learning allowance and an adult dependants’ grant.
Care leavers and estranged students - a higher education bursary for students who have been in local authority or foster care.
Student Success Fund – you can apply if you need short-term assistance due to financial hardship.

Our mature students

I was a gas engineer before I started thinking about becoming a lawyer. I've come to University of Staffordshire and it's helped me massively. If anyone wants to go to university, it doesn't matter what you've done before. I've met some great people, lecturers are fantastic and now I'm finishing with a first-class law degree. Take that leap of faith, if I hadn't, my life would be completely different.

Ryan Zwetschnikow

LLB (Hons) Law

The lecturers understand how it is to be a parent and they're very flexible around the workload. They were very helpful outside of lectures as well and it's a very supportive environment. As a parent, it can feel like it's scary to go back into something that might not be for you, but everybody will support you. I utilised the careers team to help me find my placement and any jobs that I was looking for whilst at uni.

Aneesa

MSc Digital Marketing Management

Your next steps

Find a course

Foundation year courses

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate courses

Apply to your course

Guidance for undergraduate applicants

If you're applying to an undergraduate course, your application is done through UCAS. You’ll need to provide your education history, personal statement and a reference. Our specific course pages have details of the qualifications required for each course.

How to apply

Guidance for postgraduate applicants

Applications to our postgraduate courses are sent directly to us on our application portal. You'll need to submit a personal statement, your education history and a reference. Entry requirements for postgraduate courses are outlined on the specific course page.

How to apply

Visit us on campus

Our Open Days are perfect for mature students returning to education

Get tailored advice on flexible study options, course expectations, and entry requirements - even if you don’t have traditional qualifications. Learn about fees, funding, and support available. Take guided tours, explore facilities, meet our academics and gain insights into career support.

Book your place

Contact us

Get in touch

We're here to help. Contact us if you have any questions or need support.