Mature Students
Deciding to study at university, potentially after a break from full-time education, is a big step for anybody.
We welcome applications from students of all ages and backgrounds who would relish the opportunity to attend university and have the drive to succeed.
We have a range of support services in place to ensure you are able to achieve your goals at Roehampton.
If you are over 21 when you start your undergraduate degree, you are classed as a mature student.
When applying to university as a mature student, the application process may be a little different. For example, it may be some time since you’ve been studying in school or college. This will mean you’re applying as an independent student, and you may need to think more carefully about finding someone to write the reference for your UCAS application.
If you'd like to know more about applying to university as a mature student, including how we'll support you - watch our webinar!
If you have any questions, email us at admissions@roehampton.ac.uk or call 0208 392 3314.
Applying
Undergraduate study
There are two ways to get a reference if you’re applying independently.
- Check if your former school or college is happy to provide a reference by emailing them. If they are, in the ‘options’ section select ‘ask a registered school, college or centre to write a reference only’. You'll need a buzzword, so check what this is.
- Enter your referee’s contact details in the reference section. UCAS will then contact them, just make sure they are happy to give you a reference. Once they've completed it, UCAS will email you, and the reference section will be marked with a red tick.
Undergraduate application support
UCAS advice on applying as a mature student
Your reference can be written by any of the following:
- An employer who knows you well (e.g. a line manager)
- Current or previous work colleague
- College or school tutor
- Careers adviser
- Training assessor
- Volunteer leaders
- Counsellors
Postgraduate study
Looking to study a postgraduate degree?
Support
Financial support throughout your studies.
We offer a range of financial support, which includes generous scholarships,a hardship fund and emergency loans as well as providing advice.
You may also be able to get help from the government to pay your tuition fees and cover your living costs.
As a mature student you may be returning to full-time education after some time away.
To support you during your time at Roehampton, we will provide you with a range of study support services, including:
- A dedicated Academic Guidance Tutor
- Extensive online resources
- Library and research support
Disability and Dyslexia service
If you have a disability, our team will be able to help ensure we meet your needs.
There may be times when you need support.
Our Wellbeing team will be able to offer you confidential emotional support, talk through personal matters and provide you with recommendations for external advice.
The Roehampton Students’ Union also has a Mature Students Officer, who can welcome you to the community. You can email them at rsumatureofficer@roehampton.ac.uk.
We are committed to supporting you with the cost of living.
Some of the things we offer include:
- A free bus service around the local area
- Free on-site parking
- Affordable meals on campus
- College kitchens
Learning
We schedule our teaching across no more than three days a week for the first year of most of our degrees, so you'll have the flexibility for personalised study time, part-time work or family commitments.
Take a look at our courses by subject area
Foundation programmes
If you'd like to build the confidence and gain the academic skills and subject knowledge to successfully complete your chosen degree, have you considered studying one of our foundation programmes?
Our degrees with foundation years
Our Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education
Living on campus
Our accommodation options are varied, and suit every budget.
We have a dedicated accommodation team, who can help you find what you want on campus, including living with other mature students or in quieter flats.
Find out more about our affordable accommodation
Planning to live off-campus? Find out more about being a commuting student.
Upcoming events
Get a real taste of our campus, community and what it’s like to study at Roehampton.
