Mature Students

This part of the website is for Mature Students who are studying at Solent University! This space is designed to bring Mature Students together to make friends with others like you and provide a support system throughout your studies.

We will be running a series of events throughout the year to provide in person opportunities to connect with each other.

What is a Mature Student?

The term ‘mature student’ is usually used when referring to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. 

Typically, this will mean students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies, or over 25 years of age at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. Over half of mature students are aged between 21 and 24, and around 40% are over 30. Mature students often balance their studies alongside work or caring responsibilities. 

Some mature students may have few or no previous qualifications, and may be taking Access to HE diploma courses, or enrolling on their first degree course based on their work or life experiences. Others may be returning to do a postgraduate qualification or a degree in a new subject area as part of their career progression.