Mature Student Support

Over 40% of students at the University of Wolverhampton are classed as ‘mature’ so we understand the advice, information and encouragement you need to help you along this path.

  • You might be surprised at how conveniently you can fit your studies into your week
  • Most full-time courses involve no more than 12 to 16 hours each week in class (although nursing, social work and teaching courses will demand more of your time as they have full time work placements). The rest of your time will be spent doing research, writing essays and other associated coursework.
  • You can arrange the study you'll need to do outside the classroom around your own weekly commitments (e.g. we have learning resources available online). Find out more about student life at the University and our student support services
  • We have part-time, as well as full-time, courses to suit busy lifestyles - and if you find full-time hours aren't suiting you, for most courses you can request a switch to part-time study if you need to.
  • Many students work part time alongside their studies for extra money. This can be really useful for your CV as well as for your income, as long as it doesn't impact negatively on your studies. 
  • You can access help with important aspects of study, like essay writing skills, IT support and exam technique. See our study skills support pages for more information
  • The Students' Union Advice and Support Centre offers guidance on finance, accommodation, employment benefits, health and safety, wellbeing support, and much more 
  • Remember you'll always find a friendly face – and good solid information and advice on any aspect of Higher Education – in the Gateway on the Wolverhampton campus. The advisors can also talk you through details of loans, additional grants and bursaries you may be entitled to.
  • We also have Regional Learning Centres in Stafford and Telford which you can visit for help and support

If you are worried about not having any formal qualifications, or if you've been out of the education system for a while, you can consider our foundation year courses (see below) or you could study for an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Offered at colleges across the country, the Diploma allows you to choose from a variety of subjects depending on what you want to study at university.

The University also offers 4-year degrees in some subjects, which include a Foundation Year, for those who do not meet the entry requirements to go straight onto a degree. There are a range of Foundation Year courses across the faculties of the university and these are usually considered as Year Zero courses (level 3), giving you the opportunity to progress on to undergraduate degree courses.

For more information visit www.wlv.ac.uk/courses or contact the Gateway on (01902) 321032 or email gateway@wlv.ac.uk.

We value your work experience so if you don't think you have the right qualifications, you can still apply with the right work experience. You may be asked to write an essay or attend an interview so that we can assess your skills and knowledge.

For many courses we consider 'non-standard' qualifications, or learning gained at work, in place of more conventional qualifications.

We also look at any learning you have already done. For example, HNC or Open University credits and some professional qualifications count towards entry, and we may take into account what you have gained from courses which were not formally assessed or certificated.

For more information visit Guidance for Mature Applicants

Download a copy of the Mature Learner's Guide

University Open Day

Find out more

The University runs regular events for mature learners who want to find out more information on the application process, writing personal statements, what it is like to be a mature student, the funding available and much more. For more information on upcoming events go to Virtual Events or contact the Gateway. 

Find out more about our entry requirements, or contact The Gateway to discuss your options.