University of Sheffield Celebrates 10 Years of Success for Mature Students

Not all students start their journey straight from school, and a University of Sheffield programme designed to support mature students to return to higher education, is celebrating a decade of success this year for its students past and present.

Since 2014, the University has supported 10 cohorts of students to change their lives, with over 320 students graduating through its Lifelong Learning Team’s Foundation Year programme, going onto start new careers or discovering a passion for academia.

The programme is specifically designed for mature learners who have been out of education for some time, to prepare them for success on the course of their choice and provides support for aspiring students of all ages and backgrounds who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to earn a degree.

It offers a pathway into over 40 different degrees across the University, including health, social sciences, the arts and humanities and unusually, science, making Sheffield the only Russell Group University with such a unique offer.

Helen Roy, from the Lifelong Learning Team at the University of Sheffield’s School of Education, said: “There are many reasons why people decide to come back to learning later in life, but all of them share the motivation to change their lives for the better.

“Our offer at Sheffield for mature students provides the opportunity for anyone who has been out of education for the last two years, those without standard entry qualifications, or those who may have had their education disrupted, like groups such as refugees.

“We value the life and work experience mature students can bring to their studies and future success. The programme at Sheffield has seen great success, and gives everyone the opportunity to follow their passions or find a new career.”

One of those people was Jamie Howe, 30, from Sheffield. Jamie studied for a degree in Biology, and since graduating, has gone on to accept a PhD position at the University of Sheffield, where he will be researching how Native and Non-Native trees respond to urban stresses and how that can impact the insect communities that rely on them.

He said: “I had attempted university before, straight out of A-level, but I struggled with numerous undiagnosed health conditions and disabilities that made continuing impossible. After taking an extended break and my health becoming manageable I decided to return and study something I cared about.

“It was the best decision I’ve ever made and has opened up so many opportunities for myself I never would have thought I’d have. I have been able to really get involved in a subject I am passionate about and that I adore learning, and I have had the opportunity to contribute to a scientific paper in Canada whilst on a research placement, be interviewed about my subject and I have just accepted a PhD position at the University, which is my greatest achievement so far and something I just did not envisage for myself at the start of my student experience.

“When I started I was certain I just wanted to get a job and start earning once I completed my undergraduate. However, throughout my time studying and researching I found I was genuinely fulfilled and enjoyed the process of academic research.

“My time at the University of Sheffield has been amazing and I have been able to develop academically, professionally and personally in a supportive environment. The support available at Sheffield and the community were also a massive reason I decided to stay here for further postgraduate studies.”

Charoula Veneti, 31, came to the UK from Greece to study for an Applied Social Sciences degree with the opportunity for employment experience. She has since worked as a qualitative analyst identifying issues and challenges in healthcare regulation and she is just about to take up a new role at the Office for National Statistics as she progresses her career.

She said: “Higher education was not easily accessible for me after finishing school, so it was my dream to come to the UK to study. I wanted to build a new life for myself, to learn skills that would let me achieve more, so it was my chance to move up and move on.

“My time at the university gave me both real-world experience, opportunities and confidence. I had the unique opportunity to do placements with the Welsh Government and South Yorkshire Police – experiences I doubt I would have found outside the university setting. I also worked as a research assistant which only allowed me to co-author my academic journal article but also helped me gain invaluable experience in my field. It paved the way for me to get a good job opportunity related to my field quite quickly after graduating.

“I’d encourage anyone to embrace the challenge, as it is never too late to learn or to pursue your dreams. The path might not be straightforward, but there will always be support at the university for you and you won’t be alone. Earning a degree from the University of Sheffield stands as my greatest achievement to date.”

The success stories at the University of Sheffield demonstrates just how valuable a university experience can be for mature students. It gives them the opportunity to pursue passions, whilst building the skills and experience that will equip them with the ability to succeed in life far beyond their careers.

Professor Mary Vincent, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield, said: “Returning to higher education after time away from learning can be a giant leap for some, so the unique pathway we offer at Sheffield provides inclusive access and support to equip students with the ability to succeed.

“The value of lifelong learning has been much debated in the press, but there is no doubt that studying for a degree is an investment in the future for students. Mature students bring with them valuable work and life experience that not only makes them an asset to the University, but their success also provides benefits far into the future for the region and its employers.”