The mature student's guide to higher education

Are you considering changing jobs but require a new skill or qualification?
Would you like a new challenge or a sense of personal achievement?
Have you considered higher education, but weren't sure how to make that first step into it?

If so, then this is the ideal book for you.

"The Mature Student's Guide to Higher Education" tells you everything you need to know if you are thinking about returning to education as a mature student. It discusses a wide range of issues including what higher education involves, how you should prepare for it and how to balance your time and cheque book once you get there.

This book will explain practical issues, as well as addressing your doubts and fears about higher education as a life choice. The book: Helps you understand the different routes into higher education Explains the mysteries behind admissions procedures Encourages you to develop a new range of skills, building on the skills you already have Gives you guidance on how to manage change, time and family commitments Helps you overcome barriers like a lack of motivation or confidence Expertly guides you through the systems of fees, showing the loans and financial help that are available "The Mature Student's Guide to Higher Education" provides the most accessible and up-to-date help on how to make an informed decision about when, where and how to start a suitable higher education course as a mature student - and the career path that might follow.

Author Notes

Linda Pritchard has worked in higher education institutions for a number of years. Initially she worked in academic libraries helping students develop their research skills. She now provides information, advice and guidance to adults who are interested in higher education. Linda has also been involved in developing and teaching study skills courses for students considering higher education. All of this experience has given her a great deal of insight into the needs and concerns of mature students as they consider and embark on higher education courses.

Leila Roberts has worked in several university and college careers services. Currently she lectures in higher education and her field includes careers education and study skills. One of her most rewarding projects was to write and teach successful short courses which enabled students of all ages and backgrounds gain entry into higher education.

Acknowledgements	p. x
Introduction	p. 1
1 Why study?	p. 4
Introduction	p. 4
Personal values	p. 5
Motivation to study	p. 5
Dealing with change	p. 8
Self-reflection	p. 9
Benefits of study	p. 10
What does learning mean?	p. 13
Learning styles	p. 13
What next?	p. 15
2 Barriers to study and how to overcome them	p. 16
Introduction	p. 16
What are the barriers?	p. 17
Managing change	p. 23
Dealing with anxiety	p. 26
What next?	p. 27
3 Preparation for study	p. 29
Introduction	p. 29
Assessing personal skills	p. 30
What skills will you need when you study for a degree?	p. 33
Organisational skills	p. 33
Communication skills	p. 33
Listening skills	p. 34
Teamwork	p. 35
Presentation skills	p. 35
Problem solving	p. 36
Time management	p. 36
Task management	p. 38
Independent learning	p. 38
Memory skills	p. 39
Critical and creative thinking	p. 39
What next?	p. 41
4 Study skills	p. 42
Introduction	p. 42
Researching information	p. 43
Referencing and bibliographies	p. 44
Reading skills	p. 45
Taking notes	p. 46
Essay writing	p. 49
Revision skills	p. 53
Exam skills	p. 54
Assessment	p. 54
What next?	p. 55
5 Why higher education?	p. 56
Introduction	p. 56
Types of higher education institutions	p. 57
Expansion of higher education	p. 58
What are the benefits of doing a degree?	p. 59
Types of degree courses	p. 60
How degree courses are organized	p. 63
Learning and teaching methods	p. 65
What next?	p. 70
6 Student finance	p. 71
Introduction	p. 71
How much?	p. 72
Full-time study	p. 72
Part-time study	p. 75
Distance learning	p. 75
Exemptions	p. 75
Special help available	p. 76
A word about debt	p. 80
Budgeting	p. 80
What next?	p. 84
7 Choosing a course and university	p. 85
Introduction	p. 85
Where to start	p. 86
How to find out about courses and universities	p. 86
Course choice - what's available?	p. 90
University choice	p. 96
What next?	p. 100
8 Preparation courses for higher education	p. 101
Introduction	p. 101
Accreditation	p. 102
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) tariff	p. 102
Preparatory courses for higher education	p. 103
Other ways to prepare for higher education	p. 107
How to apply	p. 110
Full-time study	p. 110
Part-time study	p. 113
Other conditions of the application process	p. 114
What next?	p. 115
9 Getting ready for the start of term	p. 116
Introduction	p. 116
Getting ready	p. 117
The first week	p. 121
What next?	p. 122
10 Keeping going to the end	p. 123
Introduction	p. 123
Student support services	p. 124
Disability support	p. 124
Mature student support	p. 124
Writing support	p. 125
Student finance advisers	p. 125
Childcare facilities	p. 126
Students' union	p. 126
Welfare advice	p. 126
Counselling and guidance	p. 127
Academic tutors	p. 127
Careers service	p. 127
Spiritual support	p. 127
Health centre	p. 128
It's all going wrong	p. 128
Keeping motivated	p. 129
Coping strategies	p. 131
What next?	p. 131
11 Career prospects	p. 132
Introduction	p. 132
What is a graduate job?	p. 132
Improving your career prospects	p. 134
Being confident	p. 141
Summary	p. 143
Further information	p. 143
How to get further advice	p. 144
Recommended reading	p. 152
Bibliography	p. 155
Index	p. 157

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Table of Contents