Adults returning to education

The University of Manchester positively welcomes applications from adult learners and values the contribution they make to the learning environment. Adults returning to study and then entering university have shown themselves to be among our most well-equipped learners, bringing with them a number of skills and attributes gained from family, work and other life experiences.

We recognise that returning to study as an adult learner can present its own challenges, which is why we have produced an Adults Returning to Education Guide. The issues covered are based on the experiences and ideas of adults who have studied at The University of Manchester in recent years.

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We work to support applications from adult learners and also to help prepare adults who are returning to study after a period away from education. We do this through a variety of activities:

Adults returning to education information sessions

Adult learners considering returning to education to pursue a degree, or who have already applied to the University, can sign up for an 'Adults Returning to Education Session'. This is a one-to-one meeting or group session with a member of staff, which provides the opportunity to ask any questions and to receive relevant information and support. Information on the following areas is provided:

These sessions run regularly throughout the year and must be booked in advance. Visitors may also wish to participate in a guided visit following the session.

For further information and to reserve a place on a session for adults returning to education, please email schoolsandcolleges@manchester.ac.uk.

College presentations for adults returning to education

Visits to colleges can be arranged upon request. A member of staff will provide adult learners with relevant information, advice and guidance on applying to university, degree choice, graduate careers and student finance. Presentations are followed by a question-and-answer session and can be tailored depending on the requirements and individual needs of the students. Current undergraduates who are adult learners can also accompany the member of staff to talk to prospective students about the transition into higher education and student life from an adult learner's perspective.

Access Visit Day

Each year at the start of term (October/November), the University hosts an Access Visit Day for students studying on Access to Higher Education courses. The day covers topics such as the application process and student finance, and is specifically aimed at access students. There is an opportunity to speak to current students who have successfully progressed onto a course at Manchester from an Access to Higher Education course, as well as admissions staff from many of the courses at the University.

Each year, information regarding the event is sent to all colleges across the region that offer Access to Higher Education courses.

Level 2 Access students Careers Initiative

We give presentations to Level 2 Access students at colleges to raise awareness of non-vocational degree programmes and the various career paths students can pursue. We are always keen to make it known to Access students that adult learners are viewed equally by employers, that their life experience is valued and that the transferable skills employers look for can be demonstrated by doing a degree in any discipline.

This is followed by the Careers Initiative Campus Day, which includes talks from local employers (such as Manchester City Council and the NHS), who provide information on how they view graduates and the job opportunities available with them. The day includes a campus tour, a group activity led by the Manchester Leadership Programme, Careers and Employability Division, and presentations from current students on their own individual experiences of studying for their degree and their future career plans.

Each year, information regarding the event is sent to all colleges across the region that offer Access to Higher Education courses.

For further information on the work we do with adult learners, please email schoolsandcolleges@manchester.ac.uk.