Thank you for posting this video. As a prospective 'mature student', I applied this year to university, aged 25, to study PPE. For me, like so many, the lockdown was an opportunity to reflect and refocus. A former RAF Intel Analyst, I have taken a somewhat unconventional route to higher education. I found the application process surprisingly difficult to navigate, particularly the personal statement. My advice to any mature student would be to approach universities, ask questions and do your research. Many universities I spoke to were enthusiastic about receiving applications from mature students (even if you don't meet the entry requirements), others not so. It really saddens me that there are still so many barriers to HE, especially for underrepresented/mature students. Dr Matthew Williams, thank you for uploading this content; it is encouraging to know that even universities as prestigious as Oxford are open-minded about mature students!
I just received an offer to study HSPS at Cambridge as a mature student (23 years old). I was too unwell to complete my A-Levels (mental health deterioration and subsequent hospitalisation for a suicide attempt). I took a much needed 'time out' of education which turned out to be the best decision, even though it didn't seem so at the time. I want to stress that it is possible to get into Oxbridge without A-Levels via alternative routes, such as an Access to HE Course, as I have done.
Thank you so so much for this video! There's not much information about mature students on the internet because it's not so typical to be one. And it's really encouraging to hear that a decision to change your career path/ study field is sometimes a right thing to do.
I appreciate that you discussed this topic, Dr. Matthew. One of the primary reasons I didn't select Jesus College was lack of accommodation for mature students with children. A shame though because the online support and content from the college is fabulous! Very true about mature students being from disadvantaged backgrounds. I earned my Bachelors, part-time, aged 30 because it was the only way I could afford to pay for university, and now at 40 have applied for a Masters at Oxford. Jesus College is one of the most engaging colleges online and the depth and breadth of supportive content is wonderful. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! It's completely reasonable to choose a college that can provide accommodation for children. I did my graduate degree at Wadham College which did provide such accommodation, in case you're interested! Best of luck to you.
Hello All! I am finishing up my MA in Art History and Visual Culture and also have an MA in Adult and Higher Education, both with 4.0’s here in the USA. I am going to apply for 2022 for a DPhil in the History of Art. I will be 51. I love the college system and Oxford has fabulous professors for supervision. How are older (I hate that word as I don’t feel the least bit old) students received by others and made to feel a part of student life? Are there any mature student groups to join? Thank you for any information! PS I would live at the college if possible .
Thanks for your comment. "Older" students are received very well by other students and tutors. What typically happens is that mature students are invited to join the middle common room, which is the social space for graduate students. These MCRs run events and maintain societies geared to more mature students. There is also a college that is entirely populated by mature students - Harris Manchester College. But all undergraduate colleges will admit mature students.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much for your response! I am looking forward to putting in my application for Oxford and having a chance to study with the top intellectuals in my field. Of course, that is if it is decided that I would be a good fit for the university. Take Care!
Hi Dr Williams, Thank you for all your effort and time to make Oxford a more inclusive and open place to study for everyone. I received an offer from Oxford to study masters this year at 26, and your videos definitely encouraged me to apply and helped me prepare my application. Looking forward to studying at Oxford and hopefully, I get to say thank you in person. Min
"All there for the same reason" may not be the case as most will be looking for a degree in order to further their careers whereas I would be doing the course for pure interest & enjoyment of learning! (being 72 years old!)
FYI: in UK mature student = adult student adult student = ppl who graduate from high school mature student outside UK = ppl who dont have high school diploma
I read an article that said that people 21 years of age will on have average 17 different jobs throughout their lives. It was a study focused on Australia. I found this interesting for mature students seeking new information.
Great! It may be difficult as you you will to meet the eligibility criteria and get through the admissions process. But, you have the advantages of maturity and experience that many (most?!) 17 year olds struggle with! If you need further info, do contact me: matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk
Hi Matt! I was planning to apply to Oxford to study Law this year as an international student post my A level results. This is because I was a disadvantaged student during my IGCSE due to which my grades were-4 Bs, 1 C and 1 D. However, after immense hard work, I was able to achieve 2 As in my As exams during 2020 October exam session. But due to the cancellation of exams, this summer 2021 has left me wondering will Oxford consider my application based on teachers assessed grades? Or should I apply to Oxford with just my grades of two subjects(AS grades), or should I rather sit for all three subjects' exam in autumn 2021? By the way, I couldn't give my 3rd subject's exam due to lack of resources, and teacher support so was planning to accelerate 3rd subject's in year 13. Hence, what's your advice? Should I go with teacher assessed grades or apply with the above-stated grades and sit for October exams? Will my poor IGCSE grades be a loophole in my application to be competitive?
Hi Aisha, these are all good questions. The answers depend on what you think your teachers will assess your grades to be. If it looks like they will assess A-level grades that are sufficient to meet our entry requirements, then you will be able to apply. Relatively poor performance at iGCSE is not a barrier to application, except for medicine. Tutors will look at your iGCSE results, but if you and your teachers are able to provide some of the contextual information (on your UCAS form) as to why the grades were not representative of your abilities, that would be very helpful. Let me know if you have follow-up questions. Best of luck to you
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you, Matt! I'm a private mature candidate too. According, to Ofqual, if it's teacher assessed grading I as a private candidate have to collaborate with a local school or college, but in my area, there are just two private schools and I do not think it suits my best interest. I'm hoping if they especially consider keeping exams for private candidates this summer would be well, and good , but if they do not I'll be sitting for October as per my private tutor's recommendation. Therefore, will be left with the option of applying just AS grades of two subjects and Igcse, but yes I have some tutors who are willing to mention the reason for poor grades.
I am thinking of doing Law at Oxford, but there are two setbacks, you cant work and you have to live in Oxford! what if you are a lone parent like me who wants to study at Oxford and is trying to get in? would the Uni help with Housing?
Good questions! You can work in the uni holidays. The terms at Oxford are short (only 8 weeks) and quite intense. Outside of term you can work and the uni is good at helping you find work, inc internships. Also, there are bursaries and hardship funds to help those in need during their studies. And, yes, the colleges help with housing. There are rooms available for parents. Do please get in touch if you need more info: matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk
I’m 22 in October, if I buy private a level exams and get A*a*a* and then gets good admission test result can I get into Cambridge , is there less want for a mature student ie looked down upon
Typically work experience is not included as part of our assessments, because opportunities to attain work experience are not equally distributed. But, if the work experiences you have gave you some academic insights that are relevant to your chosen degree subject, then you can absolutely mention these in your personal statement.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 My issue at the moment is the recent education as I’ve been out of it for 6 years. I want to do a Access to HE course for example but I currently live in the UAE and all these courses, event the distance learning ones, require you to be a UK resident meaning I can’t even apply for these courses that would help achieve the recent education requirement.
I am 22 and have plans to study at Oxford as an undergraduate PPE student when I am 26. Does Oxford University require the SAT? Because in my school there was no A-Level or IB, can you give me recommendations on what kind of assessment I should take to be a competitive candidate to apply there?
Are you applying from the US? There are details on international qualifications here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students/international-qualifications
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I've checked if the assessment requirements in my country are not eligible, and I have searched for A Level and IB but have age barriers, and i see if SAT can be attached. Is there a chance?
SATs are not sufficient, I'm afraid. American applicants need APs and SATs. But please see here for further details: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students
Thank you for posting this video. As a prospective 'mature student', I applied this year to university, aged 25, to study PPE. For me, like so many, the lockdown was an opportunity to reflect and refocus. A former RAF Intel Analyst, I have taken a somewhat unconventional route to higher education. I found the application process surprisingly difficult to navigate, particularly the personal statement. My advice to any mature student would be to approach universities, ask questions and do your research. Many universities I spoke to were enthusiastic about receiving applications from mature students (even if you don't meet the entry requirements), others not so. It really saddens me that there are still so many barriers to HE, especially for underrepresented/mature students. Dr Matthew Williams, thank you for uploading this content; it is encouraging to know that even universities as prestigious as Oxford are open-minded about mature students!
Thank you for your kind message!
I just received an offer to study HSPS at Cambridge as a mature student (23 years old). I was too unwell to complete my A-Levels (mental health deterioration and subsequent hospitalisation for a suicide attempt). I took a much needed 'time out' of education which turned out to be the best decision, even though it didn't seem so at the time. I want to stress that it is possible to get into Oxbridge without A-Levels via alternative routes, such as an Access to HE Course, as I have done.
Thank you for your comment, and huge congratulations on your place!
Best of luck, you can do it !! I finished my BAphil thesis at Uni Vienna after neuroborreliosis...
This is an inspiring tale and I wish you great success at Cambridge!
So inspiring!! Thank you. Where did you study your access to HE?
Thank you so so much for this video! There's not much information about mature students on the internet because it's not so typical to be one. And it's really encouraging to hear that a decision to change your career path/ study field is sometimes a right thing to do.
Glad it was helpful!
I had to take time away from education due to a skiing accident. I used that time to apply to Oxford five times - and got in on the final try.
Wow such an inspiration Oliver x well done
Congratulations, Oliver!! That's awesome that you kept on fighting no matter what!
Wow, incredible perseverance! What course are you doing if you don’t midn me asking?
@@krishvids608 Theology and Religion at Christ Church
@@krishvids608 but I applied for PPE four times before switching to Theology
I appreciate that you discussed this topic, Dr. Matthew.
One of the primary reasons I didn't select Jesus College was lack of accommodation for mature students with children. A shame though because the online support and content from the college is fabulous!
Very true about mature students being from disadvantaged backgrounds. I earned my Bachelors, part-time, aged 30 because it was the only way I could afford to pay for university, and now at 40 have applied for a Masters at Oxford.
Jesus College is one of the most engaging colleges online and the depth and breadth of supportive content is wonderful. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! It's completely reasonable to choose a college that can provide accommodation for children. I did my graduate degree at Wadham College which did provide such accommodation, in case you're interested! Best of luck to you.
A lot resinated in this one. Being late 20s, you worry it's too late to go to university. Matt shatters a lot of misconceptions in these videos.
Thank you for you comment!
Thank you very much Dr. Matthew . You’re the best
You are very welcome
Hello All! I am finishing up my MA in Art History and Visual Culture and also have an MA in Adult and Higher Education, both with 4.0’s here in the USA. I am going to apply for 2022 for a DPhil in the History of Art. I will be 51. I love the college system and Oxford has fabulous professors for supervision. How are older (I hate that word as I don’t feel the least bit old) students received by others and made to feel a part of student life? Are there any mature student groups to join? Thank you for any information! PS I would live at the college if possible .
Thanks for your comment. "Older" students are received very well by other students and tutors. What typically happens is that mature students are invited to join the middle common room, which is the social space for graduate students. These MCRs run events and maintain societies geared to more mature students. There is also a college that is entirely populated by mature students - Harris Manchester College. But all undergraduate colleges will admit mature students.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much for your response! I am looking forward to putting in my application for Oxford and having a chance to study with the top intellectuals in my field. Of course, that is if it is decided that I would be a good fit for the university. Take Care!
Hi Dr Williams,
Thank you for all your effort and time to make Oxford a more inclusive and open place to study for everyone. I received an offer from Oxford to study masters this year at 26, and your videos definitely encouraged me to apply and helped me prepare my application. Looking forward to studying at Oxford and hopefully, I get to say thank you in person.
Min
Thank you for your kind message Min. And huge congratulations! I hope to meet you too.
Matt
Thank you so much for making this video! There’s so little info for mature students.
You're very welcome! Thank you
"All there for the same reason" may not be the case as most will be looking for a degree in order to further their careers whereas I would be doing the course for pure interest & enjoyment of learning! (being 72 years old!)
FYI: in UK mature student = adult student
adult student = ppl who graduate from high school
mature student outside UK = ppl who dont have high school diploma
I read an article that said that people 21 years of age will on have average 17 different jobs throughout their lives. It was a study focused on Australia. I found this interesting for mature students seeking new information.
Wow thanks for sharing
i am a mature student. I am nearly 72 (British citizen)! Can I apply (English Lit.) ? Will it be more difficult?
Great! It may be difficult as you you will to meet the eligibility criteria and get through the admissions process. But, you have the advantages of maturity and experience that many (most?!) 17 year olds struggle with! If you need further info, do contact me: matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk
Hi Matt!
I was planning to apply to Oxford to study Law this year as an international student post my A level results. This is because I was a disadvantaged student during my IGCSE due to which my grades were-4 Bs, 1 C and 1 D.
However, after immense hard work, I was able to achieve 2 As in my As exams during 2020 October exam session. But due to the cancellation of exams, this summer 2021 has left me wondering will Oxford consider my application based on teachers assessed grades? Or should I apply to Oxford with just my grades of two subjects(AS grades), or should I rather sit for all three subjects' exam in autumn 2021? By the way, I couldn't give my 3rd subject's exam due to lack of resources, and teacher support so was planning to accelerate 3rd subject's in year 13.
Hence, what's your advice? Should I go with teacher assessed grades or apply with the above-stated grades and sit for October exams? Will my poor IGCSE grades be a loophole in my application to be competitive?
Hi Aisha, these are all good questions. The answers depend on what you think your teachers will assess your grades to be. If it looks like they will assess A-level grades that are sufficient to meet our entry requirements, then you will be able to apply.
Relatively poor performance at iGCSE is not a barrier to application, except for medicine. Tutors will look at your iGCSE results, but if you and your teachers are able to provide some of the contextual information (on your UCAS form) as to why the grades were not representative of your abilities, that would be very helpful. Let me know if you have follow-up questions. Best of luck to you
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you, Matt!
I'm a private mature candidate too. According, to Ofqual, if it's teacher assessed grading I as a private candidate have to collaborate with a local school or college, but in my area, there are just two private schools and I do not think it suits my best interest.
I'm hoping if they especially consider keeping exams for private candidates this summer would be well, and good , but if they do not I'll be sitting for October as per my private tutor's recommendation.
Therefore, will be left with the option of applying just AS grades of two subjects and Igcse, but yes I have some tutors who are willing to mention the reason for poor grades.
@@aishafazil4612 Ok, sounds like your tutor's recommendations are best then. Best of luck!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you, Matt, once again!
I'm 32 and after finished my undergraduate studies ten years ago😑, I am looking for going back to uni this year and starting Social Work Master. 🤞🤞
Fantastic! Best of luck to you
Thank you
I am thinking of doing Law at Oxford, but there are two setbacks, you cant work and you have to live in Oxford! what if you are a lone parent like me who wants to study at Oxford and is trying to get in? would the Uni help with Housing?
Good questions! You can work in the uni holidays. The terms at Oxford are short (only 8 weeks) and quite intense. Outside of term you can work and the uni is good at helping you find work, inc internships. Also, there are bursaries and hardship funds to help those in need during their studies.
And, yes, the colleges help with housing. There are rooms available for parents. Do please get in touch if you need more info: matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk
Thanks for this video. I'm 41 and I'm planning to apply soon.
Great! Let me know if I can help.
I’m 22 in October, if I buy private a level exams and get A*a*a* and then gets good admission test result can I get into Cambridge , is there less want for a mature student ie looked down upon
Mature students are not looked down upon at all. If you meet the eligibility criteria then you can certainly apply. Best of luck.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thanks, I will definitely apply and see where I am when the time comes then!
Does work experience help? I have been out of School for 6 years but have spent 3.5 years now as a full-time PE teacher at a school.
Typically work experience is not included as part of our assessments, because opportunities to attain work experience are not equally distributed. But, if the work experiences you have gave you some academic insights that are relevant to your chosen degree subject, then you can absolutely mention these in your personal statement.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 My issue at the moment is the recent education as I’ve been out of it for 6 years. I want to do a Access to HE course for example but I currently live in the UAE and all these courses, event the distance learning ones, require you to be a UK resident meaning I can’t even apply for these courses that would help achieve the recent education requirement.
I am 22 and have plans to study at Oxford as an undergraduate PPE student when I am 26. Does Oxford University require the SAT? Because in my school there was no A-Level or IB, can you give me recommendations on what kind of assessment I should take to be a competitive candidate to apply there?
Are you applying from the US? There are details on international qualifications here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students/international-qualifications
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 no,i am from Indonesia,can I still take an assessment like the SAT to apply?
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I've checked if the assessment requirements in my country are not eligible, and I have searched for A Level and IB but have age barriers, and i see if SAT can be attached. Is there a chance?
SATs are not sufficient, I'm afraid. American applicants need APs and SATs. But please see here for further details: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/for-international-students
may I ask what age is the lady on the right side of this youtube video?
She was in her thirties when she started her studies. I can't tell you her age though, I'm afraid.
I'm 53 and in my second year of University. I love it.
@@sarahm8574, are you taking a second or first bachelor degree at age 53? Or a second or first diploma or master degree at age 53?
Ethnic and racial backgrounds underrepresented in higher education.. like White men, but that's not what you meant is it?
what i have learned is oxford is very cringe