According to a UCAS analysis of full-time undergraduate university applications, older applicants have significantly decreased in the UK. In England and Wales applicants to university aged between 21and 24 have decreased by 15% and applicants over 25 have decreased by 23%. The subject showing the most notable decrease in applicants is nursing. Most applicants to nursing are over 19, this age group of people who applied for nursing have decreased between 16% and 29%. Many students studying nursing unto now, could do so for free as there is a high demand for nurses in the UK. But why do people go back to school after being away for so long? The decision to become a mature student could be made for many reasons but most commonly it is made for a career change, self-improvement or to update skills in a particular field. I think we can all agree that it is extremely brave going back to school after being out for so many years, especially with a family to take care of. I spoke to Rebecca, a mature student studying nursing with a husband and two small children at home, about how she manages her studies and home life.
Rebecca is 27, living in Orpington and studies a Nursing BSc (hons) at the University of Greenwich. We discussed the reasons behind her starting a nursing degree at this point in her life, as she had children at a young age she was unable to continue into university but as her children got older she realised her career prospects were not as great as they could've been with a degree. Rebecca told me that she chose nursing as it was a lifetime ambition, the fact that it was finance free was just a bonus! We talked about how to balance course work and revision with managing a family, she believes that it is all about making the most of opportunities, “When the kids are with the parents or a lecture has been cancelled,” thats when she gets the most work done. After being outside of learning for such a long time, Rebecca told me that her university was quite supportive in helping her “get back into the swing of things” and they are quite flexible and understanding of her situation. She said that its never too late to go back to school, you just need to be ambitious and determined enough.
By Elizabeth Statham - Langley Park School For Girls
