Going back to studying. Where do i start?

scrooge786

Hi i was wondering if anyone would be able to direct me as to where do i begin? The thing is i left sixth form 13 years ago. With a few GCSE's and 1 Alevel, i am thinking about starting a course at Uni as my 3 kids are now at school full time.
I am not sure as to how i decide on what course to follow or how i find out which is the one right for me. I feel i have an inkling towards Philosophy, Psychology, Social or Religious subjects.
At the moment i am a full time housewife and my partner works full time. Do i choose something which will help me into employment or do i do something which i will enjoy as i am confused as to what will be my next step. i.e. work or further studies or nothing, as the main motivation for me to go into this line is boredom and because my kids are at full time school i want to do something for myself as i am 31 years old.
I have been looking into entry requirements for uni courses and its mostly 2 Alevels whereas i have only 1, will i have to study for an Alevel beforehand or is there a way around it?
Financially we are coping (thank Goodness) with a mortgage and 3 kids, but i will have difficulty in getting the money together to begin studying again as i am not working. Is there any sort of help available?
I would just like to be pointed in the right direction.

Kirstie1985

Have you looked at the OU? You don't need any qualifications to begin and depending on your partners income you may be able to get financial help.

Oldernotwiser

It would probably be a good idea to speak to a Careers Adviser, either face to face with Nextstep, or by phone with Learndirect. Most mature students do have at least some idea of what they want to do with a degree before starting, as it's very annoying, for example, to decide you want to become a Social Worker just after you finish a Sociology degree!


Some courses will accept you with the qualifications you have but you might like to consider doing at least one year with the OU to ease you back into study and you can use this year towards your final degree if you find you're suited to distance learning. Year 1 courses are broadly based and enable you to explore a range of academic subjects within a particular area,such as social studies.

Part time courses (including the OU) are funded by means tested grants, based on household income. Full time courses are funded by a combination of Fee Loans, Maintenance Loans and Maintenance grants, again assessed on household income. These loans are low interest and repayments only start when you're earning more than £15,000 pa. You can find information on www.direct.gov.uk

terryw

Just a thought, but why not take an A level part-time at your local FE college in one (or more) of the subjects that you are interested in just to get back into the routine of studying? Fees will be nominal regardless of household income and the experience will build up your confidence for a course at a higher level.

terryw

welshmoneylover

A warning, once you google OU, your life will never be the same again!
It's addictive

Oldernotwiser

terryw wrote: »

Just a thought, but why not take an A level part-time at your local FE college in one (or more) of the subjects that you are interested in just to get back into the routine of studying? Fees will be nominal regardless of household income and the experience will build up your confidence for a course at a higher level.

terryw

A level course fees are far from nominal and the course will take 2 years; it's rarely a good option for adults. An Access course will be a much better option if the OP needs to do something before starting on degree level work.

terryw

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

A level course fees are far from nominal and the course will take 2 years; it's rarely a good option for adults. An Access course will be a much better option if the OP needs to do something before starting on degree level work.

ONP, sorry but I have to disgree with you. Usually I have to agree with all that you say. Check out the prices. Day or evening classes for GSCE are relatively cheap at your local college. Access courses may well be suitable but for many people considering HE, but the sheer discipline of attending a lower level course may well be a factor in deciding if HE is suitable.

terryw

Oldernotwiser

terryw wrote: »

ONP, sorry but I have to disgree with you. Usually I have to agree with all that you say. Check out the prices. Day or evening classes for GSCE are relatively cheap at your local college. Access courses may well be suitable but for many people considering HE, but the sheer discipline of attending a lower level course may well be a factor in deciding if HE is suitable.

terryw

Sorry, I thought you were talking about A levels, not GCSEs. The last place I worked, the course fee for an A level was over £250 pa, whereas Access courses are often (although not always) free . An Access course is the same level as A levels, anyway.

I do agree that one should look at all the options as some things suit some people better than others.

MrsManda

Ax you're unsure as to what subject you want to study, I'd suggest having a look at the OU's OpenLearn resources. You can download free course materials for a wide range of the courses the OU offer and in effect try them out before committing yourself and money to studying a subject properly.
You can find OpenLearn information and courses HERE

Aspiring

scrooge786 wrote: »

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I am not sure as to how i decide on what course to follow or how i find out which is the one right for me. I feel i have an inkling towards Philosophy, Psychology, Social or Religious subjects.

Stamford Test: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/beforeyouapply/whattostudy/stamfordtest

from_the_website wrote:

If you are still deciding which course and institution might suit you, you could start by making use of the Stamford Test. The Stamford Test is a short questionnaire which can help to match your interests and abilities to possible higher education subjects. Many students find this extremely helpful when trying to make up their minds.

squirrelchops

Hi,

regarding studying a a 'mature' student I would also consider which courses offer the best in terms of financial aid. E.g social work or teaching have good bursaries. These most certainly help and take off some of the financial strain whilst you are studying.

I agree with ONW re: access course. This will help you to get to grips with the academic standard required for a degree. I attained 3 A levels but didn't go to Uni for 14 years after this and boy was I shocked at the level we were expected to write at!