Studying A Levels 8 years late...

t0rt0ise

I would contact the university and ask their advice. Contact the department of the subject you want to study.

engineer_amy

t0rt0ise wrote: »

I would contact the university and ask their advice. Contact the department of the subject you want to study.

Definitely do this.
I went back and did an accountancy degree part time at uni, and the acceptance criteria for anyone classed as a mature student, or studying part time, were significantly lower than the school leavers criteria.
You could put time, effort and money into studying what you think you need now, only to find out later that there may have been easier options to get on to your desired course.

libra10

I went back into education in my 40s, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Like yourself, when younger I wasn't particularly interested in school-work, but when a local college opened a centre in my village decided to enrol.

The teachers and lecturers were friendly and helpful, and I did a series of GCSEs and A Levels, along with other courses. It was hard work but definitely worth it as a gained several qualifications and made some new friends.

I gained a place at university to study psychology, but when offered a job decided to take up the offer rather than going to uni.

Unlike yourself, at the time I wasn't working full-time and my children were older. I would have found the commitment of all the studying, coursework etc much more demanding with that much extra pressure.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

kingfisherblue

I went to university when I was 35, to study for my degree part time. I didn't have my O level or A level certificates, but I had done some shorter courses and one year of Open University. My course was education based, and I mentioned my voluntary work with Brownies. I was accepted onto the course and was told that it was partly due to my voluntary work with children that helped.



Depending on what course you now want to study, have a look at either the Open University or part time study at your local university. I studied part time because I have a severely disabled child, and knew that I couldn't manage full time. It took five years to complete a Foundation degree and a top up to an Honours degree (three years Foundation, another two years to complete my BA).

MandM90

I did my A levels a couple of years late, but went full time with a young child. I managed to get four A's (Bio, Chem, Physics, Philosophy) then went to a top 5 Uni to study Chemistry.

It was incredibly hard work, not least because Chem involved 30+ hours IN uni on top of the work, but some of the happiest years of my life as I'd never felt so intellectually stimulated before. Financially it was very hard, but it passed and now we're very comfortable.

I'd echo others that four full A levels may not be necessary for all courses, but do bear in mind that in this competitive landscape some of the universities/courses which are easier to access may not provide a good return on investment when you re-enter the workforce.

Dimps_123

Totally agree you don't need to do the A levels - I left school with GCSEs only and went back to education in my 30s - have an Open University degree without having to do the A levels.

pmduk

Again, I'd suggest the OU, there are some excellent courses for people who aren't used to studying.

Feyfangirl

The HNC courses are also good, they're level 4, less intense option than a degree too and focus more on the vocation side of things. I'm 26 and recently completed a HNC in health and social care

Murphybear

Another vote for OU. Employers are usually impressed with an OU degree as they understand the effort and commitment it takes.

I am probably biased as I worked for them for a number of years, they were excellent employers.