Starting a degree at 35

OP I would steer clear of Psychology, I did it about 10 years ago - it's really interesting, but there is lots of statistics (which I hated) and you're not actually qualified for anything at the end of it.
Many of my former classmates are not in Psychology related jobs now, as it's a very competitive field, so unless you want to do years of post grad study (Masters, or possibly PhD) you are unlikely to have a career in it.

Some advice I would give is - do a degree that actually qualifies you in something when you graduate, and doesn't need further study to get a job, as you don't really have time on your side. This is something I wish I had done. So there are lots of really interesting degrees (History etc.) which are interesting, but that have no real defined career path afterwards.

Or if you're interested in helping people, there are allied health professions like Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist etc. where you are actually a qualified professional when you finish your degree and will get a job in your chosen profession.

Yes! I started adult education courses in my 30s, I was in seasonal employment at the time so plenty of time in the winter to upskill. I decided to do courses that interested me, not traditional employment routes. Fast forward a decade and I have graduated with a 1st in my chosen subject and have had a number of job offers. Best decision I ever made!

As you really don’t have an idea what you want to do/study, I’d suggest the maths and English GCSE even more. You might even be able to get on a course at the local college starting September if you contact them now?

I'm currently studying with the Open University, a childhood and youth degree. I'll be 36 by the time I'm qualified next year. So no I don't think you are too old but just choose a subject you would like to go into and could progress a career in.

Especially when learning with the OU you have to be interested in, to actually encourage yourself to do the work, there's nobody there pushing you on other than yourself.

I'm also looking at starting a degree when I'm 34. I think when studying at a later age, it either tends to be for fun so no money/career agenda. Or it is to lead to another career, which I am hoping for. Mine is a healthcare related degree which is (hopefully) in demand and not at all glamorous (hence me having no interest in studying it at 18)

I would be nervous with psychology that while it would be super interesting, I can't imagine the career opportunities are great. Especially if you don't have an academic background.

I don't think the GCSEs or A levels matter at this point as OP is a mature student

True, but to study a subject which is both maths and English heavy, taking those GCSEs would provide a good starting point for the OP into studying. You can probably find GCSE courses that are very cheap/funded- they will give you an idea about whether you enjoy the work, if you can cope with it and if it’s something you can commit to, rather than looking at taking out loans etc for a degree as your first port of call.

I don't think the GCSEs or A levels matter at this point as OP is a mature student.

I went back and did a degree in my thirties OP, I would say go for it. However, as a previous poster said, make sure you have a plan. I think that Psychology is notoriously difficult to get a job in even for fresh young graduates who took the traditional education route, so maybe take a closer look at what you really want to do and why, and how it could benefit you professionally and add to your value/potential value as an employee.

Psychology is very maths focussed

Would you not need GCSE maths and English (or equivalents) to get onto a degree course anyway?

My BIL did Psychology with the Open University and is actually working as a psychologist but he had good GCSEs and A Levels and a previous degree.

I did professional qualifications when I was in my mid to late 30s. Many many many exams. The academic side of it was fine but it was a hell of a time commitment whilst also working and raising a child, even with my husband picking up all the slack.

Ok so no.

without gcse or a levels, there is no chance that an OU degree in psychology is going to lead you to a career in this field

get your maths and English gcse

As someone who knows numerous graduates with psychology degrees working in minimum wage jobs, I’d think carefully about this! What job do you actually want?

I’d get maths/English GCSEs first.

If I were you

I would start by getting my English and maths gcse

What is your interest?

no point getting a degree just to have a degrees. You have to have a plan