To start a degree at 38?

[Meralia]

Hi all,

I’ve noticed my local college are running a 2 year foundation degree in Psychology accredited by a not so far away uni, you can then do a year top up for the full BSc at the university itself.

I have the qualifications for the degree (Access) and a CertHE, and experience working within the mental health field.

I’ve been out of education for a while, although my access course doesn’t expire, I’ve emailed the admissions advisor and she has said to me that it’s ok to apply.

I have 3 DC, a 17 year old, a 15 year old and a 19 month old. My youngest can go to nursery which isn’t an issue and I have a supportive husband both financially and practically, so don’t have to carry extra burden.

I’m just a bit worried that I’ve missed the boat with regards to age and career prospects after. Anyone else been in a similar situation?

You’re not too old at all, but I’d decide what career you want to go into before committing to a course.

I actually admire you for considering this and will look to do something similar myself once I've had my children etc. My dd is 4yo and we are ttc so now is not a good time for me to study. But I hope to be able to when the time is right.

If you start a new career at 40, you've still got another 20years potentially longer working in that field so might as well study and get to where you want to be. On a side note... My mum retrained at 53, opened her own business once her masters degree was complete and 6 years later her company is a market leader in the area she's in. She's had many people offering her a lot of £ to buy the company. And she loves the job. It will also pay for a nice retirement once she is ready, but wants to do at least another 4yrs.

Definitely consider what you want to do with the degree before doing it. Psychology is a broad subject but relatively difficult to get into as a career. Most don't manage. I know of few that did, most did something else unrelated and only one is still studying extensively, over 10 years after starting.

I am doing a foundation degree, then possibly a nursing degree after.

I am 37. Loads of working years left after all.

I graduated at 40. Although I’ve sadly not used the qualification for a career I am still so glad I did it. Doing the degree was probably one of the best decisions I ever made actually! I worked part time, was a single mum and did a full three year degree at a top university. The only issue I found was that there were very few mature students so there was no social side to it for me. Good luck!