Am I too old to go to Uni

[Rayn]

I started my degree in 2001 and dropped out after a year as I was pregnant. I was 26.
I then did 60 credits on open uni in education studies in 2006. I have always worked in children's services and nursery management right up until three years ago.
I am 46. I feel too old to go back and do my teacher training. I hate been office based and want to work in primary not nurseries.

I feel like I will be the only oldie and although I am ok with that I will be betting into a lot of debt and will be nearly 50 when qualified. I don't worry about getting a job as I have so much experience with kids in different areas.

Am I mad? Any positive stories about going to Uni as a mature student?
Have thought about open university but not sure if I will be able to do it independently.

I did a biomedical science degree as a full time mature student and graduated aged 43... got a job before my graduation ceremony . There were plenty of mature students there 😀

I would love to know what these course are that have lots of mature students all going off into jobs afterwards. Not being snide, I'm looking for options.

OP there are several mature trainee teachers at my kids' school at the moment. It's secondary though.

@Murmurur

I would love to know what these course are that have lots of mature students all going off into jobs afterwards. Not being snide, I'm looking for options.

OP there are several mature trainee teachers at my kids' school at the moment. It's secondary though.

Sent you a PM

@Northernsoullover - I'd be interested as I have friends and family who are expecting to be made redundant over the next few months (some for >5 time since 2000).

[quote EmbarrassingAdmissions]@Northernsoullover - I'd be interested as I have friends and family who are expecting to be made redundant over the next few months (some for >5 time since 2000).[/quote]
I've pm'd you too.

I would love to know what these course are that have lots of mature students all going off into jobs afterwards. Not being snide, I'm looking for options.

My students are training to be careers advisers. There's a skill shortage in England.

Thank you @sueellenmishke

@Murmurur

Thank you *@sueellenmishke*

You're welcome:)

Go for it OP. It's TRUE many teachers are jaded in their 50s but that's because theuve already been in schools for decades. You'll be 'fresh'!
How many years will you need to do?

Definitely not too old. The oldest person on my course at Uni was 75 and she was great fun. She knew everyone and joined in everything. She even had a few terms in halls because she didn't want to miss out on the experience. Go for it!

Ignore the caps, no idea how that happened.

No you are not too old!

I'm in the final semester of a three year degree in primary education with QTS, started with an access course when I was 44 and will be 48 when I qualify, best thing I have every done and loved every moment of it! I still have 20 years of working life left and am determined to have a career doing something I am passionate about with decent pay - go for it!!

@Northernsoullover
I would be really grateful if you could PM me, I’m looking at options now my children are growing up.

Thank you

No you are not too old. I went back to uni in my mid 20s and there were several students on my course who were in their 50s. It didn't make any difference!! We all got on. (Vocational degree)

Whether you decide to do the course or not, time is still going to tick on past!
So you may as well go for it and don't give a crap what anyone else says. In a few years time you will either be older, or older with a degree.

@Northernsoullover me too please. Looking for a job now after kids have started school.
@SueEllenMishke, careers advisor sounds great but I've never seen jobs advertised for it (nor seen courses advertised, although I've also never specifically searched for them).

You’re never too old. I know someone with a university place starting in the autumn who will be 46 next month. When I did my degree back in the dark ages the oldest student on the course was 70. They called her Grampus.

I'm older than you and planning on doing a second degree.

If it's really what you want to do and you can afford it then go for it.

There was a 74 year old who graduated with a 1st class honours degree in law when I was at University. You're never too old and the mature students always do better as they're not out partying like the rest of the 18 year old!

Never too old to go back to uni. My BFF has just finally completed her degree in the area she’s dreamed about for years, she’s 52 and she’s so happy.

I’m 31 and just started uni in September doing education. There are older people in my class too and a lot of mature students on campus. It’s great so far, I’d say go for it

I’ve done a year of open uni and it was a hard slog for me as I struggle a lot with motivation. This is much better!

Bollocks to those who are saying you are too old. I did my teacher training last year and I'm in my 30s. There was loads of people that were older than me. One guy was retired and got bored so decided he wanted to be a teacher. He really is a wonderful teacher! I trained with a pharmacist and he was in his early 50s.

Im 49 and I did my PGCE 2 years ago. It was hard work but it was definitely worth it. I had no problem finding a job after, nor did any of the other PGCE students. There were loads of 40 yr old + students and we've all got jobs. It was one of the best decisions I've made. Lots of people go into teaching later in life, nobody will bat an eyelid at you. It's never too late to go to uni or change your career. My dad retrained as a barrister in his late 40s (he's now retired in his 70s and just started an online history degree with Cambridge University) and my mum went from teaching to social work in her 40s; these type of jobs are good for older people as you have life experience and a lot to offer.

[quote honeybeetheoneandonly]@Northernsoullover me too please. Looking for a job now after kids have started school.
@SueEllenMishke, careers advisor sounds great but I've never seen jobs advertised for it (nor seen courses advertised, although I've also never specifically searched for them).[/quote]
There are only a handful of universities that offer a postgraduate qualification in Career guidance- around 7 and two of those are in Scotland. If you're interested then those that have professional accreditation are the ones to look at as they are preferred by employers. The Career Development Institute (CDI) have a list of accredited universities and training providers.

Jobs are advertised via individual schools and universities but also via the CDI and jobs.ac.uk ( for uni jobs)

I would say that larger firms and institutions actually have very fair recruitment processes. Teaching is very welcoming to mature applicants and once you’ve taught for a little while people forget that you are new to the profession. You can build a good career later in life it’s just about finding the right school. It’s a risk trying something new at any age. I’m sure that your risk will pay off and you will be amazing. Go for it!