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Secondary education

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Original poster

Starting a degree at 35

65 replies

Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 08:32

Hi,

I not sure if this is the right place to post?

Ok so i work in admin at the moment, I have pretty much just had office jobs, I did do a HR course L3 a few years ago but then found it hard to gain any experience in this sector.

I am now at the point where I want to better myself and get a better job, as I have no GCSE'S I am thinking of doing a course/degree with the Open University but I feel a bit old?

Has anyone started at this age and its been a success?

Any advice appreciated.

Gemma

OP posts:
Flipflipmania · 21/08/2023 08:35

What is your interest?

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

Flipflipmania · 21/08/2023 08:35

If I were you

I would start by getting my English and maths gcse

Original poster
Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 08:39

Yeah i want to do Psychology

OP posts:
Shinyandnew1 · 21/08/2023 08:41

Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 08:39

Yeah i want to do Psychology

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.

Flipflipmania · 21/08/2023 08:41

Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 08:39

Yeah i want to do Psychology

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

evilharpy · 21/08/2023 08:48

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.

Flipflipmania · 21/08/2023 08:49

Psychology is very maths focussed

Wozzzzzaa · 21/08/2023 08:49

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.

Original poster
Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 08:56

Actually don't know what I want Psychology looked good, but - now thinking Maybe something in computing/IT or something childhood related.

What am I sure in is it has to lead me down a specific career path, just not sure what that is yet?

Starting a degree at 35 | Mumsnet

Hi, I not sure if this is the right place to post? Ok so i work in admin at the moment, I have pretty much just had office jobs, I did do a HR cour...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/4876925-starting-a-degree-at-35?reply=128581717#:~:text=I%20think%20that-,Psychology,-is%20notoriously%20difficult

OP posts:
Shinyandnew1 · 21/08/2023 08:59

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.

Crimblecrumble1990 · 21/08/2023 08:59

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.

AnnieKayTee · 21/08/2023 09:05

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.

Shinyandnew1 · 21/08/2023 09:06

Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 08:56

Actually don't know what I want Psychology looked good, but - now thinking Maybe something in computing/IT or something childhood related.

What am I sure in is it has to lead me down a specific career path, just not sure what that is yet?

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?

Frencis · 21/08/2023 09:14

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!

Farmageddon · 21/08/2023 09:14

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.

Farmageddon · 21/08/2023 09:19

Also, there is a Mature Study and Retraining board you could look at for ideas:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

Firefighter22 · 21/08/2023 09:27

I don’t think you’re age is an issue at all but really take your time to decide what you want to get out of having a degree and don’t rush into deciding subject. Better to wait a few years because you are really looking into all options. My DF started a BA when he retired at 65. He has always wanted to study but the family was too poor and he had to join the family business after WW2. He took an access course first as he had no formal qualifications and went on to get an MA and loved the whole experience. It took him over 10 years but I think it gave him extra years of life having the focus, the interaction with others and a goal that was meaningful to him. So do it but don’t rush into it.

Annoyedwithmyself · 21/08/2023 09:35

Absolutely nothing wrong with starting a degree at 35 but I would begin with GCSE english and maths whilst you decide what it is you really want to do for work, then target your uni application around that rather than try and rush through clearing this Sept (not sure whether you were considering that).

Psych is a science subject so you would benefit from having that background of basic maths and written reasoning. Psych is more often than not used as a transferable skill rather than for qualifying as a clinical psychologist. Not saying you couldn't do that, you could, but it is highly competitive and quite a long road. Psych nursing could be a more straightforward pathway (I don't mean an easy job).

I'm doing Medicine in my mid 30s so absolutely vouch for studying at this age. Just think very carefully about 'what', 'why' and 'what next' as well as the practicalities before making a decision. What about something business and HR focussed to build on your existing experience? Out of your suggestions, IT seems the clearest route to employment and increased pay.

HappydaysArehere · 21/08/2023 09:42

I trained as a teacher (primary) in my early thirties. It was the best decision I had made in my working life.

youaremysunshine2623 · 21/08/2023 09:46

I’m a university lecturer and teach many many women returners in their 30s - some of my most committed, bright and capable students. An access course may be a good first stage. This would teach you the academic and research skills needed and in my experience sets students up very well for undergraduate study. An access course in Social Sciences would typically include modules in sociology, psychology, youth work etc. type disciplines and would give you time to think further about the direction you would like to take.

AHugeTinyMistake · 21/08/2023 09:53

Farmageddon · 21/08/2023 09:14

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.

I agree with this

I have a friend who did a physiology-related degree, placements in hospitals etc, got a job before she'd even graduated for 23k I think. 2 years on she's doing a masters apprenticeship funded by her NHS team, earning 25k currently. At the end of the apprenticeship she will go onto band 5 which is 28k to start with, goes up to 35k I think. There will be other progression opportunities as well.

If you want a good career definitely look into it.

McConkeysPlate · 21/08/2023 09:58

My local college offers access courses, I did my maths gcse alongside this. I did psychology, biology and sociology and passed with enough points to do my degree. I am 46 and just about to start my second year in a biology degree.

Bunnyannesummers · 21/08/2023 11:33

I’d start with GCSE maths and English to ease you in, and also because some jobs/courses require them. Once you’ve got your head around study, think about what you’re aiming for. You could do some careers testing to inspire you? But I wouldn’t suggest picking a degree without a solid reason.

Youll likely need an access course for entry, these are taught at FE colleges so you might want to visit a September open day at your local college for a chat

Original poster
Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 13:48

Decided in the end to do an access course - hopefully this will put me in good stead and help me decide what i wanna do!

OP posts:
Flipflipmania · 21/08/2023 14:17

Gem8701 · 21/08/2023 13:48

Decided in the end to do an access course - hopefully this will put me in good stead and help me decide what i wanna do!

In what?