Is there a specific Mature Study & Retraining board?

[Edmontine]

I know there have been mature student threads. But I feel I’ve read countless, tentative Am I too old to - threads, with each OP believing they’re the first person ever to consider a degree or postgrad at 30 / 40 / 50 onwards - and almost talking themselves out of the idea before they’ve even posted.

It would be helpful to have a dedicated space - with a note at the top assuring people that they’re not freaks and would be welcomed by places of learning.

(If such a board already exists and I’ve failed to find it, consider me suitably embarrassed.)

I would love this as I’ve been considering doing a masters for years. I’d really love to do a second first degree but don’t think I can justify it.

I would love this. I've career changed and applied for a Master's in my new field. I'm going to be working full time as well so advice and support would be great. I'm 51.

Another one who'd really appreciate this 🙋🏼‍♀️

@BestIsWest

I would love this as I’ve been considering doing a masters for years. I’d really love to do a second first degree but don’t think I can justify it.

Second degrees are tricky as they generally are not funded (bar healthcare ones and sone stem) so I just had to pay the £9k each year for mine.

But £9k pa compared to say a professional qualification training is cheapish.

I'd love a specific board. I've just done a foundation year, and will be starting my 1st year of my first ever degree, aged 50. Help and general chat would be great.

I'm about to start a law degree but I'm not in the UK so I'd only be able to contribute to general chat. Think it would be useful though.

Fantastic idea. I hope MN set this up.

Great idea. I'm 38 and in the midst of retraining. Had lots of 'am I too old?' thoughts before I took the plunge so would've loved an area of mumsnet like the one you're suggesting.

I would also find it helpful to have a thread for mature students. It can be difficult knowing which board to post on.

Yes would love this, about to start a healthcare degree in September.

I went straight to work from school for financial reasons. Was sponsored to do an MBA, part-time in my 30s which opened up new paths, so I was really lucky. I then retrained and did a PGCE when I was 49. No regrets at all.

But I had been hoping to do the first degree that I missed out on when I retire, so I am disappointed that there is no funding at all for over 60s. I had a bursary to cover my PCGE, but otherwise I’ve had no state funding and will have worked 46 years (and still be three years away from my state pension) by the time I retire. I know a loan system wouldn’t really be appropriate, but a discount on the tuition fee would be a help. I wouldn’t want to take a scarce place from a young person, but a bit like bus passes enabling services to continue for all, maybe older people could help make some courses more viable (as well as adding a bit of diversity).

Would be useful; partic if it could also cover the thorny issue of What To Do - for those of us who want to change careers but haven’t yet figured out what to do with ourselves …

I am a mature student too, currently one third of the way through a part time Masters, will graduate when i'm 51.

There are Higher Education forums - which are full of parents asking about unis for their 18 year olds. The "academics" forum is there for people who work in unis.

Definitely there's a gap for a forum for those of us who are well into the mature student bracket and who are either doing an undergrad for the first time, or going back to uni after a (very) long gap.

Yes my dad can't get any funding as he is 70+ doing open university.

I suppose they don't want tons of 60+ doing it as it's free. Fine to pay if it's being done for interest.

I probably will do a third degree later in when retired. It would be of no benefit to society!

I'd be interested. Starting an access course this year and hopefully a degree next year. 46.

It can be difficult knowing which board to post on.

Definitely. People often end up posting on AIBU. While most responses are encouraging, there are always people who excoriate the OP for her eternal student pretensions, or tell her she’ll get just as much from volunteering. Or puzzle magazines. Or being grateful she has a roof over her head.

It’s all part of the narrative that persuades let’s say middle aged women that they simply don’t matter, shouldn’t be using family money for themselves, shouldn’t be taking out study loans they may never fully repay, shouldn’t be indulging themselves with ‘hobby’ learning - because they’re too useless to ever capitalise on any qualification, shouldn’t be taking up any space at all.

And it’s bollocks! I had a completely thrilling time, came out top of my year, and am gradually carving out my own place in a niche field. Brain being exercised, voice heard professionally, fabulous new friendships and contacts, nearly three decades after my first degree and in a completely different area of learning.

@Edmontine I hear you! I have had all of those sorts of comments. I also struggled with spending money on myself and a Masters does seem indulgent.

But it's honestly the best thing I've done in years.

Ooh, now this sounds a good plan, I'd like to see that forum.

This would be a really useful addition to the site - I'm part way through my second year of a degree apprenticeship, and would love to see a board on here for mature students.

I'd be interested. I think I will be 45 when I am in the position to take the plunge. Definitely feels too old.47/48 when finished, probably already too old to be taken seriously and make the investment back.

Yes I would love this as well. I am just about to start in my final year of my MA and training in a new field. I am the oldest on my course (late 40's). All the others are early 20's!

Yes please! Sounds invaluable.

I’d be interested in this.

I would also be interested in this type of forum. Early 40s and looking to retrain / up skill.

It’s a yes from me!