Student profiles

Our current and former students talk about their experiences of returning to education as a mature student, and how the Department for Lifelong Learning has helped them.

"I got a lot of help from the University's Disability and Dyslexia Support Service"

Evan BA Archaeology with Foundation Year

Evan started his degree in Archaeology with a Foundation Year following treatment for and recovery from a brain tumour. Here he shares his story of returning to education, and highlights the support he received from the University as he adapted to his new life as a mature student.

"My children are all grown up now so I felt like now is the right time."

Sarah BMedSci Health and Human Sciences

Sarah is studying for a degree in Health and Human Sciences with Foundation Year to enable her to follow her dream of a career in healthcare.

"I wanted to make a positive change in my life"

Imran BA Applied Social Science with Foundation Year

Imran is the first generation of his family to go to University. Here he shares his experience of studying for a degree in Applied Social Sciences with Foundation Year as a mature student.

"I just thought, why not?"

Lucy Foundation Programme in Combined Studies

Lucy is studying a part-time Foundation Programme in Combined Studies. Here she talks about returning to education after many years as a stay at home parent.

Don't be intimidated by the University's reputation

Ben BSc Environmental Science with Foundation Year

Ben shares his experience of coming to University as a mature student to follow his dream of studying for a degree in Environmental Science with Foundation Year.

Make the most of every new experience

Maureen BMedSci Health and Human Sciences

Maureen shares her story of attending higher education later in life and her top tips for coping with life as a mature student while still supporting a family.

I decided to finally pursue my dream of coming to university

Emma BA History with a Foundation Year

Emma shares her experiences of receiving and working with a Dyslexia diagnosis while studying as a mature student at the University of Sheffield.