Qualiifications advice???? any teachers out there??
2 watchers
Aug 2011
3:34pm, 25 Aug 2011
1,459 posts
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AngusClydesdale
There are lots of equivalencies out there these days and you get credit for prior learning. You might find you already have A-level equivalent. If not, as CL says, there are access courses available. Talk to the Uni asap; you might be able to do something via distance learning over the next 12 months so that you can get in. In my limited experience, universities are keen on mature students - better work ethic, less social issues etc etc. Go for it. |
Aug 2011
3:35pm, 25 Aug 2011
5,645 posts
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runner duck
an access course is a good route into getting back into learning again. when i did my degree most of the mature students had done one and loved it. it seemed to be a very supportive environment |
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Aug 2011
3:36pm, 25 Aug 2011
5,646 posts
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runner duck
you're right, ac, they love mature students. we tend to be real swots 
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Aug 2011
3:38pm, 25 Aug 2011
258 posts
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wobblingTime
A number of Universities will offer an 'access' course if you don't have A levels. It's a one year course. I echo what's been said though, some colleges are quite flexible on entry criteria, especially for mature students. You can do a specialist PE Teacher degree, (my B-I-L is a PE teacher) but it will be 4 years as it will incorporate the teaching training part. If you do a sports degree, (usually 3 years) then you'll have to do a PGCE (post-graduate certificate in education) course for a year. |
Aug 2011
3:39pm, 25 Aug 2011
1,752 posts
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runningmumof3boys
this is all brilliant thanks
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Aug 2011
3:42pm, 25 Aug 2011
6,085 posts
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CrazyLegs
Also, all the mature students seemed to cope much better with the first year at uni than people with A-levels. They all went on and got 1st class degrees. The first year students I have to mentor are a nightmare, give me someone with a few years life experience over A-levels any day of the week. |
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Aug 2011
3:42pm, 25 Aug 2011
5,648 posts
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runner duck
actually that's all true. it's probably going to take at least 4 years, more probably 5. so i'd find out asap if you need an access course and if you do get yourself on one pronto. but it is brilliant. i had a wonderful time as a mature student. it was hard work and i had to drive an hour to my nearest uni. but it was worth every minute. |
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Aug 2011
4:42pm, 25 Aug 2011
68 posts
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Doctor in Waiting
I think that you need to think about whether you want to start the 'classroom experience' part from the start of your course, in which case, as WobblingTime says it's 4 yrs, all geared towards becoming a teacher. Otherwise, do a specilaist undegraduate degree then a PGCE. This would give you time perhaps to volunteer in a school and get more of an idea about teaching. It would also mean that your options are wider if you decide not to go into teaching. Try www.tda.gov.uk for more info if you haven't done so already. As an aside, I used to work at UoB and they are quite hot on widening participation, so mature students shouldn't be put off.
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Aug 2011
4:54pm, 25 Aug 2011
691 posts
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Winniefree
And just to add some encouragement - despite all the competition for places at university, mature students are still being offered places. The college where I work is adults only and this year we had one of the highest proportions for years of our access students being offered places. As DiW says, universities are keen to show that they contributing to widening participation and mature students are a good way for them of doing that.
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Aug 2011
4:55pm, 25 Aug 2011
692 posts
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Winniefree
PS - we still have places on our access course for this year but I think that Yorkshire might be a bit far for you to travel!!
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