Mature applications

Returning to study as a mature student

If you are thinking about returning to study, come along to our Open Days and visit our VIP area for mature students in Headington Campus. Have your questions answered by staff and current mature students, enjoy complimentary refreshments and connect with fellow learners interested in returning to study.

You are welcome to bring your little ones along - we have a special craft table to keep them entertained. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gather valuable insights and support.

Our experience is that mature students often produce outstanding results!

If you are aged 21 or above we will consider your application without the normal entry requirements if you can show evidence of academic potential. However, as the number of mature applicants is steadily increasing, you need to recognise that gaining a place may be a competitive process.

We will look favourably on previous experience or professional qualifications that show you are ready to cope with study at degree or higher diploma level.

You can prepare yourself for entry to higher education through one of the following routes:

Associate study

If you enrol as an associate student at Oxford Brookes, you can take individual modules on a part-time basis to qualify for admission in a subsequent year. This route has the advantage of enabling you to sample the modular programme while allowing you and the staff to determine your aptitude for your chosen subjects. Please note that progression onto a degree course is not automatic.

Foundation courses

You can take one of these year-long pre-degree courses to help you reach the entry requirements needed for degree level study in a particular subject area.

Access courses

Successful completion of a recognised access course prepares you for degree-level study. There are over 1,000 recognised courses nationally and a number offered in the Oxford region at further education colleges and community education centres. Study options include one-year full-time courses or part-time day and evening courses over 2 years.

There are also a number of pre-access courses which you may be advised to take prior to enrolling on an access course. Further details are available from the access course leaders at individual colleges.

A-levels, Vocational A-levels or GCSEs

Many local further education colleges and community education centres offer these courses, which are particularly suitable if a degree programme has a specific requirement, eg A-level French for a languages course, or GCSE Mathematics or Statistics for a psychology course.