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We understand that some applicants might have had breaks in their education for various reasons, and we want mature students to excel at UCL.
At UCL we define mature applicants as those who are 21 years or older on the day they start their first undergraduate degree. We have put together this information to help you make an informed decision about entering higher education and to highlight support services that you may be interested in.
On this page:
- Application information
- Access UCL
- Support available for current mature students
- Events for mature students
- Other sources of support
Application information
The application process for mature students is the same as for all other students, with applications being made through UCAS. Step-by-step guidance about applying to UCL and making your UCAS application can be found on our How to Apply and UCAS explained pages.
If you don't meet the advertised required entry requirements, or haven't studied within the last three years, we recommend that you contact the undergraduate admissions office to discuss your particular circumstances before applying. Please note, although we can be slightly more flexible with entry requirements for mature students, taking your work and life experiences into consideration, we do expect you to meet a certain academic level in order to ensure that you will be able to successfully engage with the undergraduate course material at UCL.
For information on the programmes we offer and our standard entry requirements, please see our undergraduate prospectus. Our degrees are generally designed to be studied on a full time basis, with teaching occurring during the daytime, however a very small number of departments do permit part-time study. You can find a list on these on our How to apply page. Please do get in touch with the relevant admissions tutor to discuss these further. Contact details can be found on the programme pages of the online prospectus.
Access UCL
Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. Access UCL eligible applicants that are successful in receiving an offer from UCL, will receive an offer that is lower than the standard entry requirements for the programme.
Mature students are assessed against the same Access UCL eligibility criteria as all other applicants. Please note that if you have achieved an undergraduate degree or are in your final year, you will not be eligible for Access UCL. Please see the Access UCL webpage for more information.
Support for current UCL mature students
- The UCL Student Success Office has a key contact for UK undergraduate mature students. This contact gets in touch with applicants once they have accepted an offer from UCL and is in touch with them throughout the transition period. They outline support available to them and can advise and signpost support services throughout their time at UCL. They can also be contacted via email: smss.studentsuccess@ucl.ac.uk.
- Student Support and Wellbeing: our team of wellbeing, disability and mental health advisers provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space, where you can discuss any issues that are affecting your studies.
- Student Parents: if you have children, UCL offers facilities and support to help you manage your studies alongside your life as a parent, including nursery care and family accommodation.
- The UCL Day Nursery has 67 places for children of UCL staff and students, and operates a waiting list.
- UCL is committed to supporting pregnant students throughout the course of their studies.
- Student Funding: UCL offers financial support such as bursaries and scholarships to help students cover tuition fees and living costs. Prospective students can use our scholarship finder tool. If you’re a current student, you can book an appointment with a Student Funding Advisor and discuss the options available to you.
- Personal Tutors: every undergraduate student is assigned a personal tutor on enrolment, usually an academic member of staff within the student's department. They will help you get the most out of your studies, and provide both support and encouragement throughout your studies.
- Students' Union: Mature students are represented by the Mature and Part-time Students' Officer. You can contact them on: su-mpts.officer@ucl.ac.uk. The Students’ Union Advice Service offers free, confidential and independent advice in-person, via email and telephone.
Events for mature students
We are currently reviewing our activities for mature students. Please check this page again later in the year, where we will have more information on the opportunities that we can offer.
Other sources of support
- Turn2Us is a national charity that provides practical help to people who are struggling financially. It has a webpage with useful information about the financial support available while studying, such as benefits and grants.
- If you are a student parent, you may be eligible for Childcare Grants, free childcare, or the Parents' Learning Allowance.
- UCAS has a dedicated webpage with information and advice for mature students