Breaking down the barriers to adult learning
Delving into higher education as an adult might seem daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you took a course or it’s a whole new ballgame for you.
But it’s time to banish those worries and make it #mytime to pursue those passions.
To give you that confidence boost, some of our past adult learners who studied at University Centre Rotherham help dispel any concerns you might have and encourage you to enrol on a higher education course with us.
“I won’t fit in as an adult learner.”
Some adults think they’ll feel out of place studying alongside teenagers. But University Centre Rotherham is an inclusive place of learning with a real mix of students ranging from 18 up to people in their 60s.
Kasey Windle-Heath says that she felt more understood by staff as a mature learner. She returned to education ten years ago at the age of 24, completing a BTEC in photography at our sister site Rotherham College. She then progressed to University Centre Rotherham to do the Bachelor’s degree in Media, Moving Image and Photography.
“I started college later in life because I wanted to feel more fulfilled in what I was doing for a living. The course offered me much more than just an education. The tutors were respectful and very knowledgeable about the subject and specialisms. I also made friends with some great people who offered support when needed. I felt at home here and knew I was excelling in a subject I enjoyed immensely,” she says.
After graduating, Kasey went on to do a part-time PGCE course here at University Centre Rotherham and is now programme leader within the media department.
“I didn’t do well at school. I don’t think I’d cope being back in the classroom.”
If you haven’t set foot in a classroom since you were 16, the idea of cracking open a textbook might give you the jitters.
Maybe you never thought you were academic, or you were told by your schoolteachers that university was out of your reach.
Muhammed Sibtain thought that too. But he’s now doing a master’s degree in software development after completing an undergraduate degree in Computing and Systems Development at University Centre Rotherham.
“I struggled with studying for exams and school so as a result I performed poorly in my GCSEs. But University Centre Rotherham was a breath of fresh air. I prefer assignments over exams, so University Centre Rotherham’s emphasis on assignments and coursework throughout the programme really appealed to me. This allowed me to excel without the pressure of exams.
“Not only that, when I came to tour the facilities, I saw small class sizes throughout the University which I knew would provide such a supportive learning environment for me. This has given me the opportunity to connect with my tutors and receive the best support when needed.”
“I’m too busy at work. How will I find the time?”
If you chose to get a job and start earning instead of going to university at 18, you’ll no doubt have struggled to find time to take a career break.
But if you’re now eyeing a career shift or you’re looking to level up in your current field, you might need a higher education qualification to get there. That certificate, diploma, or degree can make you a sought-after candidate in the job market.
Charlotte Worthington came back to education when she was in her late 40s to do a foundation degree in Health and Social Care after 20 years working in social care.
“If it’s what you want and the timing is right, go for it! University Centre Rotherham stood out to me due to its proximity to my home and its intimate and friendly learning environment compared to larger educational institutions in Sheffield.
“The advanced notification of timetables and the accessibility of course tutors for discussions and enquiries prior to starting my degree were particularly useful and not only that, they allowed me to accommodate the course within my work schedule,” she says.
Read more about Charlotte here
“I’ve got my own family now. I can’t move away to study.”
Embarking on an educational journey as an adult takes courage. It’s like stepping out of your comfort zone and showing the world you’re ready for growth.
But by studying at University Centre Rotherham, you don’t have to go too far out of your comfort zone. Our small and friendly campus means you can study on your doorstep without moving away from home.
Location was key for Fern Lynch Bowers when looking at where to study her degree in Media Hair and Makeup.
“Being a mature student with a husband and a job, I wasn’t in a position to uproot my life in Sheffield and move to another city like I perhaps would have done at 18. University Centre Rotherham had the only level 6 course of its kind in our area.
“I initially felt I would be too old to do a degree at 26, but whether I did the course or not, I would still be getting older so why not now. It’s my time, I thought. Enrolling onto a course does not mean going backwards, it is a forwards step to achieving your goals.”
“My kids are going to university – surely I’m too old now?”
If you’ve raised a family, you’ve probably put the brakes on your own ambitions for many years. But why let them have all the fun.
Age is just a number these days. As the average lifespan increases, and we head towards a 50-year working life, there will be more people who choose to pivot their career, seek new opportunities, or pursue education in their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Kelly Burkin was in her late 30s when she went back to education and has since completed a bachelor’s degree in Media Hair and Make-up at University Centre Rotherham.
“I went back to education at 36 because my children had grown up and my son had started at university, I felt it was my time to work on myself. I had never really known what I wanted to do when I was younger, but as I got older I had more time and experience to be able to seriously think about what I wanted in life.
“I am so glad I used my time to go back to completing my education and do a degree. I could not happier,” she says.
Kelly is now part of the teaching team within the hair and beauty department at Rotherham College.
“Technology is too advanced these days. I won’t keep up!”
Education no longer relies solely on pens and paper. And if you weren’t part of the generation that grew up with technology, you might feel nervous about getting to grips with this new way of learning.
But it just takes a bit of dusting off the cobwebs of your brain and embracing the support available at University Centre Rotherham.
Naomi Hall had limited experience of technology before she came to University Centre Rotherham. But with the help from tutors and support staff, she learned new skills to help her complete an access to health science course.
“I had not used a computer or laptop before in my life. But the fantastic librarians took time to understand my background and helped me in adjusting and adopting to different teaching methods. Their willingness, dedication, and support in terms of helping me to navigating both academic journals and textbooks were highly influential towards my academic journey.”
Naomi has since gone on to achieve a master’s degree in medical science.