Returning to study is a major decision for most adults, with implications for their whole way of life. The Adult Information Service aims to provide the information and support you may need when exploring different entry routes, trying to choose a course or considering the career implications of your decision to return to study.
You can phone, email or write with your enquiry, or you can make an appointment to come in and talk through your options with an Adult Adviser.
Students have many reasons for returning to study, some personal and some career motivated. You may feel that you missed educational opportunities when you were at school because of financial or family pressures, or due to lack of motivation at that time; you may have drifted into a job well below your capability; you may have spent the last few (or many!) years bringing up your family and now feel ready for a new challenge. You may be looking for an opportunity to improve your career prospects, to enter a new field of employment, prove to yourself that you are able to meet the academic demands of a degree course, or just to learn more about a subject which interests you. Many mature students feel that they get much more pleasure from their studies than school leavers.
The life and work experience which you bring with you can give you some distinct advantages. Your skills in organisation and time management, your common sense approach and your ability to communicate can contribute to degree success, so don't underestimate your ability to learn. While you may feel daunted at the prospect of working alongside younger students, the fact is that most of them will feel just as unsure of themselves as you do, but it is usually the adult returners who are willing to ask questions about areas they do not understand and to get involved in discussion. Lecturers and tutors welcome their active contribution. Interest in your subject is an important factor in learning, so while keeping in mind the relevance of your course to gaining the skills and knowledge you need for your ultimate career goal, choose a course which genuinely interests you. Employers often place more value on the many transferable skills of the graduate than on specific knowledge. Your proven ability to apply yourself to new problems and communicate your ideas to others will make you a valuable employee in any field.
Childcare Scotland runs a nursery on the John Anderson campus on a paying basis for pre-school children of all ages. For further information contact the Nursery Manager on Tel. 0141 553 4125. Due to the nature of courses on the Jordanhill campus, with students spending time out on placement, there are no childcare facilities on this site.
Students who experience financial difficulties in coping with their childcare costs can apply for support through the Childcare Fund. Please contact the Student Finance Officer on Tel. 0141 548 2753 to talk this through or email s.finance@strath.ac.uk.