Returning to University

Author: Emma Jones

Although most people head to university straight after school, you may decide to return later in life. Perhaps you want to change direction with your career, gain a qualification to further your career development or pursue an interest. It may take a while to get used to studying but will be a good boost to Your CV.

Making The Decision

Making the decision to return to university is a big one and you should think carefully about it before committing. Consider whether it is the best way to steer your career development or if you could ask for more work-based training. Also, think about how you are going to Finance It and how much time you will have to commit to the venture.

Choosing The Right Course

There are thousands of different courses out there so you need to take the time to find the right one for you. Consider the subjects it covers, the way it is taught and the possibilities to specialise. The other thing to decide is whether you want to return to university full time, do a part-time course, or do your degree on a home study course. Think about your lifestyle, your commitments and what you can realistically cope with.

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Getting Used To Studying

Returning to uni can be a bit of a shock to the system. If you have been used to a routine at work or dealing with subjects that you are confident with, then starting a degree can be daunting. You need to rediscover how you work best. Set yourself a quiet area at home or go to the library so you can study in peace. Find out if you work better in the morning or evening and what your style of study is. This will all be a case of trial and error until you get used to being back at university.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How To Use Your New Qualification

A new qualification can do a lot to boost your career development. Research what roles you could go into once you finish uni and start contacting suitable companies. You need to make it clear why you have been back to university and show that, with your experience, it makes you the ideal candidate. Decide how you want your career development to go and make conscious steps towards achieving it to make the most of your degree.

If your career development needs a bit of a shake up, then going back to university might be the answer. Returning to uni may be a bit daunting so do your research to make sure you find a course of study that suits you. Consider whether you can manage full time or part time and how you are going to pay for it. Once you have finished studying, make the most of your new qualification by selling yourself to potential new employers.

What About Evening Classes?

If you are not able to commit to a university course, you may find that evening classes are a better fit. To find out more read our article The New Face Of Evening Classes.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Career Change Matcher lets you tell us what is not working and what you want instead and we will match you with career paths that fit. Try it now →

58 questions

Ask A Career Change a Question

Sazzy 09/07/2020 at 9:16 am

Good morning,
I am extremely keen to study and become a social worker. I have done a lot of research into this topic.
I understand I need to study and attain the CQSW certificate. I currently have a broken ankle which is awaiting surgery. I would like some advice on wether I can complete the CQSW course online whilst I am recovering from my operation?
I have been very keen in pursuing this career for a while. I currently have 9 GCSE's. 4 A-Levels and a degree in History attained at Nottingham Trent University.
I would appreciate as much information, advice and opportunities as possible.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Kind regards,
Sarah Dunn
07731865070

LG 17/07/2019 at 10:20 am

Hi there, I am 30, a single mum of 2 children, I have a Foundation Degree in Applied Psychology, and I am currently working part time. I would really like to become a Social Worker working with children at risk.
I am unsure how to go about this, which path I would need to take to start this. I am also unsure of how I would fund, if I would be eligible for a Bursar or if it is pay back once you are in employment after the course etc.
Some guidance would be much appreciated. Thank you

Maryann 19/10/2018 at 1:23 pm

I’m 50 and have never really had what you call a blue collar job, I have over the years done many jobs and courses to better myself and each different moments of my life this far, but I’m feeling a real frustration at how I can achieve my next goal. I want to go into child protection but I don’t have what the system deems appropriate qualifications. Also I’m poor and am not very good in a learning environment, I learn by doing not by being shown or told. What could be my next steps?

Sancha 08/01/2018 at 10:07 am

Hi I am 30 year old and I have level 5 certificate in healthcare .I am looking forward to become nurse.I have spend some time working as care assistant but that is not what I want.I would love to know where to start to study for nurse degree and become professional.thank you Sanita

Chocki 11/11/2017 at 12:05 am

I am 41 years old and have worked within administrative roles with the civil service. The highest qualification I have is an HND. I am interested in working with children and have often thought about changing careers to go into teaching or social work. I have no idea where to start in relation to qualifications required for both as these professions both require a degree level qualification. What is the best way to focus myself so that I know which way to go either teaching or social work?

ACareerChange Editor 08/09/2017 at 12:32 pm

Now that retirement age has been raised, it's likely you have another 20 years work in you before you can claim state pension, so no, it's not too late. You haven't told us what qualifications you already have, so we can't make any specific suggestions. The NHS health careers page might help.

Jo 07/09/2017 at 6:22 pm

Hi, I am 48 years old and am looking for a career change. I have always been interested in caring for others and have thought about becoming a nurse, healthcare assistant, paramedic or midwife but I am not sure if I am too old or where to start. I enjoy working with children and have always been interesedt in health and fitness amongst young people. I have been customer service and office administration roles mostly, and have been a teaching assistant in a primary school working with SEN children on a one to one basis and with small groups. I am paediatric first aid trained and first aid trained in the work place by St. John's Ambulance through the primary school I am working at, at the moment. Do you have any suggestions regarding where to start, thank you.

Kath33 12/07/2017 at 2:54 pm

Hello,

I'm a qualified teacher, currently on maternity leave. I've always been interested in social care. I've got both BA and MA in English. I've done some psychology classes during my studies. Have no idea how to start social care and what courses to take.

ACareerChange Editor 30/05/2017 at 10:55 am

If you still have time to undertake placement work etc, there's no reason why this wouldn't be feasible. Some institutions offer part time courses. Try an internet search or the UCAS website to find one near you.

Catherine 27/05/2017 at 9:38 am

I am 55yrs of age and a Registered general nurse. Have been since entering training at 18yrs of age. I have always had an interest in social work, as it intermediate ngles with my role.
Currently I work 23hours on a predominantly, palliative care service. I was wondering if it is possible to train in social work, pastime, alongside my current position?

ACareerChange Editor 01/03/2017 at 12:48 pm

Your experience and existing qualifications might be sufficient to get you onto a social work degree course. The easiest way to approach this would be to contact institutions which offer the course. You could also make contact with your local authority social work team, for advice.

Christy 27/02/2017 at 9:13 pm

I have worked in education for about 15 years from a class teacher to the role of SENCo/Inclusion Lead in a primary school. I would like to change career and would like to consider becoming a social worker. I am prepared to go back and study towards a qualification in social work but could you please advise and give guidance to the best way to approach the change in career direction.

Jean 24/01/2017 at 11:35 pm

I am 26 and work in children residential care I am a senior in my role and just completed a level 5 Qcf diploma in leadership and management in health and social care, what is this qualification aquivalent to, and what would be my next step if I want to become a social worker?

lOZZIE 06/01/2017 at 10:51 pm

I am 53 and have worked in educational for the last 8 years in behaviour and pastoral care.I would love to become a social worker only now realizing I should of done this job years ago,can I at my age go to uni? I have got A levels but that was years ago, and do not now have copies of my certs. Do you think I am too old ???

Ali 24/11/2016 at 8:02 am

Hi I currently work for myself but gained a NVQ level 3 in care work 16 years ago when I worked in care industry for 9 years I would love to study to become a nurse, I have no other qualification what and how do I go about this I'm 55 in February next year and need a career change

ACareerChange Editor 27/06/2016 at 10:41 am

It might be worth having a chat with some of the institutions offering the access course. They may be able to suggest a solution such as evening classes to take your maths/english GCSEs.

Brook 24/06/2016 at 10:19 am

I was looking to start access to higher education in nursing, but I have no GCSEs when I have looked into this before, aslong as you was studying at a level 2 in math English you'll be fine, but I've looked on the University websites a for Birmingham and Nottingham and they don't accept equivalents to GCSES so how would I get around this now, I'm 22 (23 when I start college) and can't really spend a year at college doing GCSEs then another year doing access to higher education. Reason I never got my GCSES was because I never sat them.

ACareerChange Editor 06/05/2016 at 2:20 pm

If you have the relevant academic qualifications, there's no reason why you would not be accepted on to a course. Bear in mind however, that competition for places if very fierce. You can find out more about becoming a social worker here

Kerrs 05/05/2016 at 2:16 am

Hi everyone jus wondering I had a troubled upbringing nd I was doing my childcare nvq level 2 nd had to stop as I fell pregnant then my mother passed away wen I was 17 I previously was in care myself I am 21 and I'm blessed wit 2 beautiful daughters , i am possibly going back to do level 3 health and social care, I know a lot about social workers role and it has been something I've always wanted to do and have that life experience I wonder could I get in ?

Tidadun 14/04/2016 at 5:01 pm

Hi, I am 42 years old. I have worked and trained as An Auxiliary nurse for around 10years. Then decided to become a Registered Childminder also done NVQ3 in Childcare. I have been a childminder for 13years. I would love to become a Social worker working with families young children and maybe Childminders. Wonder if I need any more qualifications to be excepted into a University Course to become a Social worker. I live in N.I.

Nikki 08/04/2016 at 7:01 pm

I cared for my disabled son for 6 years before he died in 1995. I then was a single foster career for 3 years with a private company . Also done LSA work . Supervisory contact worker . And transport . All GSE and A level qualifications from school and college . I then cared for my mum for many years until 2005 until she died . I look after my father now , I have always wanted to be an art therapist for children with special needs or foster children. I feel I still have a lot to give I am 46 years old . I want to know the best way forward toward a new career

ACareerChange Editor 16/02/2016 at 2:14 pm

It's probably worth getting in touch with institiutions which offer nursing qualifications to see whether your age would be a factor (although to deny you access on this basis might constitute age discrimination) and also what entrance qualifications you would need to obtain in order to get onto a course.

angy 14/02/2016 at 3:10 pm

I have 14 years experience in the care sector .In care homes for the elderly with dementia , I was wondering if I could train as a nurse ?Or have I left it too late as I am now 48 ? I have an up to date PVG ,and certificates for Health and Safety , Infection Control ,Emergency First Aid ,Food and Hygiene and I am currently unemployed !would I be able to get a bursary ?As I am married and my husband works full time ,we have a daughter who is 16 . thanks .

ACareerChange Editor 01/02/2016 at 11:40 am

Once you have gained level 3 you might have sufficient qualifications to access a nursing course, if so this takes a further 3 years. If not, then you may have to take a levels or an access course whihc will be an additional year followed by the 3 year nursing degree.

Lady's 29/01/2016 at 12:07 pm

Hi I'm a level 2 in health and social care working towards my level3. How long will it take to train to become a nurse?

Liz or lizzy 21/12/2015 at 1:14 pm

I am worki g for age uk shop for ten years
I have worked in care work before that for 8 years getting my level 2. In care

ambergold 06/11/2015 at 5:03 pm

Hi very interesting comments .

I was wondering if you had any advice about how to train as a social worker . I have done psychiatric nursing and general nursing .Studied Psychotherapy for I year . I have 5
o levels and a HND in Art and Crafts . I have worked with children and adults in many settings . The course would need to be part time I live in West Sussex .

Thank you . I was wondering if any of my experience would count as any units towards a degree?
Thank you

Orange 27/10/2015 at 9:52 am

Hi, I currently teach within SEN, students challenging behaviours, youth offenders and the socially disengaged at FE level. My strengths lie within the more challenging behaviours, YO and the latter. As I do not have any specific quals within social work but I do have a degree and a pgce. Would these previous qualifications be accepted for with Social work area? Thanks in advance.

ACareerChange Editor 22/09/2015 at 2:16 pm

Do you mean do you have a chance of getting into university? It depends on what you want to do and what other qualifications you have.

Sandy 19/09/2015 at 10:46 pm

I have worked as a support worker for years and also nursed my mum with dementia for years. My last post was the project manager for a charity offering support and training for young women 16-25 with/without children. I arranged and often delivered the training and gave personal support to dozens of young women. I have kept my child protection training up to date and can give testimonials from many of my families whom I supported. Do I have a chance ???

ACareerChange Editor 28/07/2015 at 12:09 pm

@lizzyellis81 - Take a look at our article on Becoming a Social Worker for more details on this.

Lizzyellis81 26/07/2015 at 7:44 pm

Hi, I'm 33 I have 3 children the youngest being 2 I also have my own business. But I want to become a social worker how do I go about this? I have GCSEs but that's it. What is the best route for me? I would have absolutely to have done law but I know many who have failed and it frightens me incase I haven't got what it takes.

Vic 22/07/2015 at 8:01 am

Hi I'm 33 have gcses and first level aat can you tell me how I can get into teaching please

smoph16 13/07/2015 at 7:54 am

Hi, I am 25 years old and have only got gsces. I have been legal secretary and facilities assistant since leaving school but I really want to be a social worker. I am looking at open university to do a degree but would just like to know which course I need to do to be accepted please. I am a single parent of one child so cannot go to uni full time. Thank you

Gezza 09/06/2015 at 1:36 pm

Hi, I'm 56 years old I have an honours degree in business and HR, I am currently unemployed, but have worked in management in community involvement and community transport development roles, with vulnerable people. I would like to become a social worker in London, how do i go about achieving my goald

leah 25/05/2015 at 5:20 pm

Hello I am 34 years old and a qualified nurse with bachelor of honors degree. I have recently been approved as an adoptive parent and have obtained a lot of experience with working with children . Part of me current roles involves working with social workers as I work in a social discharge ward. I am feeling very frustrated in my current role and have been considering a career change. How and what would I need to do to become a social worker and would I have to do the full three years at uni or would my previous qualifications mean there is an alternative route?

ACareerChange Editor 16/04/2015 at 2:01 pm

@Pink. You can find details of nursing bursaries at the RCN Nursing website and on the Government Website. There are also various relevant degrees to take part time via the Open University.

Pink 15/04/2015 at 8:12 pm

Hi I'm a 42 year old mother of 2 I have been a carer for 2 1/2 years but I am very unhappy with the split shifts that I work and the pay does not cover my monthly outgoings. I am interested in training to be a nurse but am unsure if I can do that at college while I continue to work part time. I am also unsure if I would be entitled to a bursary. At the moment I'm working full time have SVQ level 2, certificates for infection control, moving and handling courses, palliative care training, experience with dementia. I would be grateful for any information thanks

ACareerChange Editor 09/04/2015 at 11:37 am

@LOVE. You will need a social work degree. If you contact a few universities directly, they'll be able to tell you what qualifications you need to get onto a course. It may be that you need to take A levels or sit a foundation course, or some institutions may consider your NVQs are sufficient. We have more information on becoming a social worker in this article.

LOVE 07/04/2015 at 7:11 pm

Hi , i've 14 years of experiance as a carer , nvq 3 , nursing assistant certificate , demencia awareness level 2 , and want to become a social worker .
My age is 54 but i look younger , would i be accepted , and if so what should i do. Thank you .

ACareerChange Editor 09/03/2015 at 12:18 pm

@Ann65. You should approach a course provider directly and ask them what the requirements might be. There is a list of providers here

Ann65 05/03/2015 at 9:49 am

Hi,
I am just looking into qualifications to further my career but have been out of the workplace for sometime but have Fostered for over 14 years (fostering currently) and do part-time contact supervision and community support work for the agency I work for. I am 50yrs and didn't get my qualifications at School but qualified as a psychotherapist/Counsellor in 2011. I would love to train as a Social worker part-time but am wondering if this would be possible due to my lack of qualifications and how to get help with funding?. I have lots of previous experience in working alongside Social workers such as in the Youth Offending Team, Family Link Worker service and many therapeutic courses I have undertaken. have you any helpful suggestions which would help me intergrate further into this type of work please?

BB 19/01/2015 at 10:17 pm

I am 52 years old. At present I am a higher level teaching assistant with Maths, English, Science GCSE . I also have a Diploma in Health and Social Care. I would like information on full time courses in Wolverhampton for September 2015.

ACareerChange Editor 09/01/2015 at 11:47 am

@jennyg. Hopefully someone will be able to tell you of their own experiences, but do take the time to speak to anyone you know who is a social worker. Ask around and see if a friend-of-a-friend knows one. Also try and contact someone at a university offering social work degree course and see what they stance is on mature students (and how mature they will accept them etc).

JennyG 07/01/2015 at 5:48 pm

I'm 47 and have been working as a medical secretary while bringing up 4 children. I've also been caring for a relative with dementia who has now moved into residential care. For the last three years I've been considering a degree in social work and am particularly interested in child protection or working with vulnerable adults. I'm worried I've left it too late and wondered if anyone could give me some advice on this? Thanks so much!

ACareerChange Editor 14/11/2014 at 12:40 pm

@Neil. Yes this seems to be the case for everyone. Even though your police experience is probably quite relevant it's not generally accepted as a role that you can undertake whilst doing a part time social work degree. It does look as though you would have to do the degree full time. Our only other suggestion is that you contact social services (local authorities) near you and see whether there are any opportunites for sponsorship and work whilst doing your degree. If they see any particular aspect of your experience as being particularly relevant to their case load, they may be able to arrange it.

Neil 12/11/2014 at 10:42 pm

Hello
I am currently a Detective in the police and consider myself to be an excellent candidate for Social Work. My problem is I cannot seem to find anywhere that does the course part time allowing me to remain in my current employment?
I need to stay in the police until I get a degree but it also appears that I have to have a job within the social services field already to even be considered for part time course?
I find this quite discriminating when I am trying to gain further expertise in my career?
Please help
Thanks

Trace 10/07/2014 at 12:30 pm

I am currently working for a local authority fulltime in Adult Social services team . I 44 years old and have at least 20 years experience working in adult social services and working in hospital as a Health care Assistant . I have worked in voluntary , private and Statuory sector.

I would like to become a socialworker but have looked at Open Universioty and the cost is quite high . I am not sure if I will get a grant to fund part of the course .

suz21 20/03/2014 at 1:36 pm

I am 53 and always had a passion to become a Social Worker. Over the last 15 years the jobs I have been involved in as been around communities, project work working with the vunerable whether it be young people or elderly looking at health inequalities. In the last 12 months I have just completed ILM level5 in Management, and manage a team of 6 indiviuals. I suppose the question is am I too old and would I have to start back at the beginning as I have no O levels as it was in that day in English and Maths

sergiogantshill 07/01/2014 at 7:59 pm

I am a oversea resident in UK; my English proficiency its not perfect but quite good,improving with the time. I would like to become a Social Work, get involved with those who are disadvantaged and who are suffering. There are NVQ qualifications with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Anyone could answer me based their own experience if I could find my path regarding my personal profile? In the back, I am fearful that my communication skills poses a barrier for my future profession.

Kim 12/12/2013 at 6:45 pm

I would like to ask what my first steps should be to train to become a social worker. I work 31 hours a week in customer services and supporting stores in a retail business. I solve problems make decisions and empathise with my customers. I'm a caring person a decision maker and speak out to what is right. I finish what I start and I explain my decisions. If I'm wrong I learn from my mistakes. I have 5 CSE ths includes English and maths no other qualifications. I'm a 47 year old married mom of one son who s 18. I want to ask if I'm to old to start this . Please forward any information . I look forward to hearing from you

Thanks. A K Baker

nikki 05/12/2013 at 9:23 am

Hi, I currently work as a Deputy Manager of a nursery for 0-5 year olds and I really want to become a social worker. I need the new challenge and have had experience working alongside social workers in the past which I really enjoyed.
I have a Diploma level 3 in Childcare and my 5 GCSE's. I would need to still have some sort of income to pay the bills whilst I study, but I am confused about which direction/course to take.
Can I take a course whilst still working and if so how long would that take?
Is there any financial support out there for people wanting to change direction in their career? I.E, loans for course payment, if so how do you qualify, personal financial support?
I am willing to drop down to part time work in order to achieve this qualification quicker. Would that be an option?
Please help!!
Thank you

peaches71 14/09/2013 at 1:17 pm

Hi, im a 41yr old who has worked as a carer for 13 years, but left school with no real qualifications. I gained my NVQ2 and Infection control modules through my current employer. Am i too old to become a social worker. I mainly work with the elderly , but have a little knowledge of working with children and familys . I have more time now as my children are young adults so im looking to do something productive. Where do i start and what do i need to do first. THANK YOU :)

Scotty 02/08/2013 at 9:51 am

I want to become a Social worker but need to stay in employment where is the nearest University that would service this in the North East

josie 19/11/2012 at 2:30 pm

I have a degree in social sciences majoring in criminology & psychology which I completed back in 1991. I have since had 2 children and worked in accounts, but I would now like to change my career and become a social worker. How do I go about this. I do not work and would be able to pay my own fees to study, possibly part-time courses would be more beneficial. I live in Congleton, Cheshire so anything as near to me as possible.
Thank you for your help
Josie Galbraith

casM40 20/09/2012 at 7:28 pm

Hi I ave previousally done my gnvq level 3 in health and social care. I have worked in a childcare setting for the past 7 years but feel now I need a change I would like to do a social work degree but dont no how to go about it x

Kiki1979 04/09/2012 at 1:47 pm

Hi,
I would like to change my career and become a social worker, I still need to work my paid job so I can study part time, I would like to know where and what courses I need to take to strat me off please?
Northampton based

LisaM90 27/08/2012 at 4:45 am

Hi

I currently work as nurse and have been qualified almost 2 yrs, it may seem early to suddenly have a career change but I guess im looking for a new challenge, my new interest is teaching although id like to take on the assitant role first just to check its definitely for me. How would i go about this please?

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