FIND MY SCHOOL OR COLLEGE

For students considering a return to education, or applying to university, the process of completing your application can be confusing or overwhelming. Our guide to applying covers all the main areas, including research, timelines and UCAS.

Fastrack is Edge Hill University’s free seven-week preparation for Higher Education programme for adults. It is designed to enhance your subject knowledge and take the fear out of academic study with training in essential skills such as note-taking, essay writing, exam techniques, and an introduction to IT. Successful completion of the programme will enable you to be considered for a place on a degree at Edge Hill in one of the Fastrack subjects. Click the thumbnail in the top right to see a video introducing you to Fastrack.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma, typically offered by Further Education colleges, can be a fantastic way for learners who have had a break from education to prepare and qualify for Higher Education. This short FAQ goes over the main points you need to know about the Diploma. Access to HE Diplomas are offered by a number of our partner colleges, including the City of Liverpool College, Hugh Baird, Riverside College, University Centre St Helens and Wirral Met.

Sometimes, it’s helpful to speak to
someone who’s previously been in
your position. Shaping Futures, as
well as some of our partner institutions,
offer a live chat function on our website,
where you can speak to current students
and find out more about their experience.

Dan, Jessica and Emma would love to
chat with you and answer any of your questions.

Pippa has previously studied Fashion at a university in London, before taking a break from education. She then returned to education to pursue her career goals of influencing health and social care policy, discovering Liverpool Hope University, and embracing all elements of student life.

Esther Silva, a former Access to HE student, talks through her journey from Access Course to Cambridge. After a period of illness derailed her initial plans to study, an Access to HE “completely transformed her life”.

All education institutions offer great support while you are studying with them, in areas such as:

• Disability and Inclusion
• Wellbeing and Mental Health
• Financial Hardship Support
• Volunteering and Mentoring
• Counselling Service
• Care Leavers and Young Adult Carers’ Support
• Mature Student Support

You can visit an institutions website to find out more about specific support they can offer you during your studies and you can view our Student Support Glossary if you’d like to know more about how the different teams might support you.

Paying for your studies is a concern for all students and can be a particularly apprehensive topic for mature students. Student Finance funding is available to all first-time undergraduate students and varies depending on your circumstances. The important thing to remember is that you do not need to pay for your tuition up-front. All eligible students can access a Tuition Fee Loan for this, which is paid directly to the university itself, and a Maintenance Loan to contribute to your living costs.

Student Finance England (SFE) is the provider of student loans for students in England and you can access funding regardless of the university you choose to attend or the course you wish to study.

For more information on Student Finance, what you may be entitled to, and how to apply, visit the Government Student Finance webpage.