An influential new national report praises the support and opportunities afforded to mature students at London South Bank University.
The report, by a higher education think tank, considers the experiences and characteristics of mature students studying degrees across the UK.
Shirley Mullings, who graduated with a BSc in Adult Nursing from LSBU last year, is one of the case studies in Never too late to learn - endorsing life as a mature student and praising the University for its 'supportive teaching staff'.
Shirley, who embarked on a nursing career after starting a family, said: "I'm really proud of my achievement. I was awarded Guy's and St Thomas' Student of the Year award during my placement, and after graduating I got a job straight away in their outpatients department. Now I'm specialising in ear, nose and throat and I'm also taking a qualification to mentor other nursing students - I hope I can help and inspire others through their own university journeys."
LSBU mature students Mary Wells, who is studying a BSc in Civil Engineering, and Alexandra Swann, who is studying an MSc in Marketing Management, accompanied Pro Vice-Chancellor Beverley Jullien to the launch of the report at the Houses of Parliament.
The report, produced by million+ in conjunction with the National Union of Students, challenges long-standing myths about who participates in higher education in the UK. Contrary to the assumptions of many policy makers and politicians, nearly one in three undergraduates at UK universities are over the age of 21 when they start their first degree.
The report is available to view at the following link: www.millionplus.ac.uk/research/never-too-late-to-learn
Posted: 6th June 2012
