How old is too old for higher education?

Aww, thank you everyone for your amazing posts. Ive had a rough few days and Ive done nothing but smile reading this thread. I was told that even if you dont have the full GCSEs to get into the course, over the age of 25 it doesnt matter. So Im hoping I can use my current wages will help pull me through them. If not, Ill ask some advice at the interview in June. Cant wait :)
 
good luck hun, personally no one is too old for higher education one of my closest friends on my course is old enough to be my dad so I son't see how age can effect you if anything its a bonus as you have life experiance.
 
I don't think there's a limit to what age you can attend a course, and I don't think there should be. Certainly, the majority of students are between 18 and 21, but that doesn't mean students SHOULD be that age.

Students who are a little older are (probably) a little more focussed. They're at Uni not because it felt like the next natural step but because they want to learn something new and/or further their prospects.

People who have grown up before attending Uni may also find it easier to locate and sort information. They may have acquired skills at work that can be utilised in writing essays. They may know how to manage time, they may be more able to deal with the pressure, and they may find it easier to approach their lecturers.

I suppose there's an age at which attending Uni becomes an end in itself rather than a means to an end, but what's the problem in that? When I'm retired, I might attend a course in History! I love learning and it would be great to continue writing essays, but without the pressure. :) I also think it's important that people continue to stimulate the brain after leaving work, and Uni presents a fantastic opportunity for that.
 
You'll probably find that most Higher Education institutes will have some kind of governing body with an Age Equality officer of sorts who'd argue there should be no limit (and they'd be quite right to do so).
 
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