The End of Lifelong Learning – Where Have All the Mature Undergraduate Students Gone? A Literature Review and Practical Recommendations from a Case Study in England

Abstract

Mature student numbers across England’s Higher Education (HE) sector have been declining since the rise in tuition fees in 2012. Leading up to Brexit, there is a need to upskill the national workforce to provide services and skills currently sourced from the EU. Mature students play a key role in this process, as HE study can add to existing industry experiences, knowledge, and skills. Hence, the HE sector in England is beginning to evaluate and change the way in which universities and colleges can provide support to mature students from recruitment to the completion of their course.

Institutions can encourage a sense of belonging in mature students through the use of mature student mentors and ambassadors at open days, and as points of contact throughout any course. It is important to create a mature student community to provide an appropriate support network, but equally academic staff should encourage the engagement of mature students with their younger peers.

This chapter provides an insight into relevant research literature and uses examples from a case study based in a small HE provider setting to make practical recommendations for academic staff, support staff, and areas of institutional practice.

Citation

Twigg-Flesner, A. (2018), "The End of Lifelong Learning – Where Have All the Mature Undergraduate Students Gone? A Literature Review and Practical Recommendations from a Case Study in England", Hoffman, J., Blessinger, P. and Makhanya, M. (Ed.) Perspectives on Diverse Student Identities in Higher Education: International Perspectives on Equity and Inclusion (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 129-145. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120180000014010