For some adults the idea of continuing at school to complete A levels or doing a degree was the furthest thing from their mind when they were teenagers but later in life some perhaps want the chance to improve their chances of getting a better paid job and so consider going to university as a mature student. Although the majority of students on a teaching degree course are school leavers, mature students are welcomed in universities across the UK.
Teacher training courses are popular with mature students who can bring a wealth of experience to the role. Many primary teachers choose to study for a Bachelor of Education degree as within the course there will be a higher percentage of time spent on developing the student’s teaching skills rather than on specific subject knowledge however a teaching career in a secondary school requires a deeper subject knowledge and so many students decide to undertake a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree or even a one-year Post Graduate Certificate of Education qualification after obtaining a degree in their chosen subject previously. Newer courses that allow study whilst working are also popular with mature students as they enable students to earn as they learn.