Thinking about returning to education or changing career?

Welcome to the Aspire Higher adult learner page. Have you thought about re-training or upskilling, but you’re not sure how to do this? Aspire Higher is here to help you. Whatever stage of life you are at, it is never too late to go back into education whether it’s a college or university course.  

We know the prospect of going back into education can seem overwhelming and there are lots of questions which need answering in order to make your decision. Our job is to provide impartial information and guidance. We have experience of helping students achieve their goals into further and higher education and are here to help you decide your next steps. 

On this page we have created resources aimed at adult learners including links and videos that can help you on your journey into learning.  

Looking for more personalised advice?

Do you have questions about Higher Education or would you like to speak to someone from a university? You can go onto one of our websites to speak to a current student or contact us if you have any questions about our work.

Go to our Contact Us page for links to our universities chat.

 

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Colleen Galley

Hub Officer
University of Bedfordshire

Contact: [email protected]

 

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Emma Pearce

Hub Officer
University of Hertfordshire

Contact: [email protected]

University of Northampton

To find out more about Aspire Higher in Northamptonshire please contact:

[email protected]

Previous Events

Discover your Road Ahead

 

Want to know more? Check out recordings from our online event to find out more on student finance, pathways into college and university, support available and to hear current adult learner stories.

Free to watch at a time that suits you.

Resources

Introduction to Aspire Higher for Adult Learners

This presentation explains who is involved in Aspire Higher, what our aims are and how we can help you in your journey into higher education.

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Routes into Higher Education

This presentation explains what higher education is and different types of qualification you can study, what routes you can take to get into higher education to help you decide which option would suit you best.

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What is UCAS?

This presentation explains what UCAS is and how you use it to apply to Higher Education courses, what you need to consider before applying for a course including entry requirements and what happens after you have applied.

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Student Finance for Adult Learners

This powerpoint presentation provides key information on Student Finance including; the costs of higher education, how student finance works and how to apply for financial support.

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Personal Statements

This powerpoint presentation will tell you all you need to know about writing a personal statement as part of your university application. The presentation includes an explanation of what a personal statement is and why its needed, what content to include and how to structure it and some useful links that will help you when writing your personal statement.

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Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

You can study for a degree whilst working and earning at the same time through an apprenticeship. This powerpoint covers what an apprenticeship is, what is involved in studying for one, how to find and apply for apprenticeships and some useful links for finding out more information.

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Inspire Journey Adult Learner 1

This profile looks at an individual student’s journey as an adult learner.  It includes their college, university and career in consultancy work.

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Inspire Journey Adult Learner 2

This profile explores an adult learner’s career working in medical labs, schools and teaching. The student explains their various qualifications acquired while juggling parental responsibilities and gives helpful advice.

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Learning Your Way

Have you taken a break from learning? We have you covered. Review the information on our interactive timeline and get back to learning now.

View Resource >>>

Useful Links

Applying to University
Hertfordshire Adult Learner Services

Step2Skills - Step2Skills is a county-wide service for Hertfordshire residents, aged 19+. Step2Skills deliver Community Learning courses (encompassing basic skills, health and wellbeing, arts and crafts and a first step to lifelong learning), skills for life and personal development, skills for work and accredited learning (Qualifications in English, maths and other key skills that employers look for).

Oaklands College

North Hertfordshire College

West Herts College

School
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Great news! Your school is welcome to participate in the following events:

Open Days – University of Bedfordshire

University Open Days give you the opportunity to find out more about…

Open Days -University of Bedfordshire

University Open Days give you the opportunity to find out more about…

Open Days – University of Northampton

University Open Days give you the opportunity to find out more about…

KS3 Climate Change Summit

Join in this exciting and educational summit. Students and teachers will learn…

Sustainability in Education Conference

For Primary, Secondary, or Further Education staff. Whether you have an existing…

Understanding Student Finance – A Guide for Parents and Carers

Online

As your young person prepares for university, understanding student finance is crucial.…

Webinar: Navigating UCAS and University Applications – A Guide for Parents and Carers

Online

Are you supporting a young person through the process of applying to…

Webinar: Support Available at University – A Guide for Parents and Carers

Online

University life comes with its own set of challenges, and understanding the…

Year 12 Taster Day – University of Hertfordshire

University of Hertfordshire

Our Year 12 taster days are designed to offer a taste of…

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Featured Virtual Events

Discovering Your Road Ahead

An online event for adult learners.

Back to Your Future 2

An exciting selection of videos, animations and presentations highlighting all your Post-18 options.

STEAM Northants

STEAM Northants

Free virtual event for students, teachers, parents and carers (Years 6-13)

Fantastic Subjects

This event will give students an insight into a wide range of different subjects available at university and the careers they might lead to.

Back to Your Future

An exciting selection of videos, animations and presentations highlighting all your Post-18 options.

Women into STEAM

Free digital event for girls in Year 6 upwards.

University Experience

If you missed our Live University Experience day, you can access it here.

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