Part time students - all you need to know

CONTENTS

1. Do all universities offer part-time courses?

2. Will I need A Levels or other qualifications?

3. How long does a part-time degree take?

4. Can I choose the hours that will suit me?

5. Are most part-time students older?

6. Will you be based at the university?

7. Do employers prefer full-time degrees?

8. Tips for part-time university students

9. Student finance for part time students

Studying part time can be a great way to balance your studies with other commitments. Some universities offer part time courses giving you a flexible way to learn at your own pace.

Do all universities offer part-time courses?

Not all universities offer part time courses, but many do. It’s becoming a more popular option, so the number is likely to grow.

Will I need A Levels or other qualifications?

Some universities ask for the same entry requirements whether you’re studying part time or full-time. That might be A Levels or equivalent depending on the UCAS points requested. Other universities will have different criteria for part time courses although its likely some form of qualification and/or work experience will be involved.

Check with the university directly to see what options are available to you.

How long does a part-time degree take?

The time it takes to do a part time degree varies from uni to uni as well as the course you want to complete. It could be anything from three to ten years depending on programme structure and the pace you want to learn.

Can I choose the hours that will suit me?

In many cases you will need to attend lectures and seminars either in person or virtually at pre-set times and days, working your other commitments around this timetable.

Some universities and courses are more flexible than others so it’s important to check these expectations before signing up.

Are most part-time students older?

According to the Office for Students, mature students are defined as anyone over the age of 21 at the time of starting their studies. Statistics show that most undergraduate part time students are mature students.

Will you be based at the university?

The amount of time you’ll be required onsite will vary from course to course and uni to uni. Some modules are largely taught in person, some predominantly online and others will be a mix of the two. When researching this do think about the resources you might need to access and how important in person social interaction to you. There is more to university life than just studying.

Do employers prefer full- time degrees?

Many employers request that candidates hold an undergraduate degree as a minimum but it would be unusual to specify that the degree must be obtained through full time study.

Employers tend to value certain knowledge and skills depending on the field you’re going into. For example, if you know you’ll need to demonstrate on the job experience, check your part time course offers some sort of work placement.

Tips for part-time university students

Balancing part time study around other commitments over a length of time can be challenging, here are a few top tips:

Be organised and manage your time effectively

Good time management skills will help you prioritise your tasks and successfully meet deadlines.  

Be realistic about what you can achieve

Setting achievable goals will help build your confidence and give you a sense of progress.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

You’re entitled to the same level of help as a full-time student so do ask for academic or pastoral support if you feel you need it. It will improve your well-being, knowledge, confidence and academic performance.

Take breaks and look after yourself

Taking regular breaks will help reduce your stress levels, allowing some down time between study and other commitments.

Student finance for part time students

Student finance does differ for part time students. Here are some things to consider:

What’s available to you?

You could be entitled to a student loan if your part-time course has a ‘course intensity’ of 25% or more. ‘Course intensity’ measures how much of your course you complete each year compared to an equivalent full-time one.

To work out your course intensity find out how many module credits your course covers compared to the full time version. This can be complicated so check with your university or college as you’ll be asked about credits if you apply for the loan.

You can apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan for living costs.

Eligibility

Undergraduate student finance is normally only available if you’re studying for your first degree although there are some exceptions to this rule.

Your eligibility for student finance depends on several factors, such as where you live, what you’re studying, your age and your household income.

Read our eligibility criteria to find out more.

How do you apply?

You can apply online via the gov.uk website or by downloading the form on the same webpage and sending them by post.

How it’s paid to you

The tuition fees are usually paid directly to your education provider. The maintenance part of the loan is paid directly into your bank account two weeks after the start of each term.

It’s important to remember that you’ll have to pay both parts of the loan back after graduation on earning a certain level of income.