Ways we can help you to go to University

The University of Sheffield runs a mature access programme designed to open up pathways to the wider university. Our courses are run by a small, friendly team made up of academics and professional service staff, all of whom are passionate about working with lifelong learners from diverse backgrounds. We’re currently based in the Department for Lifelong Learning (DLL)

DLL offers over forty different degrees with Foundation Year which progress into four of the University’s five faculties. These courses are specifically designed for people returning to education, and we don’t assume any prior subject knowledge. Have a look at our student profiles which give you a flavour of the backgrounds that our applicants come from.

The ‘Discover Course’: a free course designed to build confidence and inspire adults who haven’t been to university. It is run by our Community Outreach Manager, Louise Ritchie, who says: “Discover sessions are small and friendly with an emphasis on providing all the practical information, advice and guidance you will need to apply, as well as giving a real flavour of the University experience”.

This is Camilla Priede, one of the friendly staff you can talk to at the Department for Lifelong Learning.

To be able to embark on our degrees with foundation year, you will have to be able to access funding via Student Finance England, or access funding by another source, such as the University’s Sanctuary Scholarships.

We recognise that sometimes it can be useful to get some additional pre-entry support with your English Language, and if you are an applicant to one of our courses with foundation year you may be eligible for our Forced Migrant English Language Support Programme , where you will be supported to undertake a pre-sessional summer school with the the University’s English Language Teaching Centre, with support given to meet the costs of study.

This picture shows Prof Willy Kitchen discussing Sheffield’s evolving streets and History with Discover course and Learn for Life participants.

Two students talk about studying at Sheffield

Shukri

Shukri graduated with a BMedSci in Orthoptics:

“I came to the UK as a refugee. I am so glad in the UK I was able to attend University and most importantly I was able to study a health related course… Meeting people from new cultures was the favourite part of my university experience. I am so glad to have met really wonderful people and whom for some I will stay friends with forever. “
Chish

Chish is now in his second year of a Business Management degree:

“The University of Sheffield has an array of student support in place, some of which I accessed and were invaluable in my studies. There is a welfare support officer who you can go to for any challenges you may be facing, these could be personal or academic. Personal tutors are always available if you need them for any difficulties you may be going through.”
Contact Us

If you’d like to find out more about what we do at DLL, and whether it might be for you, come along to one of our in-person or online events or drop us an email (dll@sheffield.ac.uk), or give us a call on 0114 2227000