Guide for

Mature Students

www.anglia.ac.uk/mature

Contents Introduction4

“Lecturers and support staff make themselves available to help students as they embark on the potentially life-changing experience of gaining a degree.” Carolyn Nilsen

Frequently asked questions

6

Routes into Higher Education

8

Part-time students

11

Studying locally 

12

Where to go for advice

13

How to apply

15

Financial information

18

Supporting your learning

19

Childcare 

22

Employment Bureau 

22

Further information

26

Introduction How this guide can help you Returning to study is a major decision. Perhaps you have come to a crossroads in your life and need to do something in order to change direction. A job loss or children leaving home may have opened up new opportunities and you may feel that now is the time to allow yourself a second chance. However, it is not an easy decision to make and there may be many issues to consider, particularly if you have family commitments or need to work in order to study.

Case study:

Julie Mortimer BSc (Hons) Construction Management

This course was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I thought that, as a part-time student, I would feel very much on the outside of university life, but thanks to the huge effort of staff I didn’t feel that at all. What are your future plans? I would like to progress with my current employer, hopefully moving onto associate level. I’m also interested in doing an MSc. How did you rate our teaching and support staff? Excellent – I was never made to feel like just another number! At times I struggled with the workload, but there was always support and encouragement. Staff respond quickly to enquiries, which is so important when you only attend the campus one day a week.

One thing to remember is that you are not alone, and thousands of people in your position take this step each year.

Older students are extremely well motivated, disciplined and keen to succeed. In addition, they bring a great deal of personal experience and maturity of thought to their studies.

Visit Email Call 4 www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

As a working mum I needed to study fairly close to home, and I was very fortunate that Anglia Ruskin offered the exact course I was looking for on a part-time basis. Although already qualified in banking I wanted to change career. This course enabled me to explore various disciplines within construction. Did the course meet your expectations?

This guide has been prepared to help you make your choice. It aims to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at Anglia Ruskin University. It includes information about financial matters, childcare and support available to you during the course. If you are still unclear about any issues or need to discuss your options in more detail, you can make an appointment to meet one of our Guidance Advisers (see ‘Where to go for advice’, page 13).

We are well aware that many of you may be anxious about starting Higher Education later in life. It can be a major step and involves a great deal of reorganisation and change. If you’ve been away from study for some time you may not be sure that you can still do it. At Anglia Ruskin we feel our students, regardless of age, have a great deal to offer the study environment.

Why did you choose Anglia Ruskin?

“This course was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

How do you fit your studies around your other commitments? What a balancing act! I needed a timetable just to manoeuvre through the week, but the hard work was worth it. My group of fellow part-time students was a delight. We supported each other and learnt to maximise our individual contributions to best effect in our team work. We still remain good friends.

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

5

Frequently asked questions Entry requirements Entry requirements for Higher Education courses vary depending on the level and subject area. You can find out more about entry requirements online at www.anglia.ac.uk/courses You may have missed out at school and have few or no qualifications. However, your experience since leaving may make you perfectly able to study at Higher Education level, particularly if the course you want to study is relevant to your experience. For advice and guidance, talk to one of our Admissions Tutors or Course Leaders, or use our pre-entry advice service (see ‘Where to go for advice’ page 13).

What is relevant experience? • • • • •

work-related and professional qualifications courses that were not examined relevant skills developed in paid employment voluntary activity independent study.

For instance, experience at home with the children, in employment or voluntary work, may have provided you with relevant skills.

What Anglia Ruskin is looking for is the ability to: • • • •

work to deadlines collect, process and transmit information and ideas think critically and construct arguments work both independently and with other people.

How much time does the study take up? Studying full-time doesn’t necessarily mean having to attend our University for a full day, every day. Exceptions to this are teaching, nursing or social work, which do have full-time practical placements.

You will probably need to be on-campus for 15-20 hours per week, depending on what subject you are studying. Lectures are at set times but there is usually some flexibility over when you attend smaller discussion groups. For the rest of the week, you will need to study either at home or on-campus, this could add up to another 20 hours. You will be given a timetable before you start your course, but you can also contact the relevant department for details. A limited version of the timetable is available on the web at http://web.anglia.ac.uk/timetabling/

How is the academic year and my course timetable organised? All of our undergraduate and postgraduate taught pathways are delivered on either a semester basis (two periods of learning and teaching in an academic year: September to January and January to June) or a trimester basis (three periods of learning and teaching in a 12 month period: September to January; January to June and June to September). Therefore, for each academic year, two calendars are published: Semester and Trimester deliveries. Each course publishes a timetable, which you will receive in advance of beginning your course.

What kind of support do I get as an international student? Our ‘welcome and orientation programme’ will introduce you to your new environment, our staff and other students. Visit www.anglia.ac.uk/internationalstudentadvice for information on applying and studying as an international student.

I am anxious about exams Exams are no longer used as much as they were. You could now be assessed in several different ways. These may include an essay combined with a short one-hour exam, a piece of coursework, a longer exam or a project you’ve designed yourself. You might be asked to work in a team with other students to complete your assessment. Assessment for each module (unit of study) happens at the end of each semester.

Will I be able to park on-campus? Travel to Anglia Ruskin means that staff, students and visitors contribute to road congestion, air pollution and parking pressures. We are fully committed to the environmental agenda; therefore, parking is not provided at either of our sites (except for limited blue-badge spaces) and we encourage the use of Park & Ride and public transport to the campuses. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/travel

Will I feel out of place amongst younger students? Over half of our students are officially classified as ‘mature’. You should find yourself amongst many other students of a similar age. Before starting, some mature students are anxious about whether they will be as good as younger students. It is important to recognise how much life experience can add to your ability to study and participate fully in discussions. Anglia Ruskin tutors really appreciate the breadth and wisdom mature students bring to lectures and seminars. In addition, they are often the most motivated, disciplined and eager to succeed of all our students.

Some courses need you to be at Anglia Ruskin for longer hours than others, for instance courses that contain a large amount of laboratory, or studio work.

6

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

7

Routes into Higher Education Entry requirements Access courses Access courses are designed for adult learners from non-traditional backgrounds who don’t have the experience or skills required to enter Higher Education. Most Access courses are taught at Further and Adult Education colleges. These courses help you build up your study skills and academic thinking to a level where you are ready and able to start a degree course. You should contact your local Further Education college for further details of courses they may run.

However, A Level study can often be quite isolating and can lack the support and extra skills tuition that is available on an Access course. Access courses are designed specifically for adult learners. Some Higher Education courses do prefer you to have A Levels, and you should seek advice and guidance on this from either our Pre-Entry Guidance Service, an Admissions Tutor or a course leader.

Anglia Ruskin’s Science and Technology Foundation Course (one year, Cambridge only)

A Levels

Not to be confused with Foundation Degrees.

A Levels are the traditional way to prove you can study at Higher Education level. They are a useful way of studying, especially if you want to continue working. It is possible to fit an A Level into full-time work or bringing up a family. Passing just one A Level can be enough to show Anglia Ruskin you can study at a high level.

If you want to study a Science or Technology award (except Optometry) and do not have the right entry requirements to apply to a 3-year programme commencing Level 1, these courses may be for you. You will have a choice of several pathways in the Life Sciences, all of which have a common Year 0 to enable you to move on to Level 1 of a different Life Science programme. For technology we offer a similar scheme under the title of Media and Internet Technology (with Year 0) which will allow you to progress not only to computer based subjects, but also to pathways such as Electronics and Engineering. Since these are 4 year degree programmes, the same financial regulations apply.

A Levels are split into AS Level and A2 Level (year one and year two). Mature students wishing to take an A Level in a year are still able to do so by doing both the AS and the A2 stage at the same time.

Foundation Degrees at Anglia Ruskin These degrees are an employment-related Higher Education qualification, designed to equip students with the skills that employers need. They can be full-time or part-time, incorporating a half-time work element. Applicants are expected to have studied to A-level standard. However, dependent on past experience this may be enough to gain entry to the courses. Call: 0845 271 3333 Email: [email protected]

Open University courses Many adult learners study with the Open University (OU) before taking up full-time education, OU courses can be accepted as an entry qualification. Most of the Level 1 undergraduate courses offer two start dates a year, February and October, with the majority of higherlevel courses starting in February (although there are exceptions). Some OU courses may enable you to be exempt from part of a degree at Anglia Ruskin. Ask for guidance on this credit exemption from the relevant department. For information about the OU visit: www.open.ac.uk

Making previous experience and qualifications count Anglia Ruskin’s Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning process does not award credit for experience alone, but for learning which can be shown to have been achieved through that experience. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/apl

8

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

9

Part-time students Case study:

Stephen McGoldrick BSc (Hons) Psychology

“A really friendly University that lays out all it has to offer in a really accessible way.” Why did you choose Anglia Ruskin? As a resident of Cambridge and a ‘mature’ student, Anglia Ruskin was the perfect choice as it offered the course I wanted and I was familiar with the site and facilities. What initially attracted you to your course? Psychology is probably the most usable degree available, and I have a keen interest in the subject. The course offered at Anglia Ruskin University was BPS accredited and I had the opportunity to study a variety of modules.

Why would you recommend your course to others? YES – Without a second thought! Please tell us about any special features that you have benefited from on your course. The lecturers deserve a shout here, they have worked at creating a learning environment that makes contact with them easy and useful, the team are very young and dynamic, plus they are all involved in research in a variety of fields so a wide knowledge base is available for students. How do/did you rate the support offered by both our teaching and support staff? 100% for the teaching support and the departmental support staff 90% for everyone else. What is/was the favourite aspect of your non-academic life? i.e. any social/sporting activities. The Psychology society has been great fun and next year the plans for the activities look even better (mainly cos i’m involved....), also the Wing Tsueng has been good in keeping the lifestyle balance right.

At the moment its easy, just treating University like a 9–7 Mon–Fri has helped, with the occasional deadline driven through the nighter, its been like the real world.

Each new topic is fascinating. I came to the subject with an interest in language and influence and still have that same interest.

How would you sum up your experience of studying at Anglia Ruskin course so far?

Yes, it has delivered a basic understanding of psychology and introduced the dreaded skills of research and statistics in both an interesting and painless manner.

10

Some degrees are run on a professional day-release basis where you would be required to attend for a single block of time each week (one day, or an afternoon and evening). Apart from this, most of our full-time degrees can be studied part-time by attending the full-time degree course for less time. This could mean you would be on-campus for three to seven hours, spread across the week, depending on which areas of study (modules) you choose. A degree studied part-time may take between five and six years to complete, studying for at least 12 hours per week at home. If you are applying to a part-time course apply at: www.anglia.ac.uk/pt

How do/did you find fitting your studies around your outside commitments including work, family etc?

Which aspects of your course do/did you enjoy most and why?

Has the course met/exceeded your expectations? If so, how?

You may want to fit your studying in alongside employment or other activities. A full-time degree does enable you a certain amount of flexibility, with sometimes two or three days a week when you do not have to be on-campus. However, part-time study is a particularly convenient and popular route for many people.

Brilliant, a really friendly University that lays out all it has to offer in a really accessible way. The Faculty and support that Psychology offers has been fantastic and the standard of teaching has been spot on.

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

11

Studying locally Anglia Ruskin has two main campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford, as well as a campus for the Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education in Fulbourn, close to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, and also at Peterborough. Our Cambridge campus has recently undergone a redevelopment to create a modern, state-of-the art learning and teaching environment for our students and staff. This includes new lecture theatres, modern teaching facilities and comfortable meeting places. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/cambridge In Chelmsford an impressive new building was opened in April 2011, which houses the new Postgraduate Medical Institute. This new building has two large lecture theatres as well as excellent laboratory facilities. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/chelmsford For more information on the progress of both these projects, visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/newspaces

Where to go for advice Collaborative Partners and University Centres You may be able to study an Anglia Ruskin course nearer home. We offer a selection of credit-rated and modular courses validated by Anglia Ruskin, through our network of Further and Higher Education Institutions across the East of England. Sites include: Braintree College Cambridge Regional College Cambridge Theological Foundation Chelmsford College Epping College Huntingdonshire Regional College London College of Accountancy London School of Osteopathy SEEVIC South Essex College Suffolk Anglia Ruskin University Thurrock and Basildon College Thurrock Learning Campus University Centre Harlow University Centre West Anglia University Centre Peterborough WHCM Counselling and Training Sycamore (Chelmsford)

You are welcome to visit our Pre-Entry Guidance Services at both Cambridge and Chelmsford. Here we will help you explore what you can do in Higher Education at Anglia Ruskin, or elsewhere. We can also help you to make your application to your chosen course and consider the impact of study on your lifestyle, both personally and financially. The services are free and advisers are available throughout the year.

To make an appointment for pre-entry guidance: Email: [email protected] Call: Student Services Cambridge on 0845 196 6701 or Student Services Chelmsford on 0845 196 6700 or visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/studentservices

Evening opening Evening appointments are also available on-campus, every Tuesday during term-time.

You can find a list of courses online. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/courses

12

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

13

How to apply Case study:

Lisa Schaberg

Before beginning university I first had to get through an Access to Higher Education course. This was a good step as it got me back into the habit of carrying out research and writing essays. How did you find university life? The interview was very nerve-racking and I was worried that I might be the only mature student, but this was not the case. There are many mature students and my group has a broad age range. This has helped immensely because we get many views and lots of input into group tasks, which makes life a little harder, yet a rich and rewarding experience. How did you fit your studies around your other commitments?

“My family has helped me and been extremely supportive. I have also found that Anglia Ruskin has been very supportive and flexible.” How do you prepare for university? I have always wanted to be a teacher. After many years working as a trainer in banks and consultancies I felt that I had to make the jump. It was an exciting but scary step; my whole life was about to change.

Support is important. From a family point of view I am very lucky. My family has helped me and been extremely supportive. I have also found that Anglia Ruskin has been very supportive and flexible. They certainly helped me last year when a surgical procedure threatened to cause disruption to my studies. They agreed for an extension to be granted for an assignment with as little fuss as possible. How do you find being a mature student? The biggest issue with university life is the responsibility for your own learning and development. This can be quite a daunting difference when you move from an Access environment to university. Self-directed learning means working out your own schedule and workloads with the very minimum of input from Anglia Ruskin. It is up to you how much time and effort you put in. Time management and prioritisation become incredibly important. It is not just time for your course and essays; as a mature student you must try to fit your life around this workload. The positive side is that the more you put in, the more you get out. You not only get more satisfaction and more pleasure, but you might even get to be a little smarter too. The question I am always asked is, “is it worth it?” I can tell you, three years on, that it is.

You must apply for full-time study for most Degree or Higher National Diploma courses through the Universities and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS). This includes Teaching Degrees and Foundation Degrees and Social Work. You can apply for our part-time courses online.

Making an application:

Choose your course:

For full-time undergraduate courses apply online. For part-time courses apply online, visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/apply

Order a prospectus from our Contact Centre Call: 0845 271 3333 or Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/courses

Visit: www.ucas.com Email: [email protected] Call: 01242 222444

Try to attend an Open Day: Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/openday You can select a minimum of one, or a maximum of five, course choices.

If you need help, seek advice This could be from: • a careers adviser/tutor (if you are at college) • a manager/personnel adviser (if at work) • Anglia Ruskin Employability Adviser. Email: [email protected] Cambridge call: 0845 196 6701 Chelmsford call: 0845 196 6700

Completing the form: • pay particular attention to your ‘personal statement’ • follow the guidelines for applications carefully • if you need a reference, choose someone who can offer an opinion on your suitability to study at HE level.

Applying: • Anglia Ruskin welcomes applications throughout the year, but apply early for popular courses (see ‘When do I apply?’, page 16) • pay the fee for the UCAS application • submit your application form online, but remember to keep a copy.

Before I made the decision to go into full-time education I decided to volunteer at a school on a part-time basis to see if the reality met the dream. Fortunately, it did.

14

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

15

When do I apply? Anglia Ruskin welcomes applications from students throughout the year. However, a few courses prefer early application, including Teaching, Art, Optometry and Social Work; it is advisable to apply in the autumn of the year before you wish to start the course. If in doubt please contact our Admissions Department, the relevant academic department or our Pre-Entry Guidance Service.

Late applications Please contact our Admissions Department for details. Email: [email protected]

Sending extra information You may find that the UCAS form does not allow you to include all the information that you want us to have in order to reach a fair decision on your application. After you have sent off your UCAS form and you have a personal id number from them, you can send additional information, even a CV, to our University’s Admissions office. Ensure you send all additional papers directly to us and quote the personal id number given to you by UCAS.

Part-time applications Applicants should apply online for part-time courses visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/apply Email: [email protected] Call: 0845 271 3333

Admission with Credit If you want to add to your existing qualifications or Higher Education study to top-up to a degree or postgraduate qualification, contact the relevant department for your course and ask about Admission with Credit.

Applications for studying single modules only Apply through the relevant department for your course.

University Open Days Open Days, evenings and advice sessions are held throughout the year. They are a good way to find out more about our facilities, courses and staff. Alternatively, for information on all of our University events get in touch with our Contact Centre:

Case study:

Carolyn Nilsen “Lecturers and support staff make themselves available to help students as they embark on the potentially life-changing experience of gaining a degree.”

Why did you choose Anglia Ruskin? The decision to study at Anglia Ruskin was a radical one for me. After nearly three decades in the same career, the prospect was as enticing as it was daunting. At my interview, and on my first day, I was feeling very nervous, not least about the financial implications of my decision, but also wondering how I would fit into a university environment at my age. I need not have worried; there were a number of mature students on my course and many more throughout the University. How do you rate our teaching and support staff? My first impression was of a Faculty that regarded students as individuals. This was followed by guidance and support from lecturers, which has remained strong and constant throughout the course. Lecturers and support staff make themselves available to help students as they embark on the potentially life-changing experience of gaining a degree. How did you find our student support? On the financial side, receiving a student loan proved straightforward and enabled me to pay my mortgage. Student Support has also offered financial help and advice, which has been a lifesaver in times of crisis. I have also been able to continue working, having found employers to be surprisingly flexible when they knew I was pursuing a degree. I have even managed to change jobs halfway through the course. The most satisfying aspect of being a mature student is in meeting the challenge that Higher Education demands, expanding my horizons and looking forward to new career prospects in the future.

Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/opendays Email: [email protected] Call: 0845 271 3333 University-wide Open Days are held throughout the year. Please check our prospectus or visit our website visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/opendays for further details.

16

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

17

Financial information

Supporting your learning

Funding for mature students, particularly those with dependants, is complex: anyone thinking of entering Higher Education is advised to seek guidance about funding from the Student Money Advice Service in Student Services.

Many students need help because they are finding their course difficult and sometimes they need a perspective from outside their course and course tutors. Student Services can discuss study skills either individually with students, or in group sessions. Our University Library and Student Services run study skills sessions, these can be especially helpful to mature learners who are returning to study.

Check out our website web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/student_services/smart/index. phtml to see what advice we can give you, plus there is also information available on the Student Finance England website www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/ UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/index.htm For further help and advice please contact our Student Money Advice Service. Email: [email protected] Call: 0845 196 6700/6701

A need for support with learning can also arise from a physical disability, sensory impairment, learning difficulty (often dyslexia) or some other cause. If you require support or specialist facilities, contact Study Support to discuss your learning support needs. The following may be explored at a meeting: • study requirements • mobility and access to buildings • examination arrangements • Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) or other funding • personal support or medical care • safety and IT requirements. If you have a disability you should get in touch with Student Services as soon as possible.

Contact us: Either come in and make an appointment at our reception desks or contact our advisers. Cambridge: Visit: Helmore 331 Call: 0845 196 6701 Joyce McCulloch, Study Support Adviser (Dyslexia) Jane Bousfield, Study Support Adviser (Disabilities) Chelmsford: Visit: Second floor, Tindal Building Call: 0845 196 6700 Sue Butler, Student Adviser (Disabilities and Study Skills) Rosemary Chaplin, Student Adviser (Dyslexia) Enquiries can also be emailed. Email: [email protected]

Visit Email Call 18 www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

19

Personal Tutor

Counselling and Wellbeing Service

When you arrive at Anglia Ruskin, you will be assigned a Personal Tutor who you can go and see to discuss any difficulties you may come across. If they are unable to help, they will refer you on to someone who can. Frequently dealt with areas include: changing your degree or area of study; personal matters that may affect your studies; ways in which to improve work.

The Counselling and Wellbeing Service is here to offer you support. Becoming a university student causes a time of great transition and change.

Student Advisers The role of the Student Adviser is to help students to understand our University’s modular system, rules and our regulations. They can also help with timetable and results queries and are attached to specific Faculties or areas of study. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/facultystudentadvisers

Coping with the competing demands of home life and academic deadlines can be very challenging. Settling in, working out priorities, making new friends, can all be very stressful. Sometimes we need support to stay emotionally and psychologically healthy. We run workshops and groups throughout the year in issues such as stress management, relaxation, anxiety management groups, mature student groups settling-in groups, Aspergers groups and others, in addition to one-to-one counselling. We also have many self-help leaflets on our own website and other useful links.

Case study:

Catherine Mitchell LLB (Hons) Law

Why did you choose Anglia Ruskin? Having four children in three different schools, it was important to be able to get home quickly if needed, so the campus was really convenient. I was also made to feel so welcome and that, at 46, I’m not too old to study. Anglia Ruskin also understands my childcare concerns and my part-time position as a volunteer. How do your studies help you at work?

Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/wellbeing

Invaluable. I am a magistrate, and I can now start to join all the pieces of the legal jigsaw together.

These advisers are available during your course to provide advice if, for instance, you want to branch out in a different direction or change your course. Possibly your family commitments could change, or you might have difficulty with a subject and even need to postpone your study for some time. Our advisers will discuss your options with you and give you support with what you need to do.

To make an appointment:

How do you find being a mature student?

Call: 0845 196 6700/6701 Email: [email protected] Visit: Helmore 341 (Cambridge) or Tindal, Second Floor, (Chelmsford)

I feel supported. I feel as if I can do the best I possibly can at Anglia Ruskin. The level of work is challenging and sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but having the ability to email or phone my tutors ensures I never remain clueless for long!

Chaplaincy

How do you rate our teaching and support staff?

Our advisers can also help you with CV preparation, interview skills, psychometric testing and applications for work.

The Chaplaincy exists to support all students, irrespective of faith or commitment. It offers a friendly face and listening ear, and somewhere to discuss spiritual and personal issues in confidence.

Excellent, they’re really supportive. It’s wonderful to know I can ask a question – any question – and someone will answer me or sort out a problem. I like their enthusiasm for their subject and their approachability.

Employability and Careers Advisers

The Employability and Careers Service is a vital source of support and information to help you obtain work after your study at Anglia Ruskin. The earlier you start thinking about your career, the more likely you are to find what you want. Mature students often wish to seek local employment and our Employability and Careers Service has extensive knowledge about the local job markets. There is a very high rate of employment among mature graduates at Anglia Ruskin. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/employability

Student Money Advisers

Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/chaplaincy

Which aspect of your course is particularly useful?

Support from partners, family and friends This is essential. Do discuss your timetable, college activities and study needs with those that will be most affected. You need to be disciplined about the time you need to study. Going to university may affect your relationships and the amount of time you spend with your family and friends. It will make a great deal of difference if they feel involved in, rather than excluded from, your decision-making.

“I feel as if I can do the best I possibly can at Anglia Ruskin.”

I’m only a fresher at the moment, but it’s been brilliant so far. I’m looking forward to the mooting workshops due to be run by the Year 3 law students. How do you fit your studies around your other commitments? It’s a challenge, as law is complex. But studying part-time law is much easier for me. If my children want to play a game, I know I can catch up when they’re at school. It all fits in beautifully with family and work life.

Information and advice on financial matters, including grants and benefits, is available from our professional financial support staff. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/moneyadvice

20

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

21

Childcare We recognise that your childcare arrangements are vitally important if you wish to study effectively. As a student, you can benefit from using nursery sessions from our in-house Anglia Ruskin nursery based on our Cambridge campus. Otherwise we are able to offer: • information on local childcare provision including schools and holiday clubs • general childcare advice and support. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/nursery Email: [email protected] Call: 0845 196 6700 or 6701

Employment Bureau At Anglia Ruskin, we believe that work experience can positively enhance a course of study. We also recognise that students face financial problems and may need to work part-time in order to supplement their incomes. We are keen to assist students to find suitable part-time employment opportunities. We have an Employment Bureau on both of our main campuses. The role of the Employment Bureau is to co-ordinate temporary and casual work for Anglia Ruskin, as well as external businesses and industries. This work fits in around the students’ study time. Opportunities range from secretarial/office work through to catering; computing; stores; childcare; and accounts. For further information contact our Employment Bureau:

Case study:

Luke Minshall “I was fortunate to have some excellent guidance and encouragement from the Careers Service and this helped me evaluate my future.” How did Anglia Ruskin help you achieve your career aspirations? At the age of 36, I decided to study for a degree in Psychology. Five years on, I have a 2:1 in Psychology, a Masters Degree in Occupational Psychology and a job that I could only have dreamt of four years ago. I am currently a Managing Consultant within the HR consulting division of Norwich Union. My work involves facilitating organisational change through the use of psychology.

I left school with six GCSEs and an A Level in Computer Science. My background is varied, initially working for an agricultural grain company, then spending 11 years in the armed forces, followed by an eclectic mix of sales roles, ranging from selling pest control to recruiting accountants in London. With the full support of my wife and family I began as a mature student studying an ‘Introduction to Psychology’ course with the Open University. Anglia Ruskin recognised my Open University study and this meant I could start my degree in year two. How did you find student life? Perhaps the most positive part of being a mature student was working with the diverse range of people and ages at Anglia Ruskin. It turned out that the people I felt most aligned with were completely diverse in terms of age and life experiences – what we seemed to have in common was a passion for learning. So, what has Anglia Ruskin actually done for me, a mature student? I can say with complete conviction that I have learnt how to learn, and how to apply this learning within the real world. I was fortunate to have some excellent guidance and encouragement from the Careers Service and this helped me evaluate my future. By graduation, my confidence and motivation was so high that I felt compelled to continue my learning at Nottingham University with an MSc in Occupational Psychology.

There can be no doubt that my time at Anglia Ruskin University was a fantastic, life-changing experience, which has paved the way to many rich rewards.

Cambridge Call: 0845 196 2564 Chelmsford Call: 0845 196 3618 Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/eb Email: [email protected]

22

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

23

Anglia Ruskin’s Valuing Diversity and Promoting Equality Policy is the overarching statement of our commitment to ensuring that while you are studying, you will benefit from a supportive environment, ideally free from harassment, bullying, unfair discrimination and other kinds of unacceptable behaviour. This cannot happen by itself. We all have a contribution to make by treating those with whom we come into contact with dignity, courtesy and respect, and by expecting similar treatment in return.

Case study:

What initially attracted you to the course? I think I have always wanted to be a nurse. I joined the Army at 17 and when I left after seven years I nearly transferred into the nursing corps. I wanted to try life on civvy street and worked in retail and banking. However, when I got to my mid-30s I thought if I was going to try nursing it needed to be now.

Julie Thompson Mental Health Nursing Diploma

Why did you choose Anglia Ruskin?

Essex Chronicle Media Group

Valuing diversity and promoting equality

Anglia Ruskin recognises that the ethos of valuing diversity and promoting equality rests on a firm foundation of good equal opportunities practice. To that end we intend to uphold and, wherever possible, exceed the guidance provided by anti-discrimination and related legislation. Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/equalops

I went to three or four open days at Anglia Ruskin in Chelmsford before I decided to take the plunge. While I was still working I had to go to evening classes to obtain the required Maths GCSE grade and at the same time took psychology for my own interest, which has really come in handy. What are your plans for the future? I am now in my final year and have finished the practice and I am working on my last assignment, whilst job hunting. I would now like to work with adults with acute mental illness; the elderly with dementia or Alzheimer’s or ex-military personnel suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. How did your studies help with your work?

“The university has given me great support with study skills, finances and careers advice.”

The placements I have undertaken include shifts on a secure in-patient ward with clients suffering dementia; community mental health tasks where I have visited people in their own homes; working on an elderly mental health in-patient ward; a NHS day unit; a private acute care eating disorder unit and a community drug and alcohol unit. In my last placement I learnt management skills, including running a shift rota under the supervision of a mentor. How would you sum up the experience? I have found the course really tough – 50 per cent of the time you are on placement, which is a full working week, often on shifts, and you may have to travel some distance to get there. Mental health nursing is draining physically and emotionally but it is also very rewarding. You have to dedicate your whole life to this course, but the university has given me great support with study skills, finances and careers advice.

Visit Email Call 24 www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

25

Other further information Other useful publications

Useful addresses

We have other publications which provide you with more specific information about studying at Anglia Ruskin, applications procedures and additional facilities available.

Cambridge Campus East Road Cambridge CB1 1PT Call: 0845 271 3333

These publications include: • • • •

Full-time undergraduate prospectus Full-time postgraduate prospectus Part-time course catalogue Course brochures/leaflets.

For up-to-date course information please visit: Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/courses Email: [email protected] Call: 0845 271 3333

Useful websites Anglia Ruskin University: www.anglia.ac.uk For application and other general information about applying to Higher Education. There are web links on the UCAS site to most Higher Education institutions and universities: www.ucas.com For information about funding your study: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance To contact the Employability and Careers Service: www.anglia.ac.uk/employability

26

Chelmsford Campus Bishop Hall Lane Chelmsford CM1 1SQ Call: 0845 271 3333

This booklet is for guidance only. Information has been carefully checked and is given in good faith. However, Anglia Ruskin University cannot accept legal responsibility for any alterations, omissions or inaccuracies contained within it. The booklet covers legislation which is subject to change, and students are strongly advised to check their own situation with the relevant agency before any decisions are made.

Admissions office If you would like to speak to an Admissions Officer please call the Contact Centre: Call: 0845 271 3333 Email: [email protected] Student Services Cambridge Call: 0845 196 6700 Chelmsford Call: 0845 196 6701 UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ Call: 0871 468 0468 Email: [email protected]

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

Visit Email Call www.anglia.ac.uk [email protected] 0845 271 3333

27

Cambridge Campus East Road Cambridge CB1 1PT Chelmsford Campus Bishop Hall Lane Chelmsford CM1 1SQ

For further information about Anglia Ruskin University Visit: www.anglia.ac.uk/mature Email: [email protected] Call: 0845 271 3333 Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/angliaruskin Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/angliaruskin

For information about our privacy and data protection policy: www.anglia.ac.uk/privacy

Corporate Marketing 11-12/097/DS