King’s College London welcomes applications from mature students and we understand that your needs may differ from those of students entering higher education at 18.

We have created these webpages to provide you with information about the support on offer for mature students at King’s and to aid you in making your decision about whether entering higher education is the right thing for you.

We have also created a Mature Leaner Guide (pdf) for mature students on how to apply and the support available at King's College London.

King’s defines a mature student as any person beginning their first undergraduate degree at the age of 21 or over.

We understand that mature students may have very varied reasons for returning to education and that not all mature students will have had the same educational background, but we hope this information will give you an insight into what returning to education might entail.

Whatever your reasons for returning to education, you will find a challenging and rewarding environment at King's. Some of our most committed and successful students are mature learners and we welcome the diverse skills and experience that adults returning to education bring with them.

Starting at university as a mature learner may seem daunting, but it's important to remember you are not alone. King's provides a wide range of support to help you navigate your way through your university experience with guidance, advice and practical assistance.

Application support

The admissions webpages provide information on how to apply, as well as information regarding how to track your application.

If you are attending a school or college, UCAS advises you to obtain a reference from a teacher or adviser at your place of study. If you are making an independent application (i.e. not through a school or college) you may want to choose someone you have worked with during your professional experience.

You can find out more about application references by visiting the UCAS website.

Study support

Personal tutor

You will be assigned a Personal Tutor when you begin your course. This is your first point of contact within your department if you have any concerns about your course or how you are settling in.

He or she will be able to give you feedback on how you are progressing and can make suggestions for how to make the most out of your course. Your tutor is a great source of advice and guidance and is there to help and support you throughout your time at King's.

Library services

Library Services are located across the five main campuses and offer subject-specific resources with help and advice from qualified staff. The department develops and provides a range of services for students and aims to help them get the most out of the services and resources available.

Library services also provide training to help you get used to using IT, including 1-2-1 support and training courses.

Financial support

King's Student Hardship Fund

The King’s Student Hardship Fund is intended as a source of extra financial assistance for students who are often most vulnerable to financial pressures and in need of extra help, including mature students.

If you would like any more information please visit our Student Funding pages.

Undergraduate fees and funding

For information about undergraduate fees and funding, including tuition fee costs, student loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships, please visit our Student Funding pages.

Support for student parents

Starting at university is a time of change no matter what your circumstances. This is particularly true of students who are also parents. Our childcare advice guide contains a range of useful advice and information. You can also find more information below.

Childcare

Unfortunately there is no on site provision for the children of staff or students at King's. Guy’s Hospital (London Bridge) and King’s College Hospital (Denmark Hill) Trusts provide childcare facilities for their staff and some limited, non-subsidised places are available for King's students. Visit our childcare webpages for more information.

For advice and information on your childcare needs, you can also contact one of our dedicated student advisers.

Financial support for student parents

Undergraduate full-time home students who are parents can apply for additional funding to assist with the added costs of being a parent and/or supporting an adult dependant whilst studying full-time. Below you will find some examples.

Childcare Grant

If you are a full-time student in a low income household and have a dependent child or children in registered or approved childcare, you can apply for a government Childcare Grant to receive up to 85 per cent of your actual childcare costs. To qualify your partner must not already be receiving the childcare element of Working Tax credit.

The amount you receive will depend on:

• Your level of income and the income of your household
• How many children you have in childcare
• Your actual childcare costs

Parents Learning Allowance

The Parent's Learning Allowance is an additional grant to assist student parents with the costs of books, travel etc. It is based on your household income and paid to you as part of your student funding package. You can apply for the Parent learning allowance even if you are not applying for the Childcare grant.

Applications for both the Childcare Grant and the Parent Learning Allowance can be made to Student Finance England or your Local Education Authority depending on when you started your course.

Child benefit and tax credits

Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that all home students who are parents can claim for their child. It is usually paid every four weeks but in some cases can be paid weekly, and there are separate rates for each child. The payment can be claimed by anyone who qualifies, whatever their income or savings.

Students with dependent children may also be entitled to claim Child Tax Credit from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and income.

You may also be able to claim Working Tax Credit. However, if you get the childcare element of Working Tax Credit, you won't be able to claim for the Childcare Grant as well.

Student advice service

The student advice service provides central support services for all current, prospective and former students at King's College London. The service provides you with information, support and advice on a range of financial, practical, legal and personal issues.

Counselling

The student counselling service provides a free, confidential service for all students with any problems or difficulties, whether they are problems relating to studies or of a personal or emotional nature.

Disability advisory service

The disability advisory service offers information, advice and guidance to all disabled students studying at King's. They also advise prospective applicants and post-offer applicants who are thinking of coming to study at King's, including arranging an information visit.

Careers & Employability

King’s Careers & Employability department provides information, advice and events to help students navigate their way through the career options available to them.

The support on offer includes help with finding work experience, developing a CV, application and interview coaching and networking with professionals and employers.

If you have looked at the website but still have questions, or would like to talk to a member of the team, please see details below on how to contact us:

• Email: mature-students@kcl.ac.uk
• Tweet us: @kclwp

If your question is specifically related to entry requirements, please contact our King's Advisors.