Meet our lifelong learning students

Our current and former students talk about their experiences of returning to education as a mature student, and how the Lifelong learning has helped them.

Peak district field trip- geog

Returning to education can be daunting but if you have a genuine interest and want to succeed, you can!

Sarah Geography BSc

Sarah always knew that she wanted to return to university at some point and she felt that DLL made that possible for her and has given her the opportunity to face her fears.

Niamh image

Being a student is something for me, it is my time to focus on my passions and I feel this is so important when you are a parent

Niamh Environmental Sciences BSc

Niamh decided to study a foundation year with the Department for Lifelong Learning as she felt it would be a great first step back into education.

DLL Student Ambassador Annie

Whilst studying I felt like I had something for myself that I loved outside of being a mum, but would ultimately allow me to provide for my family

Annie Sociology with Foundation Year BA

Annie felt quite unfulfilled with what she was doing, and wanted to start something new that could potentially lead to some sort of meaningful work. Annie returned to study BA Sociology with Foundation Year.

Orthoptics equipment

If you are passionate and considering studying for a degree, don’t doubt being a mature student at University

Alisha Orthoptics with Foundation Year BMedSci

Alisha returned to education to study BMedSci Orthoptics with Foundation Year with the Lifelong learning team after taking part in our Discover course. The foundation year course allowed Alisha to access the course that had interested her without the standard and course-specific entry qualifications.

Luke Seeley, DLL Student Ambassador

When I asked myself if I wanted to stay where I was, or do something different, I instantly knew I wanted to return to education

Luke Sociology with Foundation Year BA

Luke returned to education to study BA Sociology with Foundation Year after deciding it was time to leave his employer of nine years to become a mature student with Lifelong learning.

Evan - mature student

I got a lot of help from the University's Disability and Dyslexia Support Service

Evan Archaeology with Foundation Year BA

Evan started his degree in Archaeology with a Foundation Year following treatment for and recovery from a brain tumour. Here he shares his story of returning to education, and highlights the support he received from the University as he adapted to his new life as a mature student.

DLL student profile Ben

Don't be intimidated by the University's reputation

Ben Environmental Science with Foundation Year BSc

Ben shares his experience of coming to University as a mature student to follow his dream of studying for a degree in Environmental Science with Foundation Year.

Emma's story student profile picture

I decided to finally pursue my dream of coming to university

Emma History with a Foundation Year BA

Emma shares her experiences of receiving and working with a Dyslexia diagnosis while studying as a mature student at the University of Sheffield.

Numerous people walking around inside a bright white spacious building (The Wave). In the forefront, a person points to the left, navigating the space with the other person.

Experience Sheffield for yourself

The best way to find out what studying at Sheffield is like is to visit us. You'll get a feel for the atmosphere, the people, the campus and the city.

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