Understanding mature entrants’ transitions to postgraduate study

This study consolidated and improved the information base on mature postgraduate students in order to understand:

  1. their profile and participation
  2. their motivations to study
  3. their pre-entry activities (in the years between undergraduate study and postgraduate entry)
  4. their sources of funding
  5. the barriers and challenges faced in taking up study at this level.

It contrasted the position and experience of mature entrants (those aged over 25 on entry) with younger entrants. At its heart was an online survey of postgraduate students and consultation with staff responsible for postgraduate admissions.