Mature students
The department welcomes applications from mature candidates (those 21 or over). We usually admit a dozen candidates annually, who range from their early twenties upwards and come from all walks of life.
We look for the same commitment to studying history that we seek in younger candidates, and recognise that their maturity and experience can make them very successful and valued members of the department and the university.
Background
Most mature students come from one of four groups:
- Those who left school without GCSE or O-levels, CSE's or equivalents, and who have returned to study at a College of Further Education, at a residential college (e.g. Coleg Harlech, Northern or Ruskin) or through the Open University or through an Access course.
- Those who left school with good A-levels, went straight into a career and have now decided that they want to study for a degree.
- People - usually in their twenties - who took A-levels relatively recently and who after working for some years feel the interest and motivation to follow a degree course.
- Men and women who have had little contact with formal education for a considerable time and who now want or need to study for a degree.
Sensitive admissions policy
We do, of course, take account of any formal qualifications that you may have, but lack of them is not necessarily a barrier to admission. The individual circumstances of all applicants are carefully considered.
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness and analytical ability, the potential to analyse the past in a critical manner, and the ability to discuss a point of view and make a coherent argument both verbally and on paper.
Successful applicants show enthusiasm for the study of the past and potential for continuing intellectual development. However, this may be shown through candidates' life experiences and motivation as much as examination results, diplomas or other formal achievements.
Application procedure
Please first contact the History Admissions Tutor outlining your background and experience, any qualifications you may have, and your reasons for wanting to do a history degree at York. The Tutor will recommend whether or not you should apply at this stage, or perhaps suggest that you seek some formal preparation (e.g. taking A-level at a Further Education College) before applying later on.
Subsequent applications are made through UCAS in the normal way. If appropriate, arrange for a recent academic reference which describes your work and potential as fully as possible. Otherwise have an employer, friend or other acquaintance write on your behalf, telling us wherever possible about your organisational and analytical skills, your motivation and interests.
Interview process
Applicants will normally be called for interview. We will ask you to bring recent examples of your writing with you; where appropriate these should be on history, but may be related to any of your work or intellectual interests.
Interviewers will ask about your experience and your reasons for wanting to study history at university and will want to discuss your interests and reading habits, for example, to assess whether you have the motivation that is needed to complete three years of intensive reading and writing.
Further information
For more information on mature applicants, please refer to the University undergraduate prospectus.
Further information
If you have any further questions, please e-mail our Undergraduate Admissions Administrator at: history-ug-admissions@york.ac.uk