Examining support for mature students provided by Russell Group universities: a mixed approach of thematic analysis using systematic review of websites and literature

Abstract

The volume of mature students has constituted over half of the student population in the UK higher education, reflecting the substantial growth in participation opportunities, however, it has not led to equal quality and outcomes of higher education for mature students. With much attention has been focused on obstacles mature students encountered and possible support to help them overcome, the reality of the support provided for mature students by HEIs in the UK remains under-researched. Aiming to fill the research gap and examine the support provision by Russell Group universities, this study conducted a mixed approach of thematic analysis using systematic reviews of websites and literature. Analysis of the data indicates that RGUs mainly support mature students in finance, social integration, caring responsibility (especially childcare), and academic skills, however, the mismatch between the support provision and mature students’ needs exists, where the disadvantages of mature students aged 21-24 and mature part-time students in the eligibility criteria for financial support have been highlighted. The study culminates in the proposal that personal factors should also be taken into account in the pursuit of more productive policy changes to reduce structural inequalities. Contributions of the research lie in providing references for university leaders and policymakers in developing strategies to achieve a more inclusive environment for mature students and contributing to individual prosperity and overall economic productivity.