University for the Third Age

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by PhD_Cyberspace, Jan 29, 2005.

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  1. If I can have some input from our members living in Europe or from someone who has done extensive research into educational programs available overseas. I have heard that once you reach the age of 40 in most European countries, that obtaining a higher education is almost impossible and that many universities won't admit students in this age bracket. Is this true? And if this is the case, if they want to continue their education, are they forced to seek admission to an accredited program in the US? Also if some form of discrimination is allowed to exist there, could this be a reason for the rise of diploma mills in these countries?

    I would like the forum's input. Thanks. Have a Great Week!
     
  2. agilham

    agilham New Member

    I don't know about across the Channel, but it's very definitely not the case here in the UK. The oldest ever graduate of the Open University was in their 90s, and the whole point of the OU is to give opportunities to people who didn't get into the system at 18 or who had bad experiences with the system. The government is also about to scrap the rule that says you can't get a student loan if you're over 54.

    In the case of my MA at Birkbeck, the class ranges from people who graduated last year and who are working in London but still want to do an MA through to retirees in their 60s. I'm 40 myself and I'm pretty much the average age for the class.

    In general, the higher education system here is very supportive of mature students. In twenty-odd years as student or staff the only age discrimination I've ever seen has been on the staff side in contract research, simply because younger researchers are cheaper.

    Angela
     
  3. George Brown

    George Brown Active Member

    Age is no restriction here in Australia and, indeed, I would be suprised if it was anywhere else in the world. Indeed, I would consider this discriminatory and I bet no university in the world would employ this policy (except for those that do not allow younger enrolments).

    The University of the Third Age (for example see http://www.adelaideu3a.mx.com.au) could be an answer for the older folk, but it does not purport to offer degrees (NOTE it is allowed to use the word university in its business name - the Minister has approved this).

    Cheers,

    George
     

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