Be prepared?: preparing mature students for university entry in England and Aotearoa New Zealand

This paper explores the notion of preparedness for university entry in relation to mature students in England and Aotearoa New Zealand. It focuses on what has become the predominant entry route for mature students in England and Wales - the National Open College Network (NOCN) accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma - and on university-based Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) programs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The paper highlights the differences in the way the notion of preparedness is integrated into access and bridging provision in the two countries whilst exploring...  [+] Show more

This paper explores the notion of preparedness for university entry in relation to mature students in England and Aotearoa New Zealand. It focuses on what has become the predominant entry route for mature students in England and Wales - the National Open College Network (NOCN) accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma - and on university-based Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) programs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The paper highlights the differences in the way the notion of preparedness is integrated into access and bridging provision in the two countries whilst exploring institutional and practitioner perspectives on access to university for mature students. Also highlighted are the benefits of campus-based provision such as that in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Edited excerpts from published abstract.