College Shield

Mature Candidates

The College warmly welcomes applications from mature applicants. We recognise that many will have a different academic profile from those candidates applying directly from school. We recommend that prospective applicants who have been out of formal education for some time undertake a course before applying to the College, such as one or two A-levels, an Access course, or an Open University course. Recent academic successes carry more weight that a record (whether strong or weak) from many years ago. All eligible applicants are interviewed but you may wish to contact us in advance to discuss a possible application. Written work, where mentioned on the specific subject information sheets, will also be required from mature students.

Mature candidates have the same success rate in admissions as other candidates and offers are tailor-made to their circumstances. Although there are specialist mature Colleges which all mature applicants are recommended to consider, those candidates who, having looked at the range of colleges, would still like to be considered for a place at Magdalene with its constituency of predominantly 18-21 year olds, are encouraged to apply.

Magdalene would expect to have around 6 mature students at any one time (1-2%) but there is no quota of places.

Mature candidates are not considered by Magdalene after the regular deadline, although some mature colleges may consider a late application.