In less than half a generation, learning has ceased to be something that is "completed" in one's youth. The increased demand for knowledge workers, the rapid changes in the workplace, the need to change one's career an average of five times, and recognition that the benefits of learning go well beyond the economic returns have all meant that university is no longer the domain of young adults.
Mature students come to UPEI for many reasons:
There are many ways to study at UPEI; taking a full degree or certificate from scratch is just one option. Some take a course or two to test their suitability for a return to study; some take a course for interest or to help with their work; and some transfer in with a number of credits, so they can shorten the time needed to complete a credential.
UPEI is currently introducing Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), specifically to allow adults with experiential learning to gain recognition for it, and reduce the number of credits they need to complete programs. People interested in PLAR may also be interested in the proposed Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree, which requires 90 semester-hours rather than 120 to complete, further shortening the time necessary to gain a degree credential.
If you are thinking about taking courses at UPEI, but have not made up your mind, the following pages have been designed to help you:
If you have decided to enroll at UPEI as a student, the following pages will help you find your way through the maze.
Centre for Life-Long Learning
