‘Unqualified˚s mature students at the University of Sheffield

This is a study of ‘unqualified˚s mature applicants to the University of Sheffield who succeeded in gaining a place by means of the Joint Matriculation Board special scheme in 1975, 1976 and 1977. For purposes of comparison, successful ‘unqualified˚s applicants in 1976 to the Universities of Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester (who also participate in the Joint Matriculation Board special scheme) are considered. Subjects selected, rates of pre-course withdrawal, dropout, final degree results and problems encountered by the mature students are discussed.