Mature-Age Male Students

Abstract

This chapter outlines the background and change that has taken place in higher education systems in both the UK and Australia. It outlines the move to a mass system of university participation across a number of countries and describes the more recent focus upon widening access to those groups previously under-represented in the student body. A case is made for why examining the experiences, motivations and aspirations of the mature-male students is important now and some findings from international research are shared. The parameters, issues and challenges of the study are outlined, key terms defined and the chapter concludes with an outline of the book’s structure.