Yes, it is possible to study at university while working. Many mature students and working professionals choose flexible study options such as part-time, blended or evening courses so they can continue earning while gaining a degree.
If you are planning to apply for a September 2026 university intake, this guide explains how to balance work and study, what course formats to consider, and what to think about before submitting your application.
Can I Work and Study at University at the Same Time?
Yes, it is possible to work and study at university at the same time.
Many students balance their studies with full-time work, part-time employment, self-employment, childcare or other personal commitments. UCAS explains that flexible and part-time study can help mature students fit higher education around work and family responsibilities.
However, the experience will be different for every student. Whether it is manageable for you will depend on:
- Your contracted working hours
- Your university timetable
- The number of days you need to attend
- Travel time between work, home and campus
- Independent study and assignment deadlines
- Your family and personal responsibilities
- How flexible your employer can be
Before accepting a university place, make sure you understand the full weekly commitment rather than looking only at the number of classroom hours.
What Type of University Course Is Best for Someone Who Works?
There is no single study format that is suitable for every working student. The best option is one that matches your work schedule, learning preferences and long-term goals.
Part-Time Study
A part-time course normally spreads the qualification over a longer period, reducing the amount of study completed each academic year.
This can be helpful if you:
- Work longer hours
- Have caring responsibilities
- Need more time for assignments
- Want to maintain a manageable weekly routine
Part-time study may take longer to complete than a full-time course, but it can provide greater flexibility.
Full-Time Study with Concentrated Teaching
Some full-time courses may arrange teaching across a smaller number of days each week rather than requiring students to attend every weekday.
This could allow you to organise work around your teaching days. However, you will still need time outside the classroom for reading, independent learning, group projects and assignments.
Timetables vary significantly between courses and institutions, so always check the expected attendance before applying.
Evening or Weekend Study
Some universities and higher education providers offer classes during evenings or weekends.
This arrangement may be suitable for students with regular weekday working hours. Availability will depend on the course, location and education provider, and not every programme will offer these options.
Blended or Online Learning
Blended learning usually combines face-to-face teaching with online sessions or independent digital learning.
It can reduce the number of journeys you need to make to campus and provide greater control over parts of your study schedule. You should still check whether online sessions take place at fixed times and how often physical attendance is required.
Can I Study Full-Time While Working Full-Time?
It may be possible, but it can also be demanding.
A full-time degree involves more than attending lectures. You may also need to complete:
- Independent reading
- Assessments and written assignments
- Group projects
- Presentations
- Exam preparation
- Placements or practical activities
Some students successfully combine full-time employment with full-time study, particularly when their course timetable is concentrated or their employer offers flexible working arrangements.
Before committing, ask yourself:
- How many hours can I realistically study each week?
- Can my employer adjust my shifts or working days?
- How long will travelling to campus take?
- When will I complete assignments?
- What will happen during busier periods at work or university?
It is better to choose a realistic arrangement than to take on a schedule that becomes difficult to maintain.
How Can I Balance Work and University?
Balancing work and university becomes easier when you plan your routine before the course begins.
Check the Timetable Before Enrolling
Do not assume that “flexible” means you can attend whenever you choose.
Ask for details about:
- Teaching days
- Class times
- Online sessions
- Attendance expectations
- Placement requirements
- Assessment periods
The exact timetable may not always be available early in the application process, but an advisor or admissions team should be able to explain the usual course structure.
Speak to Your Employer
You do not necessarily need to leave your job to begin university.
Depending on your workplace, you may be able to discuss:
- Changing your working days
- Reducing your hours
- Moving to different shifts
- Using annual leave around exams
- Working remotely on certain days
- Agreeing temporary flexibility during assessment periods
Explain how your course could support your professional development, particularly when the subject is connected to your current role.
Create a Weekly Study Routine
Set aside regular time for university work rather than waiting until an assignment deadline approaches.
For example, your weekly routine could include:
- Two evenings for reading and notes
- One longer weekend study session
- Time for group work or online classes
- Additional study time before assessments
A consistent routine can make the workload feel more manageable.
Be Realistic About Your Commitments
Starting university is a significant commitment. It may require you to reduce other activities temporarily, especially during exams and assignment periods.
Consider how your routine might affect your sleep, wellbeing, family time and work performance. Choosing a course that fits your life is just as important as choosing the right subject.
What Should Working Applicants Ask Before Applying?
Before applying for a September 2026 course, ask the university, education provider or student advisor these questions:
1. How many days will I attend each week?
Find out whether attendance is spread throughout the week or grouped into particular days.
2. Are classes held during the day, evening or weekend?
Make sure the teaching times are compatible with your working pattern.
3. Is any of the course delivered online?
Ask whether online learning is live, recorded or completed independently.
4. Are there placements?
Some courses include compulsory placements. These may take place on different days or require daytime availability.
5. How much independent study is expected?
Classroom hours do not represent the entire course workload.
6. Can the timetable change?
University schedules may change between terms or academic years. Consider whether your employer could accommodate occasional adjustments.
7. Is the course full-time or part-time?
The course title alone may not clearly explain the weekly commitment. Ask for a breakdown of attendance and expected study hours.
Is September a Good Time for Working Students to Start University?
September is one of the main university intake periods in the UK and offers a broad range of course choices.
For working students, beginning in September may also provide time to:
- Discuss flexibility with an employer
- Organise childcare or family responsibilities
- Prepare application documents
- Understand the course timetable
- Develop a realistic study routine
- Plan travel to the campus
Applications for the September 2026 intake are currently open through Uni Talent Network, although course availability and closing dates vary between universities and education providers.
Starting your enquiry early gives you more time to understand your options instead of making a rushed decision close to enrolment.
Do I Need Recent Qualifications to Apply?
Not always.
Universities consider applicants from many different educational and professional backgrounds. Depending on the course, your previous qualifications, employment history and relevant experience may all be considered.
Some applicants may also be offered a course with a foundation year or another preparation route.
Do not assume that you cannot attend university because:
- You left education several years ago
- Your qualifications are older
- You did not follow a traditional academic route
- You are unsure which qualification level you have
- Your professional experience is stronger than your academic background
Entry requirements vary, so the most helpful next step is to have your circumstances checked before ruling yourself out.
How Uni Talent Network Supports Working Students
Applying to university while managing a job can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure which courses offer suitable attendance arrangements.
Uni Talent Network supports UK-based students in exploring higher education options and understanding the application process.
Our Student Advisors can help you:
- Explore courses that may fit your goals
- Understand the expected attendance
- Review the available intake options
- Check the general entry requirements
- Identify the documents you may need
- Prepare and complete your application
- Understand what happens after applying
Support is based on your individual circumstances and the courses currently available through our partnered universities and higher education providers.
Start Your September 2026 Application
Working does not automatically mean that university is out of reach.
The right course structure could allow you to continue earning, maintain your existing responsibilities and work towards a recognised qualification.
The most important step is to understand the timetable and workload before applying.
The September 2026 intake is open. Speak to a Uni Talent Network Student Advisor to explore courses that may fit around your current work and personal commitments.
You do not need to have every detail decided before contacting us. Tell us about your current situation, and our team can help you understand the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to university while working full-time?
Yes, some students combine university with full-time employment. Whether this is manageable will depend on the course timetable, attendance requirements, independent study workload and flexibility offered by your employer.
Can university classes fit around my job?
Some courses offer part-time, blended, online, evening, weekend or concentrated teaching arrangements. These options vary between courses and providers, so you should check the timetable before accepting a place.
How many days per week will I need to attend university?
Attendance varies by course. Some programmes may concentrate teaching into fewer days, while others require attendance throughout the week. Placements and practical courses may require additional availability.
Is part-time university better for working students?
Part-time study can make balancing work and education easier because the workload is spread over a longer period. However, it also normally takes longer to complete the qualification.
Can my work experience help with my university application?
Relevant professional experience may support your application, particularly if you have been out of formal education for some time. The importance of work experience depends on the course and its entry requirements.
Is it too late to apply for September 2026?
September 2026 applications are still open through Uni Talent Network, but availability and deadlines vary. Starting your enquiry as soon as possible gives the team more time to review your circumstances and available options.
Who can Uni Talent Network support?
Uni Talent Network supports UK-based students exploring higher education, including mature learners, working professionals, career changers and people returning to education after a break.