Midlife has a new definition. Ireland’s older adults are fitter, healthier and more youthful than earlier generations. We’re working for longer and embracing all that life can offer, whether that’s travelling or learning new skills. More of us are staying in employment, too. The number of adults in employment in Ireland rose by 31 per cent between 2022 and 2025, while the mid-west region has the highest proportion of 55+ workers nationally, at 23 per cent.
Add to this a rapidly changing work environment and lifelong learning seems more vital than ever. Yet we know that participation in education declines sharply from mid to late career stages. What’s causing this? For some it could be a hesitation concerning another time commitment in an already busy life. For others it might be a question around the cost of education. For so many others, meanwhile, it’s a very simple sense of trepidation: what will becoming a student again feel like?
University of Limerick (UL) is working to make a later-life return to education as easy as possible. The Pathways Plus initiative outlines flexible education pathways designed to support adult learners aged 50+, with part-time, online and work-based options available. Crucially, the initiative highlights recognition of prior learning (RPL), a policy which recognises the experience, skills and perspective of applicants who may not meet the standard entrance criteria.
“People are motivated to return to education for a wide range of reasons,” says Michael Hennessy, professional education manager at UL. “They may be looking to upskill in their current role or pursue a career change. For some, it is about finally pursuing a subject they have always been interested in, for others, it is learning for its own sake; a desire to stay curious, engaged and intellectually active.”
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Returning to education later in life can be a daunting prospect, especially for those who may not have engaged in a formal learning setting for many years.
Flexibility and accessibility are at the centre of Pathways Plus. “Learners can start with a micro-credential and progress at their own pace to a postgraduate certificate, professional diploma, master’s degree or a doctoral qualification,” Hennessy says. “We also see individuals using flexible short courses to build confidence before progressing into more formal qualifications. The focus is on helping each individual find the pathway that suits their goals and supporting them throughout their learning journey.”
A person’s ‘life CV’, made up of professional skills, volunteer work, and lived experience, is seen as a positive asset. RPL is this belief in action and can be used to support entry into a programme or, in some cases, to provide exemptions from specific modules.
“At UL, we believe experience matters,” says Hennessy. “Many adult learners bring significant knowledge and skills developed over years in the workplace and in their communities. RPL ensures that this is recognised and built upon rather than overlooked.
“RPL is becoming an increasingly important tool in re-engaging learners. It helps to remove traditional barriers to entry, boosts confidence, and provides a more accessible and inclusive pathway back to education.”
This was the case for Fabian Joyce, who was a self-employed carpenter by day and musician by night. After some difficult life experiences, he sought the help of a psychotherapist, which turned out to be a pivotal decision. It inspired him to pursue his dream of earning a living through music.
“I did some research and discovered that UL offered a master’s (MA) in music therapy, which was the perfect fit for me,” he explains. “Since graduating, I have been working as a music therapist in the west of Ireland. I have chosen a completely different path in life as a result of the RPL route to third level education.”
Not everyone has a clear path in mind, as Fabian did, and it can be difficult to identify which direction to take. Enter ReSHAPE, an online platform at reshape.ie that helps individuals understand where they are now and where they could go on their educational journey. A free, personalised skills audit provides users with a snapshot of their strengths and areas for improvement, and can also suggest learning opportunities.
As to the potential costs of education, it can be reassuring to know there are lots of supports available. Depending on the programme and individual circumstances, learners may be eligible for financial supports such as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grants, Springboard+ funding and tax relief on tuition fees. In addition, flexible payment options are often available, allowing people to spread the cost over time.
For some students, it’s also possible to stay in full-time employment while studying, as Jeroen Verbruggen discovered. With more than 30 years’ experience in information and communication technology, Jeroen worked full-time while doing his master’s degree in health informatics at UL.
“Although most of my weekends and many evenings were taken up by study and completing assignments, I maintained my day job and even changed jobs and took on whole new responsibilities,” he says. “Some modules were definitely out of my comfort zone; however, I got through the material with the support of my lecturers and fellow students.” Jeroen ultimately graduated from UL with a first-class honour, something that he’s very proud of, and made many friendships along the way.
There certainly is no age limit to learning either, as Betty Ryan can attest. The 69-year-old delivered hundreds of babies over her 30-year career as a midwife. Now retired, her daughter told her about UL’s Age Friendly programme and encouraged her to apply.
“As I had a background in health sciences, I chose the public health nutrition module,” Betty explains. “I wanted to delve further into the science, but I was also interested from a personal health perspective for my own health and longevity. I really enjoyed learning about the medical aspects of nutrition and about diabetes.”
Whether it’s to advance your career, develop a new skill or, like Betty, learn more about an area you’re interested in, embarking on a course at any age can be transformative. It’s a powerful way to build confidence, develop new perspectives and stay mentally and socially engaged.
“It can be a daunting prospect to embark on a journey back into third level,” Fabian acknowledges, “but the resources and unwavering support from UL faculty and peers alike ensure that it is a journey well worth taking.
“Don’t overthink it and just do it,” he adds. “Life is too short for ‘what ifs’.”
Find out more about Pathways Plus. Visit ul.ie/GPS to explore the range of programmes, pathways, and supports available at UL. The Graduate and Professional Studies team also hosts regular information events and offers direct, personalised guidance for those interested in midlife education.
