90-year-old student completes English Literature degree with The Open University

At 90 years old, Maryette McFarland from outside Derry has proven that it’s never too late to follow your passion. After losing her husband, Maryette decided she wanted to do something new and meaningful — so she returned to university to study English Literature. 

Her journey to graduation, however, wasn’t without challenges. With her daughter’s encouragement, she initially enrolled at Ulster University in Coleraine and attended lectures twice a week. But after a car accident left her unable to drive, Maryette found herself struggling to continue the course remotely. 

“I tried to do it from home, but it just didn’t work for me,” she said. “So, I decided to transfer my credits to The Open University — and that made all the difference.” 

Studying with The Open University allowed Maryette to continue learning from the comfort of her own home. She soon adapted to online study with the support of her tutors — especially Gareth Fegan, who was both her first and final module tutor. 

“My tutor was wonderful,” she said. “It was a big change for me to move to online learning, but he helped me find my feet. I’d never used a computer before, so it was all completely new.” 

Maryette credits her daughter-in-law with helping her get set up and navigate the online systems. “She showed me how to get into my tutorials and type my assignments — I’d never typed before!” she laughed. 

Each morning, Maryette could be found sitting on her sofa surrounded by books, immersing herself in literature. “I really enjoyed studying again,” she said. “It gave me purpose and something to work towards.” 

Education has long been part of Maryette’s life. She went to school in England before attending Trinity College Dublin, where she studied English and French for three years. After graduating, she married and raised four children while helping run the family farm. 

A lifelong lover of the arts and nature, Maryette enjoys attending classical concerts in Derry’s cathedral and taking walks in the countryside. She also has a fondness for horses — her family once kept Connemara ponies on their farm. 

Her eight grandchildren were amused, and a little proud, to see their grandmother studying for a degree. “They thought it was strange that their granny was doing coursework and assignments,” she said with a smile. 

Now, as she celebrates her latest academic achievement, Maryette hopes her story inspires others to keep learning, no matter their age. 

“You’re never too old to start something new,” she said. “If you have the interest and determination, you can do it.”