At the age of 80, the University of West London’s oldest PhD candidate is celebrating his latest success in a lifetime of education successes after completing his qualification and opening up possibilities for his future.  

John McGuinness became the oldest student to take on doctoral study with the university after enrolling at the age of 76 and dedicating four years to expanding his knowledge of the technology and construction of “low status” housing. 

John, who grew up in Harrow, said despite leaving school and assuming his time in formal education was over, his first job in construction led him to enroll in a technical college to study -  opening up what would go on to be a lifetime of continued learning.  

Going on to gain a host of industry qualifications and certificates, John later completed an undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Construction Law as well as using his knowledge to write a number of books and articles on construction law and a book on the Law and Management of Building Subcontracts.  

Staying active even following his retirement, he eventually took the next big step to become a qualified doctor, expanding his knowledge and research into construction and the technical and social evolution of UK housing.  

John, who has now qualified as a Doctor in Built Environment, said:

I never considered I would ever study for a PhD. When I left school, I didn’t expect to earn a first degree, let alone a PhD, but I found that my academic inspiration was developing slowly over time.

Studying later in life was a completely different experience for me and much easier in the sense that there was not the pressure to get ahead in my career. I also knew much more about life and was more used to the process. 

I had very flexible options for study and met tutors regularly which all helped, and I had the opportunity to do many things including presenting a paper at a conference in Paris exploring industrial wartime archaeology in Paris. 

But there were challenges of course. Technology was a struggle along with the study research method side of things. Luckily, I had a lot of support to understand and look at new ways of working at the University I was able to overcome the issues I faced."

Now turning his attention to further fuel his passion as he works on creating new technical resources including a database of 20th-century building materials and product names, John is urging anyone who wants to take on a new challenge to consider a future in education and research. 

I have met so many people studying later in life,” he said. “It is fascinating and really shows that it is never too late to study if that is what you want to do.

I am sure I will not be the only person to study at this age, so it is definitely possible and so rewarding. I am chuffed to bits to have done it and have this qualification and a completely new experience which has opened up so many new avenues of interest for me."

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