Currently working in industry, but really want to return to academia. I've got a BA in Langs & PGDip in Mgt, but Politics/IR have always floated my boat. I'm doing a BSC in P/IR via external study at UoLondon, but I'm just wondering if, aged 27, this is a pipedream and I would be better off keeping my studies as a hobby rather than hoping to career change? Any thoughts?

all depends on how willing you are to put in the work. how important is it to you? do you like what you are doing at the moment?

I'm so bored..! Moved into strategy role to stop my brain atrophying. Only thing that keeps me going is the fact that I get to mentor and manage new graduates: teaching them how to analyse/reason.

More than willing to put the work in! My underlying question is - is there an unofficial upper age limit where academia as a career is no longer a practical option?

i don't think it is a problem if you are 27. You have to think about how long it will take to get established in a new field and whether or not you think it's worth it.