Sources of money available to fund Postgraduate study (Starting September 2008)

Conscientia

Hello all, Well, I received a letter confirming that I have a place at my first choice University yesterday to study a MSc full-time starting in September this year. Sadly, this course is also the most expensive of those that I have applied to (with tuition fees of £5900) and is also based in London, so my living costs will naturally be more expensive compared to elsewhere. I spoke to the course director during the open day and she told me that there was no funding available for MSc courses, and that supervisors at the institute generally don't support applications for the likes of 1+3 funding without being familiar with the applicant... so I was unable to apply to the ESRC for funding.

I've currently got around £1200 in my bank account which I plan to use towards my year, with £320 worth of shifts at work booked before I leave to University. But that barely puts a dent in the costs I'm facing.

I'm currently a Natwest customer, and plan to book meetings with their student advisor tomorrow, as well as with other major banks (IE: Halifax and Barclays). I've read over the articles published by Martin on this site, so shouldn't be completely confused by what they tell me... and as I won't have to make a decision on the spot, I'm sure that I can report it back here and someone would be able to help me if need be.

What I was wondering is, does anyone have any advice as to what they believe are the best rates available for loans at the moment? Also, is anyone aware of any significant changes in the main high street branches that would lead to majors changes in the 'Best Student Accounts 07/08' article published here? Also, I've searched through all the funding sites that I know of, is anyone aware of any charities that may help fund individual students? Is there ANY help my LEA can provide me?

If it helps any, I was entitled to the full loan and complete grant - my families financial circumstances have not changed. Both of my brothers were (and one is still receiving) entitled to the full EMA weekly payment also.

I know this year is by no means going to be easy financially so any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks.

C_Ronaldo

Can you not apply for a student loan

dmg24

C_Ronaldo wrote: »

Can you not apply for a student loan

Student loans are not available for most postgrad courses (the main exception being the PGCE, and some nursing and social work courses).

Conscientia

Yes, there are no direct loans available to me that I am aware of. So I assume that I'll either have to take out a Career Development Loan or a Loan from a bank - maybe a graduate loan?

C_Ronaldo

dmg24 wrote: »

Student loans are not available for most postgrad courses (the main exception being the PGCE, and some nursing and social work courses).

ah ok, thought student loans were available to courses being done at uni,

Little_Chicken

There seems to be some confusion on this thread?!?!!? I think the OP is talking about undergraduate study - not postgrad??? Msc is an undergrad isn't it??? It was in my day. LOL

dmg24

Little_Chicken wrote: »

There seems to be some confusion on this thread?!?!!? I think the OP is talking about undergraduate study - not postgrad??? Msc is an undergrad isn't it??? It was in my day. LOL

No, a Masters is a postgrad course.

Little_Chicken

dmg24 wrote: »

No, a Masters is a postgrad course.

That's wot I thought:beer: Glad we've clarified that...;)

Conscientia

Sorry if there is any confusion - as I said in the title of this thread, I'm looking for funding for a postgraduate course starting this September.

RachelRa

This worries me about going onto postgrad myself (not that I've started my BA yet). I know this isn't what you want, but can you defer a year and save like crazy?

Little_Chicken

There must be some kind of bursarys available that you can apply to? Although if the course tutor says not, maybe it's not something that anyone wants to fund. Also local LEAs will have a list of any other local charities (from where you live now) that might have some funding available. At least London has lots of jobs available for students.