25 and want to go back into education, am I entitled to grants and the like?

BBB

Anyway, it's high time I got myself a career, rather than stay at the soul destroying place where I am at the moment, I studied IT for 2 years at College in NVQ level (foundation/intermediate) and I wish to do this as a career, would love to be a technical geek and fix computers or web design. I've looked at MMU (Man Met) and they require me to do 1 year in a access course which would then give me the qualification needed, as I don't currently have the academic qualifications needed.

Can I get the same student loans/grants that the young (hark at me!) lot get?

I could always do it through the OU or one of those computeach jobbies but I believe they are dire?

Some advice would be greats.

Pink_Eyes

if you go to uni, I believe you can get financial help up to the age of 60. (or 65, can't remember)

BBB

What about the OU, I work full time though

Wiggynut

BBB wrote: »

Anyway, it's high time I got myself a career, rather than stay at the soul destroying place where I am at the moment, I studied IT for 2 years at College in NVQ level (foundation/intermediate) and I wish to do this as a career, would love to be a technical geek and fix computers or web design. I've looked at MMU (Man Met) and they require me to do 1 year in a access course which would then give me the qualification needed, as I don't currently have the academic qualifications needed.

Can I get the same student loans/grants that the young (hark at me!) lot get?

I could always do it through the OU or one of those computeach jobbies but I believe they are dire?

Some advice would be greats.

have you actually spoken to the Uni?
you have some study experience and as you are a mature student the entry requirements are slightly different.
have you worked in IT too? this will count towards uni entry.

I left school at 15 - did some o levels p/t a few years later but then worked in Digital Media for a few years... I only did a small OU essay writing course this year and I got a unconditional acceptance.

ignore the entry requirements on the website ad actually talk to someone.

when do you want to study - this year? you could check clearing and see if there are any places left... clearing I think is a bit more lenient (not totally sure of this, just what I've heard being said - the Uni's want prefer to fill any gaps I think)

Mature students with some study experience is preferred by Uni's so just talk to students who attend that uni.. are you on 'thestudentrooms.co.uk'? they have forums for individual uni's and advice on clearing.. mature students, access courses, entry requirements etc.

obviously if you got into Uni then you will receive the student grants/loans etc.

good luck

kellitots

Hi, I am 25 and studying at Reading Uni for a BSc, I get the same loans/grants as anyone else. After the age of 25 you are considered an 'independent student' and your parents' income is not taken into account when applying for the loan.

Unfortunately for me I was 23 when I applied and so had to jump through all sorts of hoops to prove to the student loan people that I was independent then, including getting a full 5 year tax history from the inland revenue, which they refused to send! But since you are already 25 you should be OK.

I had to do an Access course to get into Uni, it is only a year long though but your course may be different, especially if you already have experience in the area.

Good luck!!

BBB

Thanks a lot for the advice so far, I've emailed Trafford College which is near to me and await a reply.

Much thanks

lucky_me_2

I am 20 and I get a full grant, it should be no problem so long as you can prove that you are not dependant on anyone else's wage and you support yourself. The OU is also a great option if you are working full time and do not wish to commit to University on a full time basis or would prefer to still be earning some money whilst studying. The OU do not ask for very much evidence at all, infact all I had to send was my p45 for the financial year, a certified copy of my passport and fill out a form.

BBB

http://www.salford.ac.uk/course-finder/course/1559

Just had a look at this one, it seems a good option for what I am looking for, will give them a call tomorrow