where do i stand?

junesong

I've been researching in going back to uni. Originally I studied for a HND in Media Production which I completed in 2006. It was a two year course with the option of topping up to a degree with a third year. My institution did not offer this third year so I didn't take it. I did take out a student loan for the two years and I haven't started repayments on that loan.
Ideally I would like to do a German and Business Adminstration course but that would involve taking an Access to Business course. Looking around this board I see that there are issues with taking out second loans so I'm not entirely sure if this would be the best option.
Another option I found would be to take German and Film Joint honours. With this course I could potentially start in the second year as my HND would be relevent. Would this count as a second degree? I'm a bit confused by it all.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

MrsManda

The best people to speak to are probably your Local Education Authority in the first instance as they will know what they are willing to fund.It may also help you to have a look at different forms of support available, not just via the LEA and student loans company. The basics with links to further info can be found at: directgov

Taiko

I work as an assessor for an LEA, and can confirm that because you never topped up your degree you can be eligible for some support. When calculating for someone who has done an HND, the following formula is applied:

(X + Y) - C = Standard Entitlement

X = The standard full duration of the proposed first degree course or 3, whichever is higher.

Y = The standard full duration of the previous course. If this is less than 3 years, then Y = 1, whereas if it is 3 years Y = 2.

C = The number of years spent on the previous course, including any periods of repeat study that weren't due to compelling personal reasons.

I will make the assumption you done 2 years previously, and never repeated. I will also assume that you are on a 3 year course.

(3 + 1) - 2 = 2 years of standard entitlement.

The standard entitlement must be allocated from the final year of the new course, working backwards until all entitlement has been used up. In this example, you would be ok for fee support and grants (depending on household income) if you entered directly into year two of the new course. If you enter into the first year, you would only be entitled to a maintenance loan.

For anyone that is looking into changing courses and has studied anythign other than a foundation degree, HND, HNC or Dip HE course, the above calculation does not apply.

Hope this helps.