Mature Student fees and previous study

alf2009

Hi. can someone please give me some advice?

I've been looking at the Direct Gov site at eligibility for a loan/fees paid on a University BA course. Regarding 'have you taken a higher education course before', I m not sure whether it means if it was government funded or if I just did it.?

I left school with 1 A level, so I missed going to University and went straight into a job, but 10 years later got an Accounting Certificate using distance learning/study manuals. Then last year I started an Open University course. Now it looks like I'll be out of work soon, and I wonder if I am eligible to having fees paid and a grant/loan so I can go on a full time course, or does my previous study count as higher education?

student_advisor

The previous study rules apply to courses at higher education level (i.e. undergraduate and higher) and only years where you received some government funding count if you did not achieve the qualification.

It is not always obvious if you have had funding for example fee support would count. Often, fees are subsidised by the government and the amount you are charged is lower than the full fee.

What level was your accounting cert? What level was the OU course and did it lead to a full degree?

alf2009

Thanks for the reply . The accounting cert was AAT and the OU course is my first one, but at Level 2 60 points. I think the AAT also gives me an OU credit transfer of 60 points at level 2.

student_advisor

I genuinely don't know whether you need to declare the OU course - I will check the guidance when I have a minute & get back to you.

For the AAT course, up to and including NVQ Level 4 should not be declared. Level 5+ (if there is such a thing, we only offer 2-4), I would need to check as well as it's not a HNC, HND or other degree course.

It's important to only declare those courses you need to as otherwise SFE staff can get a bit confused. I've had reports of students being turned down because they've put A-Levels!

MrsManda

I didn't need to declare my OU courses - I have done 2x10pt courses and paid for them myself.