Funding for btec diploma

Chickadee100

Hi,
I'm considering leaving my job to go back to college. I work in retail and just find i'm totally unfulfilled by this, i've always had a interest in fashion and really want to go back to college to see if I can get myself to a place where I can be in a more creative fashion role rather than just selling clothes!
I've found a Btec national diploma in fashion and clothing that sounds like an ideal stepping stone to a degree. This is full time, they don't do it part time.
I think I can afford tuition costs (although they can't tell me how much that will be yet so i'm only guessing!) i've been told that i will have to pay these and there is no help unless i'm on means tested benift which i am not.
I'm aware of the ALG and looking at that I think I should be eligable. I started a GNVQ when I left school but didn't get to far in it before I realised it wasn't for me.
I will be looking for part time work and live with my bf who will help suport me where he can (i've done the same for him so its only fair)
Is there anything else I can get finance wise? I understand i can't get a student loan and i'm ok about this as it will mean less debt if making the purse strings a little tighter!
Oh i'm 30 don't think I put that.

Oldernotwiser

Have you contacted the university where you hope to do your degree to enquire about alternative entry qualifications? Entry requirements for mature students can be very flexible and doing a 2 year A level equivalent course is rarely essential.

You could look at courses offering a foundation year (year 0) or a Foundation Degree with a top up as alternatives to the BTEC + degree route.

Chickadee100

I did originally look at this but there is no degree course anywhere here and we are not in a position to move right now.
I also think that I still have alot to learn in this subject although I know alot about certain areas and think this would be a better stepping stone for me.

Oldernotwiser

Chickadee100 wrote: »

I did originally look at this but there is no degree course anywhere here and we are not in a position to move right now.
I also think that I still have alot to learn in this subject although I know alot about certain areas and think this would be a better stepping stone for me.

So, where would you be looking to do your degree eventually?

I think, like many mature students, you underestimate your existing level of knowledge. I still think that there might be better ways of preparing for a degree course in this field compared to spending the next 2 years with a crowd of clothes mad 16 year olds.

To answer your original question, you seem to have covered all the bases for the finances.

Indie_Kid

There is also the learner support fund at college.

Chickadee100

Well things have changed a little over the last few days. I have just recived a prospectus from a closer but smaller college. Its alot better for arty stuff and has an access art and design course so I think i'm going to do that instead. It will also give me a wider palet to choose from when looking at degree courses! So happy with this choice now!
Does this change things finanically for me now?

Oldernotwiser

The funding situation will be the same for the Access course as for the BTEC but at least it will only be for one year. These courses are normally a much better route for mature students, so good luck.

Chickadee100

Thanks, seems to be so hard to find certain information. They only listed the access course on there website not that it was art and design.