Graduate, On Job Seekers, funding for Foundation Diploma?

claxtorl

Hi there,

After 4 years of Uni, i will be graduating this year and plan to go straight onto Job Seeker's allowance until i find a job (looking unlikely!)

I am opting for a change in career meaning i will have to start again education wise, starting with a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (starting this September.)

If i am on Job Seekers allowance at this time, i am wondering whether this course will be funded or whether i will have to use private finance? The fact that i will already be educated to degree standard has confused me.

Any advice would be amazing, i have trawled the net but can't find anything.

Thanks!

Bec xx

MrsManda

Better posting this on the students board but generally if you've got a degree you won't get funded for another one due to ELQ rules. Does seem to be a waste to graduate and instantly go and do another diploma unless you are going to do something vocational such as a PGCE. NHS PG courses and PGCEs are funded but it's unlikely you'll get government funding for anything else.

claxtorl

Thanks!

Yes a waste of four years, however even more of a waste to continue in a career i hate, hence the change of direction..

epatolles

whats your current degree in?
not sure exactly what you want out of an arts course but as a graduate from an "arts" course I'll tell you for one theres no jobs! everyone wants people with experience and to get experience you have to find a job... endless circle! they don't care what your portfolio is like or what you did during your time at university.

claxtorl

I do combined honours in Business & Public Policy Management at Aston Uni.. Realised about half way through after a placement year that it wasn't for me. Hopefully by the time i've finished in HE there will be some more jobs about, would like to work freelance eventually. If there is no funding, i'll go ahead anywhere, have to be happy in what you do is my philisophy, no point being stinking rich and doing something you hate!

DCFC79

Have you looked in your area for jobs in the art area,

epatolles

claxtorl wrote: »

I do combined honours in Business & Public Policy Management at Aston Uni.. Realised about half way through after a placement year that it wasn't for me. Hopefully by the time i've finished in HE there will be some more jobs about, would like to work freelance eventually. If there is no funding, i'll go ahead anywhere, have to be happy in what you do is my philisophy, no point being stinking rich and doing something you hate!

I'll swap degrees with you! honestly with a business degree you'd be in a MUCH better position than I am! what exactly in arts do you want to do? it may be something where you dont REALLY have to have a degree!

MrsManda

Just because you have a degree in a certain subject does not mean you need to get a job in that sector. Many roles just want you to be educated to degree standard, they don't care what that degree is in. Speak to your university careers service to find out options, search job websites to find out whats available. Most of the people I know with a degree don't have a job that directly (or even indirectly) uses their degree.
It's got to be better than trying to get funding for another degree.

Oldernotwiser

Have you looked at the cost of self funding for another 4 years' study - particularly as you'll have to pay full fees (and I don't mean the 3,000 odd you've paid this time)? The fees for the 3 year degree are likely to cost you about 24,000 without looking at maintenance costs and paying for the Foundation year.

heretolearn_2

Your current degree will be extremely useful in a lot of arts management work, if that's what you are thinking of. what you need to do is get some relevant experience (internships/voluntary if necessary) and you should look at doing a Masters in Arts Management. That way you aren't just throwing away your current (very useful) degree, but building on it towards a proper career.