Distance learning funding for Fsc & Bsc Honours degree

Quasarlis

I'm currently out of work NDT technician after being made redundant in November. I have found that Northampton university are offering a Fsc & Bsc honours degree in advanced NDT techniques. I qualify for this course without needing any access courses what so ever due to my qualifications and experience, I would also be exempt from 2 of the first 6 modules in the Fsc. I have spoken to the course tutor and its possible that I could finish bith the above courses in 3 yrs ... the problem is, is thats its on a Distance learning basis. I have contactet Direct Gov etc but all it has done has left me totally confused and without any idea as to whom to contact, or where to go next. I'm living on benefits at the moment as I simply can't find anything due to this ressession, evan Asda has a waiting list.

Can someone point me in the direction of where I can get some simple and constructive help and advice.

Alcmene

I suggest the University's Student Support:
http://www.northampton.ac.uk/support/financialguidance/

Oldernotwiser

If this is a part time course (as it seems to be) you will be eligible for a means tested fee grant based on household income and a couple of hundred extra to pay for materials.

The university will have a Student Services/Finance/Welfare office who will be able to give you full details of this.

You will need to tell JCP that you are studying part time but that you are fully available for work or you may risk losing your JSA.

Quasarlis

I have already spoken to them too and once again i was only left confused and totally mind washed!! Surely there is somewhere to contact where you give your details etc and they either give yoyu the funding or not ... it shouldn't be this hard!! I have made over 40 calls possibly and i have got nowhere.

Quasarlis

Like I said Older I have spoken to them and they basically said that distance learning is NOT funded by anyone ... I had if's and but's and maybe's talked to me down the phone ... done my head in!!

MrsManda

The total help available through the Fee Grant and Course Grant for part-time and distance learning higher education courses in England depends on how ‘intensive’ your course is, your household income and personal circumstances.
Do you qualify for the Fee Grant and Course Grant?

To apply for the Fee Grant and Course Grant, both you and your course must meet certain conditions.
Your part-time course must:

• last at least one year
• lead to a higher education qualification
• not take more than twice as long to complete as the equivalent full-time course

However, you won't qualify for the Fee Grant or Course Grant:

• if you are studying a part-time Initial Teacher Training course that started in 2009/10 or earlier (you’ll be treated as a full-time student for student finance purposes)
• for more than one part-time course at a time

Distance learning courses
Students doing distance learning courses can’t usually get the finance package aimed at full-time students. But they may be able to get help through the Fee Grant and Course Grant - whether they're studying a distance learning course full-time or part-time.

So providing you meet all the criteria for student funding you should get a fee and course grant. See HERE for more details

It may make things clearer to you if you read the application notes for part-time students which can be found HERE

Taiko

Listen to Older, and fill in the PTG1 form available on the direct.gov.uk website in September. Subject to means-testing, you'll get fee payments and a course grant.