Am I Too Old to Go Back to Uni and Funding!!

benjamynkaye

Gwyndster wrote: »

In terms of funding, I can see a few possibilities that may stand in your way - I can only comment based on mine and my friends experiences within the Welsh system. 1 You may be slightly too young to qualify as a mature student 2 You already have a degree and therefore may not be able to obtain funding for a 2nd one. 3 You are already in employment. I suggest that you contact a couple of local universities and the professional bodies and see what advice they can provide, I would suspect that undergoing training whilst being employed in an accountacy setting is your best option, it is what I was advised to do. Have you asked Santander whether they have any form of staff training/improvement schemes that you can undertake?

Hi thanks for that, it can't hurt to ask I suppose, it looks as though I can get funded doing open uni due to my income being beloe £20,000 and getting WTC and living on my own. Or at least eligible as it stands.
I have applied through santander to do my CeMap Qualifications but personal development doesnt seem to be pushed here, putting it that way!!

benjamynkaye

drwho2011 wrote: »

You can't get a loan from the government student loan company as you already hold an undergraduate degree.

Is that the same for Scotland as it is in England though?

I went through SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland) when I went to uni, obviously something I need to check out

heretolearn_2

it looks as though I can get funded doing open uni due to my income being beloe £20,000 and getting WTC and living on my own. Or at least eligible as it stands. sorry but no, not if you already have a degree. Also their scheme is changing and you need to be on a course this academic year to stay on the old arrangements, from this summer there won't be any course grants, just student loans.

Actually a degree is not the best way into accounting. Far better to do the professional qualifications routes with ACCA/ACA or start off with AAT then move on to full ACCA etc - very popular route in and you can study each paper at your own pace, so useful for career changers to combine with earning a living!

dizzyrascal

Hi
I think you will find that the funding with the OU is only open to those without a first degree too even though you earn below their threshold. I would check with them before you sign up for anything as their courses are getting expensive now. I agree that you can qualify by following the acca or cima, once you are part qualified it might be worth looking for a better job. It is not unusual for jobs as management accountants to be advertised asking for part qualified candidates.
At least by taking the exams under your own steam it will show how determined you are and how committed you feel.

drwho2011

dizzyrascal wrote: »

Hi
I think you will find that the funding with the OU is only open to those without a first degree too even though you earn below their threshold.

That is correct.

drwho2011

benjamynkaye wrote: »

Is that the same for Scotland as it is in England though?

I went through SAAS (Student Awards Agency for Scotland) when I went to uni, obviously something I need to check out

Student Loan Company (SLC) applies to England. If studying in England having an existing degree (doesn't matter if its not a UK degree) means you can't get a SLC loan.

I would imagine the same rules apply to organisation that provides funding in Scotland but you'd need to check with them if studying in Scotland.

http://www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/previous_assistance.htm

barrywhittakerbmw

heretolearn wrote: »

it looks as though I can get funded doing open uni due to my income being beloe £20,000 and getting WTC and living on my own. Or at least eligible as it stands. sorry but no, not if you already have a degree. Also their scheme is changing and you need to be on a course this academic year to stay on the old arrangements, from this summer there won't be any course grants, just student loans.

Actually a degree is not the best way into accounting. Far better to do the professional qualifications routes with ACCA/ACA or start off with AAT then move on to full ACCA etc - very popular route in and you can study each paper at your own pace, so useful for career changers to combine with earning a living!

Starting off with AAT was the best option for me. I took advice from family and friends. I am doing a distance learning course and also helping out with my dad's business. This works well for me. After completing the course, I am aiming for CIMA as it will help me in helping out with our business needs. Initially, I was surprised to know that you do not need a full time qualification to become a qualified accountant. When I read and learnt more, it made the process simpler.

barrywhittakerbmw

benjamynkaye wrote: »

Yeah thanks for that, I did think about that but I was thinking the chances of someone showing faith in me at my age would surely be limited in this climate.

I worked for a company straight out of university doing their books and financial planning for 2 years - I spent a day per week with the accountant getting trained but the company never put me through any formal qualifications and I never pushed for it whihc i obviously now regret!

You are never too old to learn something new or improve your skills. I did not require to study accounting, but did so to help out our family business. In fact, I quite enjoy studying accountancy!

Always remember to upgrade your skills and learn about new developments in your industry. It helps a lot, especially during these times.