Confusion about student loans

kr15snw

Hi all,

Im currently on my first year studying a Foundation degree in Graphic Design. I recieve the full Maintenance grant (£2700), the tuition fees loan (£3000) and a partial maintenance loan (£2200).

When I finish my Foundation Degree (which lasts 2 years) I can apply for a top up course (1 year) so that I have will have a BA Honours in Graphic design. Ive been told my people on my course that as this third year is a seperate course I will get no help for it. No tuition fees paid for and no grant as its my second uni course. (One of my friends on my course already has a degree and because of this she gets no help on this course).

Is their truth in this? I cant afford to put myself through it, and theres no way my parents can afford it (only afford it because I have the grant).

Any help would be appreciated, this would be the deciding factor as to whether I go onto a 3rd year of the course.

Cheers guys,

Kris

Oldernotwiser

I'd check with your LEA/university but funding has always been available when people have "topped up" an HND to a degree in the past. Particularly a 2 year HND and a 1 year top up. As Foundation Degrees are replacing HNDs the situation is likely to be the same. Most universities advertising top up degrees say that funding is available.

Glamorgan Uni is quite good on the subject.

http://glamlife.glam.ac.uk/supportandwelfare/413

AddieH

You will be entitled to a further year of support if you go onto a "top-up" course following your foundation degree as this is a route that people are encouraged to take to gain a full undergraduate degree.