Access course funding

rocketman80

Hi everyone,

Was wondering if anyone could help with this one.

Found out today that I've got a place on an access course that leads to the degree course I'm desperate to do. The timing is right for it, everything fits (access starts in January and finishes in time for the degree in September)...

except...

Funding.

I'm an ex bankrupt, so cannot get a Career Development Loan and Student Finance have now told me they will not cover it, despite telling me they would 2 weeks ago...

Where do I go from here? Or do I just give up on this? My current job does not pay much and I have no savings. To say I'm fed up is an understatement. I've got the course place with one hand, and then the funds disappeared with the other!

Any help would be appreciated.

Rocket

MusicalLawyer

I don't think there is any other option I'm afraid. When I did my access course, I had to fund it myself. Although I lost my job just before the course, so got it free as I ended up on JSA for a couple of weeks.

Have you tried getting a Career Development Loan?
Sometimes they can be quiet lenient - but you'd have to pay that back once you've finished the course anyway.

Student Finance don't cover Access Courses, as it's the same level as an A-Level.

Are you not able to get an extra job of a weekend / evening etc and defer for a year? So you can save up? Or could you do the course over 2 years (part time), and find another job of one day / evening per week to try and pay for it?

I know where you're coming from as I'm in the same boat - but with a degree to pay for!

rocketman80

Believe me, I've tried looking for jobs every day. There is nothing where I am, and my job barely covers my needs.

I thought having a history of bankruptcy precludes you from a CDL?

I guess I'll have to not go :-( so fed up its unreal! Just when you think you're making progress, you hit another wall. (Apologies for being defeatist right now)

(Thanks for the response btw).

flea72

Look at other colleges in your area as the cost of the course/funding can vary between them.

My college subsidised their course, so if you had to pay it was only £800 (in 2 installments). If I studied at my nearest college it would have cost me £1200 in one lump

However, if your course is only 6m long, that is access planning, not a full level 3. So I take it you already hold the necessary qualifications for uni entry, you just need proof of recent study, and have done your UCAS application independently?

rocketman80

flea72 wrote: »

Look at other colleges in your area as the cost of the course/funding can vary between them.

My college subsidised their course, so if you had to pay it was only £800 (in 2 installments). If I studied at my nearest college it would have cost me £1200 in one lump

However, if your course is only 6m long, that is access planning, not a full level 3. So I take it you already hold the necessary qualifications for uni entry, you just need proof of recent study, and have done your UCAS application independently?

No idea what the BIB is sorry.

It's a full time access to HE Diploma course, I do not have the necessary qualifications for the degree course, but this gains me them in a short time. (it runs Jan-Aug and is full time)

I might as well just give up. I've worked hard to get to the point I can go and another doors slammed in my face. Its a wee bit upsetting tbh.

Thanks anyway guys. :(

Dunroamin

Depending on the degree you want to do, many universities will accept an OU unit as an entry qualification rather than an Access course.

What course do you want to do and what qualifications do you already have?

skipsmum

I did an access course in 2010-11, it was totally funded by the college. I am a mature student but have no A-Levels/NVQs etc. Ask at the college and at the uni you plan to go to - mine has various subsidies for fees depending on all sorts of wierd criteria.

rocketman80

Dunroamin wrote: »

Depending on the degree you want to do, many universities will accept an OU unit as an entry qualification rather than an Access course.

What course do you want to do and what qualifications do you already have?

I want to do a Sports Rehabilitation degree. I only have GCSE's, but the access course is the equivalent to 2 A-Levels.

rocketman80

skipsmum wrote: »

I did an access course in 2010-11, it was totally funded by the college. I am a mature student but have no A-Levels/NVQs etc. Ask at the college and at the uni you plan to go to - mine has various subsidies for fees depending on all sorts of wierd criteria.

Thanks I will. (Not holding out much hope right now though, sorry for being defeatist and on a downer)

Dunroamin

rocketman80 wrote: »

I want to do a Sports Rehabilitation degree. I only have GCSE's, but the access course is the equivalent to 2 A-Levels.

I appreciate that but, as I said, many universities will consider on OU unit as an alternative entry qualification. As an example, my local university accepted this course as an entry to a Physiotherapy degree.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/s104.htm

You have nothing to lose by asking.

ETA

I don't know where you plan to apply but you can see from this link that Salford specifically mentions the OU as a possible entry qualification.

http://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/sports-rehabilitation?mode=er

rocketman80

Dunroamin wrote: »

I appreciate that but, as I said, many universities will consider on OU unit as an alternative entry qualification. As an example, my local university accepted this course as an entry to a Physiotherapy degree.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/s104.htm

You have nothing to lose by asking.

ETA

I don't know where you plan to apply but you can see from this link that Salford specifically mentions the OU as a possible entry qualification.

http://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/sports-rehabilitation?mode=er

Well, its Bolton I'm applying to and thank you! Didn't know a) Salford were doing it (they're closer to me) and b) you can use OU modules.