Going back to college?

trustus

Hi guys, quick question;

Looking to go back to college in September 2013 to do a BTEC Level 3 course (2yrs). I'm on IS and DLA and a mature student. My provisional enquiries have suggested this type of course is free and won't effect my benefits, is this correct can you tell me?

I don't mind losing benefits at all if I can apply for student loans but I can't do this for a level 3 course and I don't meet the criteria for a higher education course so I'm stuffed if I lose money.

Can anyone with experience in the field tell me how it works with level 3 courses at college and benefits?

I really appreciate any responses.

Thanks.

honey10

Neither benefit should be affected, I did a college course whilst on IS and didn't have a problem. Different story on JSA though. Good luck with your course.

trustus

Hi and thanks for you good wishes! I'd love to do the course and it's over two years only downside is that with it being a level 3 course it will be full of 16 year olds and being in my 30's I'm not sure I lavish the idea of being surrounded by kids haha

Was this is the same situation as yourself? Or has anyone else been in a similar situation; if so how did you find it?

Willing2Learn

I'm also on DLA and a mature student returning to education in September 2013. My understanding is that the government no longer fund Level 3 courses to adult learners following changes introduced for the new academic year (2013-2014). All adult learners will need to apply for a loan or pay from their savings. The new 24+ Advanced Learning Loans will be open for applications from April 2013. Click on the link for more information, eligibility criteria and repayment terms.

I'm almost fifty and looking forward learning alongside both young people and some who will be my age. Everyone will have different experiences that we can pool and draw upon to (hopefully) enhance the learning experience. That's what I'm telling myself anyhow!

Dunroamin

What subject is the course in and is anything similar available with the OU?

Willing2Learn

Forgot to mention, That I have spoken to the Disability Advisor at the Job Centre who confirmed I would be eligible for full benefits during the course. This applies to current rules and rules may change. I have been saving money from DLA and have a few thousand put away to negate any changes in rules in case benefits were to be reduced with Universal Credits and DLA.

trustus

Willing2Learn wrote: »

I'm also on DLA and a mature student returning to education in September 2013. My understanding is that the government no longer fund Level 3 courses to adult learners following changes introduced for the new academic year (2013-2014). All adult learners will need to apply for a loan or pay from their savings. The new .. will be open for applications from April 2013. Click on the link for more information, eligibility criteria and repayment terms.

I'm almost fifty and looking forward learning alongside both young people and some who will be my age. Everyone will have different experiences that we can pool and draw upon to (hopefully) enhance the learning experience. That's what I'm telling myself anyhow!

Well done you! I think it's fantastic to hear of people trying to make something of their lives irregardless of age and irregardless of what hand they have been dealt in life. I wish you every success in your education!

I live in Northern Ireland and am not sure if these "loans" apply here. I followed that link you put up and it mentions that one of the conditions on getting one is that you have to be a resident of England. Though I genuinely wouldn't mind taking a loan to pay for my study so this is something I would need to look into further.

I would also imagine that paying for a level 3 course would not be as costly as opposed to say a level 5 HND with tuition costs of around £2,500 per year! Total guess here but I'd say it would be under £1,000 and probably significantly under it. Then again what would I know?

trustus

Dunroamin wrote: »

What subject is the course in and is anything similar available with the OU?

Funny you should mention that! I want to go back and do the Music Technology course geared at using software etc to produce music. Something I've wanted to do for 10 years+.

I am currently studying a 60 point Level 2 music theory course with the OU at present, which is fantastic. Can you believe these type of courses are free if on benefits? There is really no excuse for people these days. How anyone could just sit about on the dole beggars belief.

So this course will set me up nicely for the college course.

Thanks for your input!

Jivesinger

trustus wrote: »

I live in Northern Ireland and am not sure if these "loans" apply here. I followed that link you put up and it mentions that one of the conditions on getting one is that you have to be a resident of England. Though I genuinely wouldn't mind taking a loan to pay for my study so this is something I would need to look into further.

Have you tried this page? It looks like it might contain some useful links specific to Northern Ireland.
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/education-and-learning/adult-learning/adult-learning-financial-help/learning-for-free.htm
But you also could check with the college about the fees side of it; they should know if they're going to charge you.

Dunroamin

trustus wrote: »

Funny you should mention that! I want to go back and do the Music Technology course geared at using software etc to produce music. Something I've wanted to do for 10 years+.

I am currently studying a 60 point Level 2 music theory course with the OU at present, which is fantastic. Can you believe these type of courses are free if on benefits? There is really no excuse for people these days. How anyone could just sit about on the dole beggars belief.

So this course will set me up nicely for the college course.

Thanks for your input!

I'm glad things are going well for you.

Just for the record, OU and other part time study is no longer free but student loans to pay the fees are available to everybody who doesn't already have a qualification at this level.

trustus

Dunroamin wrote: »

I'm glad things are going well for you.

Just for the record, OU and other part time study is no longer free but student loans to pay the fees are available to everybody who doesn't already have a qualification at this level.

OU is still free in Northern Ireland if on benefits or low income. Must have only changed in England?