How can the charge more than the maximum tuition fee?

*debbie*

Hi, I'm asking for someone's wise brain on this. My DS is looking to go to university in September 2015 and has looked at Buckingham as their course is just 2 years and 1 term, so we thought it would be cheaper. However, they have divided the university year into 4 terms rather than 3, and are charging between £2158 and £3501 per term, making a total charge of £26,676 for the 2 years 1 term. This obviously means that it is more than the £9k maximum tuition fee per year, and therefore more than the student loan that he can apply for.


Does anyone know how they can get around the rules like this, and if there is anything that we can do about a loan (short of going to a different university!!)
Thanks

Indie_Kid

Isn't Buckingham a private uni?

agrinnall

It's really only feasible to study at Buckingham if you have the ability to cover the additional costs up front, although there may be back-end financial benefits eventually. As the university states on it's website:

...our fee structure is different from that of conventional universities, and because our undergraduate degrees are just two years long, students make an enormous saving on their living expenses, and can start earning a year earlier.

*debbie*

Hmph! Don't think much on their savings idea, the whole course will cost just a few hundred less in tuition fees and as the terms are so much longer he will be living away for longer and if the accommodation is charged by the week as most places seem to be, he will be spending the same amount, just over a shorter period of time, without the benefit of being able to work during the summer to offset some of the cost. And of course the maintenance loan won't anywhere near cover the cost.


A different uni I think!! Thank you for all your input.

*debbie*

And it is the same length of time as a 'normal' uni course as it is 2 x 4 term years plus an extra term, making 9 terms in total - usually it is 3 x 3 terms. So can't see the benefit!

Voyager2002

Indie_Kid wrote: »

Isn't Buckingham a private uni?

Yes. Which is why they can charge what they like.

tomtontom

*debbie* wrote: »

Hmph! Don't think much on their savings idea, the whole course will cost just a few hundred less in tuition fees and as the terms are so much longer he will be living away for longer and if the accommodation is charged by the week as most places seem to be, he will be spending the same amount, just over a shorter period of time, without the benefit of being able to work during the summer to offset some of the cost. And of course the maintenance loan won't anywhere near cover the cost.


A different uni I think!! Thank you for all your input.

Perhaps your son should have a chat with a careers adviser? He should not be choosing a uni based on their courses being slightly shorter.

agrinnall

The living costs are likely to be lower, most students will end up paying for accommodation for a full year once they move out of property owned by the university, which is very common after the first year.

bewildered123

One thing worth considering too is whether a two year degree will be recognised anywhere outside of the UK if living or working abroad is ever likely to be an option. Buckingham is a very small establishment, so it's a different type of university experience. Definitely one to visit if you can.

Mrs_Soup

Buckingham is a private university and is not subject to the same charging and funding rules as government funded universities.
Why would you choose Buckingham anyway? Is there a particular subject they are fabulous at, otherwise I can't see the point.

Voyager2002

Mrs_Soup wrote: »

Buckingham is a private university and is not subject to the same charging and funding rules as government funded universities.
Why would you choose Buckingham anyway? Is there a particular subject they are fabulous at, otherwise I can't see the point.

One of my former colleagues chose Buckingham because the shorter study period meant that the total financial cost of the degree was lower than would have been the case elsewhere. She used her degree to enter the management structure of a major nationalised industry; then to gain a place on a Masters degree course at a leading 'conventional' university; then to administer a research centre at that same university... So Buckingham could be the right choice under certain circumstances.