Can't get Funding

PixieFace

I recently found a fantastic degree that is exactly what I want to do, but I can't get funding.

As a 27 year old who already has an honours degree, I qualify for no financial assistance as of 2006, unless I fancy having a child and then I get supplementary grants.

I only work part-time so don't earn enough to pay for it, and if I went full-time, I wouldn't have the time to do a course. All I want is a loan that I can pay back again afterwards. It makes no difference that it is a completely different subject, and more vocational than the degree I already have.

It's so nice that you have the ability to better yourself, so long as you can pay for it up front.

I'm so annoyed, I thought I could feel like I was finally getting somewhere, rather than just being stuck in a job I hate for the sake of paying the mortgage!

PasturesNew

Have you tried a Career Development Loan?

Here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/CareerDevelopmentLoans/index.htm

Not sure of the rules, but these are provided by banks at preferential rates and are intended for long-term courses. And you don't start paying it back until you've finished I don't think.

I could get funding for a first degree, but am now having to fund a Masters instead as the Uni advised me that a degree wouldn't be appropriate for me as it is spoon-feeding information, whereas the Masters really stretches. So you'd think I'd feel "cheated" as I'd never had funding for a first one ... but I don't.

It's life.

At least you have the option of using your first degree to work hard for a few more years and save to then pay for your 2nd one. Without a first degree, in the main, wages are pants as higher paid jobs are more easily attained more quickly by those with a degree.

Good luck anyway

bestpud

If it's any consolation, I read somewhere the other day (can't remember where but may have been in the Guardian) that they are now thinking of charging graduates the full cost of a second degree, as in £12,000 a year instead of the current £3,000!!

So, if you're going to take the plunge, now may be the time while the government are stil subsidising it.

It's frustrating though, I agree.

mummytofour

You say more vocational, I have no idea what the degree u are looking at is. But for example social work ( doe shave funding anyway) but if you have a degree anyway you can do an MA which is just 2 yrs.
Could you do your course part-time?

adidas

Not sure of the rules but maybe Access to Learning Fund might help but I believe you have to apply for that whilst actually on your course and there's no guarantee you'll get it. So a bit hit and miss really.

PixieFace

Thanks for all the suggestions, I had thought about the Career Development Loan, so will check that out. My first degree was an MA in Politcs, very theory based, and difficult to get a job with (plus there's not many jobs going in the area at the moment). What I'm looking at now is a BSc in Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management, much more hands on. I've looked at Masters degrees, but I want to branch into a more scientific area, and don't really have enough of a background to do a science based masters. I am currently doing GCSE Geography to get a bit more of the basics together.

roxalana

I think a bank loan or saving up to do what you want to do are the only options I'm afraid.

Do you need the degree to do the work you want to do - can you 'work your way up'? Your degree should show you are capable of degree level work and most places want experience...

Grass_Stained_Feet

Arghhhhh ok, response #3, and I am definately copying this before I try posting this time.It keeps timing out

Ok basically what I said was.......

If I were you I would research the possibility of a masters further (in fact I am doing - I have a degree in Hispanic studies and want to do a masters in Marine biology.....hrm.)

You can get into a masters without the relevant degree if you have experience in the subject....especially if you are over 25.....*I don't have the experience* she thinks.....I know, me neither. I would try phoning/emailing a couple of universities and asking what relevant experience would actually suffice. The fact you already actually have a degree in something will help a lot.

Have a look at the prospects.ac.uk website if you havent already (official ste for graduates) and go on the funding tab, you'd get funding from the NERC I believe...

I have always wanted to go travelling in Latin America, so have decided to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and do some marine conservation volunteering in Mexico....that is how I am going to try and get a least my big toe in the door....

It all really depends on how much you want it and how sure you are that you want to make it your career, and what your other interests are, and if you have any responsibilities at home. But you never know you could always grit your teath for a few months, save up some volunteering money and spend a good month or 2 doing environmental conservation in the galapagos islands, http://www.gvi.co.uk/pages/projectDetail.asp?expedition=62 - I am sure there are other projects by other organizations too (and you could even end up doing a year long internship-getting paid, if you like it that much!) Even if it isn't enough will definately be enough to get you a job in order to get the experience you need.....(like I said try talking to the uni)

Again it depends what kind of person you are...

option 1: Save for a 3 year degree
option 2: Try getting a loan for a 3 year degree
option 3: have a baby and have it grow up on campus while studying for your degree!
option 4: get the experience you need for a masters either volunteering or working your way up in the environmental sector and then do all you can to get funding

I picked numero 4, but everyone has different priorities and preferences

Blacksheep1979

erm this thread is almost 2.5 months old...

Grass_Stained_Feet

Is it only me that gets annoyed by pointless posts....

a) she may still have the problem, funding doesn't pop out of nowhere.

b) it may help other people who have the same problem who use the search function looking for the answer.

Blacksheep1979

well surely if the post is dead - the person hasn't come back to it in over 2 months your post is pointless? So yes it's not just you that gets annoyed by pointless posts...