Second degree takers - funding changes heads up

dmg24

Sorry to go slightly OT, but does anyone know why architecture qualifies for assistance as a second degree? The others seem more obvious, but I don't know anything about the architecture route?

DrFluffy

dmg24 wrote: »

Sorry to go slightly OT, but does anyone know why architecture qualifies for assistance as a second degree? The others seem more obvious, but I don't know anything about the architecture route?

The 'qualifier' is that you are on a vocational degree programme. Archietecture is classed as vocational.

Gemmzie

I wonder if my degree counts as vocational, if it had I would have done something else first, hmmm.

Overall though, our education is heavily subsidised at £3k, if it goes up then surely (hopefully) the government will scrap the 50% plans and all graduates will benefit?

sparklygirl_2

This tuition fee increase absolutely sucks.

At age 17/18 I had to make a choice about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life (when i had no idea at all). I was expected to go to university and so i did. I studied hard and I got a good degree in a subject that by yr3 I had no interest in doing. The work placements I did in my 3rd year of uni made me cry each night as I hated it that much, I didn't quit because I hate quitting, and especially as I was not failing and was in my final year.

Now I know firmly what I want to do and I need a specific degree to do it. Except it looks like I will not be able to do it due to the tuition fee increases for 2nd degrees. I have contacted two universities who have said that the tuition fees will be approx 6K-7K per year.

I am only just managing to scrape by with my low paid existing job, hence the reason I wish to go back to university and study for a good career that I know I would love doing. I could have just about managed if the tuition fees were still at 3K, but with the increase I am quite likely being priced out of it.

However I refuse to accept defeat just yet, I am currently exploring all of my options. I do not give up easily on ambitions/dreams however difficult/distant/impossible they may seem.

Oldernotwiser

Have you looked at other ways round this? For a graduate to start another degree from scratch is rarely the best option. What is your existing degree and what degree do you now want to do?

melancholly

would part time at the OU be an option?

although i agree that there are many faults in the university system, i think it's a bit far to blame expectation for going to uni...... i also entirely agree with oldernotwiser (yet again ) that usually there are other routes than a second degree, although this will depend on the area.

farso

I think there is a very real reason for this limit of one heavily subsidied degree per person, hoever much people may think it sucks.

1) its not fair making the tax payers foot the bill for another thing that you might go into for two years then decide... "bah, maybe i dont like this at all, but not to worry, ill get another degree after"

2) Stopping perpetual students who really just dont want to do a proper days work.

sparklygirl wrote: »

At age 17/18 I had to make a choice about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life (when i had no idea at all). I was expected to go to university and so i did. I studied hard and I got a good degree in a subject that by yr3 I had no interest in doing.

I think this quote highlights how many people at the age of 17 just decide, "Id like to learn about ***, even though there are no job prospects in this area"
The idea of a degree lends itself to researching what you want to do after you are going to graduate.
18 year olds wish to be treated as adults, and therefore their actions are treated as if they were, so take responsability for the choices you had taken in your past, and face up to the way it has shaped your life.

The_One_Who

^^ Maybe they want to learn about something because they are interested in it, not necessarily because it has a job attached to it? For the vast majority of graduate jobs there is no specification of degree discipline, so doing something you are interested in could well be better for you.

There are usually other ways apart from doing another undergraduate degree. A Masters may be possible, or there is always the Open University and that'd allow you to work alongside it too. Or if you're really lucky you could get your company to sponsor your education.

mark1024

Well I must be one of those rare people for whom a second degree is the best option. Fortunately, I managed to take up a place to study fine art a couple of months ago. My first degree is philosophy, so I doubt there is a "conversion" course with people like me in mind.

My advice would be to firstly try for January intake ; if you get in before the fee changes are fully implemented you will be set for the duration of the course. Some universities have not hiked fees yet. Otherwise check modular fees - some institutions charge significantly less for those people studying part time, and again this may be less affected by the governments ELQ nonsense. Part time may only require one extra year studying.

I felt the same as you do when I heard about funding changes and was also determined not to give up, and I must say it is worth it.

Good luck

mark1024

farso wrote: »

I think there is a very real reason for this limit of one heavily subsidied degree per person, hoever much people may think it sucks.

1) its not fair making the tax payers foot the bill for another thing that you might go into for two years then decide... "bah, maybe i dont like this at all, but not to worry, ill get another degree after"

2) Stopping perpetual students who really just dont want to do a proper days work.

Perhaps you should write a letter to the local paper telling people your opinions.

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