How your previous study affects you

Hi there I have done 3 previous years of study and only gained a HNC and am wanting to start a full time degree again now in the 2016/2017 year. This will not be relevant to my HNC qualification so it will be a brand new degree of 3 years. I know that I will be blocked for the first 2 years of study from receiving tuition fees but I've been told that as my tution fees will be blocked for the first 2 years that During those first 2 years will only receive the non income assessed part of the maintenance loan even though my income is very much below 25,000 can you confirm this? They also told me I won't get PLA even though I have 3 children?

Can someone confirm this please?

Is there a way to get funding for a second degree or is it practically impossible to change your career unless you're filthy rich?

I completed my first degree in Scotland and had financial help through SAAS but I have now been resident in England for 5 years so I am guessing I would need to apply through the English system for maintenance?

I know I cannot get a tuition fee loan but I was wondering if you had any advice about other options such as a career development loan, future finance or charities?

Hi can i just check whose post this relates to is it mine about having already had a years funding and now doing a 3 year degree. If so do you know anywhere else that would do a tuition fee loan

Hello,

If you have used your gift year (had two years of finance) and you start a new course, you would have to pay for the first year of your course then you would receive finance for the following years. However, I have been told that if I were to start a new course next year I would receive full funding for all years (the tuition fee loan and maintenance loan) because of the changes and scrapping of the grant, is this correct?

Thank you

So.

I would really like to apply for Medicine in the next year or so once I've managed to get my head fully around the admission process!

I have always been fascinated by medicine/surgery from about 4 years old. However, at school I didn't do outstandingly in my GCSEs and my A Level grades were definitely not to a standard suitable for an application to Med School. My parents also would never have been able to afford to send me to university either.

11 years on, I have a job in the NHS as a midwife, I qualified with a first class degree after finding out I was dyslexic in my second undergraduate year.

I would still love to apply for medicine as a second degree.

I do have a couple of queries which I will share and ask for advice/opinion as to the next steps.

I am 27 years old and although I am aware there are older candidates that will be applying, I do feel concerned that this may not be a good time to apply as I wonder if I was to meet someone and want a family, my childbearing years may likely clash with medical training-What are the experiences of others in this situation? Is it possible to combine studies with this?

Finances-I am trying desperately to clear the outstanding debts that I have from University. I have had a student loan already for my previous degree and I can't see how I can fund tuition fees (may be able to get a TF loan as never took one out before) and living costs for the duration of the training. What do the banks offer for prospective medical students-is there any other help for candidates who cannot rely on family support?

Am I eligible given what I have mentioned of my education history here? I am very aware of the current pressures in the NHS from talking with my colleagues and I am also aware how extremely competitive medical school places are becoming. Anyone reading this who would know-what are your thoughts and what would you suggest is realistic? The doctors I work with have been very supportive and suggested I would have no problem?

I keep coming back to the thought of applying again and again-I think it is time to give it my best shot and hope I am successful. I have spent far too many years thinking about this! I just hope I can get the support and funding I need to make this dream a reality.

Thanks for reading!