How Previous study affects what you can get by SLC

Student Money Week 2018

Got a question about how previous study will affect what student finance you can get? Our experts are here to help.

Roger has been working with the Student Loans Company for five years and specialises in Student Finance England, Disabled Students' Allowances and EU customers.

Please be aware all answers will be posted on Thursday 15 February.

Reply 1

Charlie Skyler

Hi,

I've already got a degree, but I would like to do another one in Genetics or Neuroscience. I heard that student finance England will fund part time study in a course under the broad umbrella of 'Biological Sciences'. Is that still the case and is there a specific list of courses that they would definitely do that for? Is Genetics from Nottingham Uni one of them (if I can persuade them to let me study part time)? If I can't persuade them to let me study part time, what other biological sciences courses would be eligible for funding?

Thanks so much,

Charlie

Reply 2

elpalm

6

hi,

i started a degree when i was 18 but left mid way through 2nd year. i'm now 28 and hopefully will be starting diagnostic radiography in sept 18. i was previously advised i would be eligible for 2 years tuition funding (years 2 and 3) is that correct? will i be able to apply for the maintenance loan for all 3 years?

also when i fill in my application should i apply for both tuition and maintenance anyway? even though if the above is correct i will be rejected for tuition fee.

thanks

ellie

Reply 3

Courtney Barber

Official Rep

Original post by elpalm

hi,

i started a degree when i was 18 but left mid way through 2nd year. i'm now 28 and hopefully will be starting diagnostic radiography in sept 18. i was previously advised i would be eligible for 2 years tuition funding (years 2 and 3) is that correct? will i be able to apply for the maintenance loan for all 3 years?

also when i fill in my application should i apply for both tuition and maintenance anyway? even though if the above is correct i will be rejected for tuition fee.

thanks

ellie

Hi Ellie,

Diagnostic Radiography is classed as an exception course so we would disregard your previous study.
This means you would be entitled to full SFE funding including tuition fee loan and maintenance loan, and any grants you may be eligible for.

Thank you,
Courtney

Reply 4

elpalm

6

Original post by Courtney Barber

Hi Ellie,

Diagnostic Radiography is classed as an exception course so we would disregard your previous study.
This means you would be entitled to full SFE funding including tuition fee loan and maintenance loan, and any grants you may be eligible for.

Thank you,
Courtney

oh wow, thanks courtney that's great news, i had no idea at all about exception courses. so i fill out the online application as normal then?

Reply 5

Damian Renkiewicz

Official Rep

Original post by Charlie Skyler

Hi,

I've already got a degree, but I would like to do another one in Genetics or Neuroscience. I heard that student finance England will fund part time study in a course under the broad umbrella of 'Biological Sciences'. Is that still the case and is there a specific list of courses that they would definitely do that for? Is Genetics from Nottingham Uni one of them (if I can persuade them to let me study part time)? If I can't persuade them to let me study part time, what other biological sciences courses would be eligible for funding?

Thanks so much,

Charlie

Hello Charlie

Under the current regulation any part time course that falls into the Biological Sciences category is classed as an exception course which means you still qualify for tuition fees even if you already hold a degree.

While there is no list of courses encompassed by this term you could check with the university if the designated course code begins with a letter 'C' - this categorizes the course into the Biological Sciences category.

Currently there are no full time courses within that category that attract funding if a student already holds a degree that is of an equivalent level. If you hold a degree that is of lower level we would calculate the funding in the following way; Duration of your new course + one additional year - previous studies = remaining entitlement

Kind regards
Damian

Reply 6

Courtney Barber

Official Rep

Original post by elpalm

oh wow, thanks courtney that's great news, i had no idea at all about exception courses. so i fill out the online application as normal then?

Yes you can just complete your application online.

Thank you.

Reply 7

louisecomp24

1

Hi. I'm first year with Open University. I am able to apply for maintence loan in 2018?

Reply 8

Courtney Barber

Official Rep

Original post by louisecomp24

Hi. I'm first year with Open University. I am able to apply for maintence loan in 2018?

Hi Louise,

If you are a new student in 18/19 then you will be eligible for a maintenance loan.

The amount you will be entitled to depends on where you are living and the intensity of your study (25% - 100% intensity). For more information on the amount of funding you can get, you can give us a call on 0300 100 0607.

Thank you,
Courtney

Reply 9

louisecomp24

1

Original post by Courtney Barber

Hi Louise,

If you are a new student in 18/19 then you will be eligible for a maintenance loan.

The amount you will be entitled to depends on where you are living and the intensity of your study (25% - 100% intensity). For more information on the amount of funding you can get, you can give us a call on 0300 100 0607.

Thank you,
Courtney

I won't be a new student but will have to sign up to new modules as that's how OU works.
It will be my 2nd year with them

Reply 10

Courtney Barber

Official Rep

Original post by louisecomp24

I won't be a new student but will have to sign up to new modules as that's how OU works.
It will be my 2nd year with them

Hi Louise,

The course must commence on or after 1st August 2018.

So as a returning student you would not be eligible for the part time maintenance loan.

Thank you,
Courtney

Reply 11