Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

so many finance questions :(

a bit of background

I currently study medical science (part time) but due to massive life changes im pretty sure I cant continue (ill be in hospital in september when we are due to start back and pretty much be useless for an entire semester next year)

I have used up 3 years of part time funding which is equivilant to 1 and a half full time years

ok now for the questions:

1. is it possible to take a year out of university or deffer a year and then pick up again later on or do you need to pay for the year you do not attend?

everyone ive spoke to so far says you have to pay to stay on the course if you take a year otherwised everything gets wiped and you have to start again :frown:

2. if I drop out of the course altogether can I still get funding for another course later on?

for example:
if full time students get 4 years funding
so do part times get the equivalent of 8?
8 - 3 = 5
so I should have either 5 part time years or 2 and full years left for another course?

3. also can you cash in the points you get from year one if you drop out to get a HNC instead of degree?

4. and if so will it void any future finance?

5. also the course im considering applying for in the future is often NHS funded, will that make a difference?

sorry for all the questions, the part time stuff is so hard to understand and finance isnt my stong point