Second Degree

I am 57 years old and currently not working having retired from my previous profession dues to stress. I would like to study Fine Art with a view to making my living as a self employed artist and I have an offer from Staffordshire University to study BA (hons) in Fine Art commencing 2019. However I already have a BA (hons) in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham where I graduated in 1988. Can I get a student loan or any other financial support for a second degree bearing in mind that my first degree was achieved over thirty years ago? I can study either full time or part time depending on what support, if any, is available. I understand there are restrictions on funding for a second degree but I wondered if there are any exceptions for mature people such as myself who want to embark on a new direction in later life.

Reply 1

claireestelle

Original post by andrewco

Second degree funding is only allowed for healthcare and stem degrees I m afraid.

Reply 2

Staffordshire University

Official Rep

Hi @andrewco

It's fantastic that you're embarking on a new challenge.

Our Student's Union have a Money Doctor service that can advise on any financial support (including potential bursaries) that may be available to you.

You can access information at: https://www.staffsunion.com/advice/money/ or you can chat with them at https://www.facebook.com/staffs.moneydoctor.1

Hope this helps, feel free to contact us at any point if you need further clarification on things.

Best wishes,

Shaun

Reply 3

SFE Ashley

Official Rep

Original post by andrewco

Hi there,

Unfortunately, you would not be eligible for funding for a second degree in Fine Art. We would recommend speaking to your university to see if there is any other funding you could be eligible for.

Thanks, Ashley.

Reply 4

andrewco

Thanks for the reply, this is what I keep hearing but occasionally someone suggests otherwise so I thought I would try a post here before I give up.

Original post by claireestelle

Second degree funding is only allowed for healthcare and stem degrees I m afraid.

Reply 5

andrewco

I have already spoken to student finance at an open day but didn't find anything to pursue, however I will certainly have another go, thanks. Andrew

Original post by Staffordshire University

Reply 6

andrewco

Hi, thanks for replying, I thought this was the case but I thought it worthwhile asking to be sure, I will now cross student finance off my rather short list of funding options Thanks, Andrew

Original post by SFE Ashley

Reply 7

andrewco

Thanks to everyone who has offered answers and assistance. For the benefit of anyone in a similar situation who may be following this thread here is a brief summary of the most useful things I have learned.
- You can only get student finance loans for a second degree in a very limited range of subjects (Fine Art isn't one of them)
- It is worth checking if you can do an integrated masters combining a degree with an MA Because this is classed as a higher level than the degree I have it is eligible for funding but only a few universities offer them and only in certain subjects
- I could get funding for an MA (but I feel I need to do the degree first as i want to learn practical skills to improve my art and not just research something so this option isn't for me)
- It is worth considering doing the degree part time and self financing. It may be possible to cover the cost of fees with a part time job.
However, as far as I am concerned after considering my limited options I have decided not to study at degree level. I still intend to go into business as an artist but with regret I have let go of my desire to improve my painting through studying for a degree in Fine Art and will look for learning opportunities elsewhere. I may come back to this later if i am earning enough to self finance.
Thanks again and good luck to anyone else in this situation.
Andrew

Reply 8

SFE Erin N

Official Rep

Hello,

You’re welcome! If you’re looking for learning opportunities elsewhere then you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan if you decide to study a level 3 or 4 course. You can find more information about the funding available here: http://ow.ly/4qlf30ns77C

Thanks, Erin N.