PGCE Funding For Mature Students

I'm 32 and want to go back to University to study my PGCE, however, even at a the maximum maintenence loan amount (11k-ish I believe). It is still not enough to support an adult for a year of study.

I am not eligible for any bursaries that I have found, as I would like to do primary education with a special education/SEN specialism at BCU.

Even if the course only lasts until the school summer holidays, it is not enough money to pay rent, travel etc. throughout that time. The course is said to average 35 hours a week. Taking on a 5hr evening shift at a bar for example would only top that 11k up to 12-13. I have family commitments (but not any that would qualify me for a carers bursary) that mean I cant simply stay in a bedsit eating canned beans for a year. My contributions to the household rent keep a roof over my 18yo brothers head.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Original post by sophiemenyhart

I'm 32 and want to go back to University to study my PGCE, however, even at a the maximum maintenence loan amount (11k-ish I believe). It is still not enough to support an adult for a year of study.

I am not eligible for any bursaries that I have found, as I would like to do primary education with a special education/SEN specialism at BCU.

Even if the course only lasts until the school summer holidays, it is not enough money to pay rent, travel etc. throughout that time. The course is said to average 35 hours a week. Taking on a 5hr evening shift at a bar for example would only top that 11k up to 12-13. I have family commitments (but not any that would qualify me for a carers bursary) that mean I cant simply stay in a bedsit eating canned beans for a year. My contributions to the household rent keep a roof over my 18yo brothers head.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi @sophiemenyhart,

Although I’m a BA(Hons) student at BCU, I’ve looked at some options to try and help you out.
My first recommendation is to check out the post graduate finance page below, which you may have already visited for a general overview of information…
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/types-of-study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding

It sounds like you’ve done lots of research already, in which case I would recommend getting in touch with Student Support at BCU to ask for further advice. Although you may not have found any bursaries or other financial support yourself, they may have some more advice on how to fund your postgraduate studies.
Student Support email: [email protected]

I hope this helps, and good luck with your post-grad studies!
Emily
Student Ambassador at Birmingham City University

Original post by sophiemenyhart

I'm 32 and want to go back to University to study my PGCE, however, even at a the maximum maintenence loan amount (11k-ish I believe). It is still not enough to support an adult for a year of study.

I am not eligible for any bursaries that I have found, as I would like to do primary education with a special education/SEN specialism at BCU.

Even if the course only lasts until the school summer holidays, it is not enough money to pay rent, travel etc. throughout that time. The course is said to average 35 hours a week. Taking on a 5hr evening shift at a bar for example would only top that 11k up to 12-13. I have family commitments (but not any that would qualify me for a carers bursary) that mean I cant simply stay in a bedsit eating canned beans for a year. My contributions to the household rent keep a roof over my 18yo brothers head.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi there, Student Finance England would only be able to provide you with the Maintenance Loan funding, it may be worth speaking to your university to see of they have any additional funding they can offer. Thanks, Angela

PGCE Funding For Mature Students

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