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Studying Two Degrees at the Same Time

Hi all,
The context here is quite niche, but really this is a simple question about whether a university will let you start studying another degree at the same time as continuing your original.
I am an Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Liverpool. However I have for a number of years felt a calling to the Priesthood. My parents wished me to work a secular career for some time first and I will likely go for non-stipendiary ministry eventually.
Emmanuel Theological College offer part-time courses literally within walking distance in Liverpool (around the Anglican Cathedral) on Thursday evenings, 6.30-9.15pm. I think practically I could fit this in with my other studies. I am going to try and comb through the university policies but as it will likely mean undergraduate study in theology, does anybody know if the universities permit you to study two degrees at two different institutions simultaneously?
P.S. I know student finance will not fund two consecutive degrees nevermind two simultaneous ones but I am going to look into getting sponsored by the CofE, ACOCF etc.
Thanks for any help you may be able to give!

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Most universities have policies against being registered at another university at the same time outside of specific dual degree schemes.

Note that SFE does fund second degrees in specific circumstances (if they're classified as an exception course - mostly this is a number of healthcare courses and part-time STEM degrees).

I believe it's not uncommon for people to do their ministry courses after doing an initial degree in another subject area.

Reply 2

UKSR

Original post by artful_lounger

Most universities have policies against being registered at another university at the same time outside of specific dual degree schemes.
Note that SFE does fund second degrees in specific circumstances (if they're classified as an exception course - mostly this is a number of healthcare courses and part-time STEM degrees).
I believe it's not uncommon for people to do their ministry courses after doing an initial degree in another subject area.

Thank you for your reply. Looking further it looks like the College offers a non-undergaduate programme as well (Option 1 - Action Learning Pathway) Here

I wonder if this would make it permissibld not technically being a degree? And yeah, I don't think this would count as an SFE exception but I am going to try and go through the Dicoese, Bishop's Advisory Panel etc which includes a sponsorship anyway

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by UKSR

Well outside of formal degree programmes it's not really any of their business what you do in your free time.

Obviously for your part you need to be sure that you can actually balance your degree studies and your additional non-degree studies - also bear in mind if there are any examinations for both courses there won't be any way to resolve exam clashes between them.

I think realistically a full time engineering degree is plenty of work to keep you busy and you're likely to overstretch yourself trying to do this additional study on top and just get worse outcomes on both sides.

As they say, better to whole ass one thing rather than half ass two things :biggrin: