second undergraduate STEM degree - specific circumstances

I have an undergraduate degree in disaster management and humanitarian response (BSc).
I'm thinking about going back to university to study natural sciences with the open university - I checked online and the course does qualify for funding as a second degree.
However, I started an undergraduate degree in Biology in 2016, I dropped out before the end of my first year, due to issues with my mental health. I'm now in a much better place and feel I am ready to study a STEM subject again, but wasn't sure if having started this degree would disqualify me from getting funding for a second degree (even though the first degree I ended up getting wasn't stem)?

Also, I just wanted to clarify if the funding is only for completing your degree part-time rather than full time? Would I only be able to do 60 credits worth of modules from the OU in a year, and have to complete the degree in six years rather than three?

Reply 1

Leah SLC

Official Rep

Hi there. Can you confirm the full name of the new course? How many years will it be? When does the new course start? Can you confirm how many years you have studied previously in total and if this was part time or full time? Thanks, Leah.

Reply 2

zebrasontour

Natural Sciences BSc (Hons) - Open University - can complete full time in 3 years or part time in 6 years
I'm looking at starting the new course in February 2025.

I studied for three years full time on my disaster management degree. one year full time on the biology degree (although I dropped out before the year finished). I also did one part time 30 credit maths module with the open university in 2017. I have evidence that I dropped out of my previous course due to health reasons.

Reply 3

Leah SLC

Official Rep

Thanks. This course is a part time exception course, so we wouldn't take your previous study into account. Please note this is general advice and we cannot confirm full eligibility until the application has been assessed.

All Open University courses are considered part time, regardless if you decide to study them on a full time intensity. Thanks, Leah.