Previous self-paid HNC and current study funding

Hi. Could someone help me. I finished my HNC Mechanical engineering course in 2017. I paid for it with my own savings and it cost me over 5k. Currently, I wanted to study computer science, unfortunately I was informed that I won't be able to get tuition fee but I can still get a Maintenance Loan for every year of my study. In addition, the HNC that I finished was part-time, so a calculation they used looks like: My course length (3)+Additional year(1)- Years of previous study (2) = Years of full funding left (2). In this way, I was punished for my early education not only by taking away Tuition fee but also by taking an additional year in case of failure. It all doesn't seem fair. As I mentioned, it all looks like some kind of punishment. When I called the student finance office a few months ago, I was informed that I would receive full financial support so I started my studies 4 weeks ago. Will I have to pay for these 4 weeks of study ? What can I really do ?

Hi there,
What level is your new course? Was your Self funded course at Full Time level?
Thanks,
Ross

HI Ross. My previous HNC course was part time course, the current course is a full-time course that I started at level 4.

Thanks.
What overall level is the Computing course? Is it another HNC? What qualification would you gain at the end?
Thanks,
Ross

Is Full Time (3 years) BSc (Hons) course

Thank you.
We would have to take your 2 year previous study into consideration for your new course.
With the calculation being
3 + 1 - 2 = 2year full funding, you would not be eligible for Tuition Fees for year 1 of the course. However, you'd get a Maintenance Loan, then for year 2 and 3 you'll be eligible for full support.
Thanks,
Ross

Thank you Ross. Does Student Finance Nothern Ireland have different rights to Student Finance in England ? I found Information that since 2014/15 all students who have a level 4,5 or Foundation Degree/HND/HNC obtained on a Part Time basis will be eligible for full student support in year 1 of full time first degrees.

Did you apply with Student Finance Northern Ireland? Or SFE?
Thanks,
Ross

Hi DerekM,
Are you resident in Northern Ireland?
Thanks,
Calum

Hi DerekM,
What nation of the UK have you been resident in?
Thanks,
Calum

Hi DerekM,
It's not concerning your nationality, what part of the UK are you resident in?
Thanks,
Calum

Hi DerekM,
You can only apply to Student Finance Northern Ireland if you are permanently resident in Northern Ireland.
Thanks,
Calum

Yes, I understand that according to the guidelines I will have to move to Ireland but, as I mentioned I have no problem with it.

Hi Derek,
Normally, if you move to Northern Ireland solely for the purpose of study you won't be eligible, unfortunately.
Normally, you'd need to have lived there permanently for a time to actually be eligible.
So, just to confirm, is this an option for you? Are you willing to move to Northern Ireland if the funding rules are different there?
Thanks, Graeme