Funding for second undergrad degree in social work

Hi there.

I previously studied for a BA in Middle Eastern studies. This was a 4 year course. However, due to ill health I was unable to complete the assessments in the final year. On the basis of strong 1st/2nd/3rd year grades, the university awarded me a ‘declared to deserve honours’(DDH) degree which is equivalent to a pass but without a grade.

The problem is this: I desperately want to become a social worker, but the DDH degree is not sufficient to continue on to any of the social work post grad courses. As such, I see no option other than to do a second undergrad in social work. Would I be able to receive tuition funding for this second degree despite already technically having a degree? Is it one of the exceptions to the ELQ limit? I saw somewhere that studying social work part time might make one eligible for second degree tuition loans?

Thank you,

Fergus

Reply 1

Drew SLC

Official Rep

Hi there, When would the course start and would it be a full time or part time course? Can you confirm the full name of the course, what university you want to attend and the duration of the course?

Thanks, Drew

Reply 2

FJB97

I was hoping to study the part time Social Work BA (Hons) at the university of Greenwich, or any other university in London.

Thanks,

Fergus

Reply 3

FJB97

Original post

by FJB97

I was hoping to study the part time Social Work BA (Hons) at the university of Greenwich, or any other university in London.
Thanks,
Fergus

And beginning autumn ‘26

Reply 4

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi there, normally students are unable to receive support for a new course of an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) however, there is an exception under full time courses:

Student would not be entitled to further funding if they already hold an ELQ and wish to study another. However, students who already hold an ELQ will be eligible for maintenance support only (maintenance loan as well as supplementary grants and/or DSA where applicable) if they undertake an ELQ exception course.

Students will be eligible if they start a new course leading to a qualification as a:

•

Medical Doctor

•

Dentist

•

Veterinary Surgeon (Veterinary Science courses can only be classed as an exception if the course leads the student to be a fully qualified Veterinary Surgeon)

•

Architect (RIBA 1 and 2 studied as one continuous full time course)

•

Social Worker

•

Teacher**

However, if the qualification is not classed as an honours degree (or higher) the courses above aren’t considered to be ELQ exception courses. In this case the normal previous study rules apply.

It would be best to check the criteria around the launch for the 2026/27 applications as this information is subject to change.
Stephen