Transfer to distance learning?

Hi there, for to assist you with your query please answer the following questions:

Plymouth University:
Is this a Full Time or a Part Time course?
How many years is the course in total?
How many years of previous study have you used so far?

Open University:
The exact title of the course you wish to study?
How many years is the new course in total?
Have you used any previous part time study before?
When are you planning to start your studies?
Thank you, Stephen.

Reply 2

I'm currently on a full time course at Plymouth, I think on my Student Finance application it came up as 5 years, with a foundation year and optional placement year. I have done one year in foundation, and now retaking first year so I think that counts as three.
I've not done any part time study before.
I am happy to do full or part time, I have seen some courses start in February so I thought that would be good. Im not sure what the exact course would be, would it affect my eligibility if I were to change to their Open degree for example where I can choose my modules, or would it have to have the same course title as my current course?

Reply 3

Hi Éowynn,

The support is different for the Open University as this is distance learning. Distance learning courses generally only attract the Tuition Fee Loan unless the student has a disability that prevents them from attending a course in person, then they may be eligible to apply for the part time Maintenance Loan.

Thanks, Clare

Reply 4

Thank you, I understand. My question is if I would still be eligible for the tuition fee loan if I were to change to the Open University

Reply 5

Hi Éowynn,

Yes, as long as you do not hold an equal level qualification or higher.

Thanks, Clare

Reply 6

Thank you for getting back to me.
Just to confirm, does that take into account my aforementioned circumstances with previous study? And does it matter if I were to change to a different subject?

Reply 7

Hi Éowynn,

Yes, that is taking your previous study into account, it only affects it if you have gained an equal level qualification or higher.

Thanks, Clare

Reply 8

Thank you very much.
So what would be my next steps regarding Student Finance?

Reply 9

Hi Éowynn,

Do you currently have an approved 25/26 full time application? If so, when are you looking to start the course with the OU?

Thanks, Clare

Reply 10

Yes, I have just started my retake year. I've seen the OU have an intake in February, so I was thinking then

Reply 11

Hi Éowynn,

We would require a withdrawal Change of Circumstances from your original university and you would need to apply on a paper part time application form. This would need to be posted in as it will be a manual assessment due to having 2 applications within the same academic year.

https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms

Student Finance England
PO Box 210 Darlington DL1 9HJ

Thanks, Clare

Reply 12