How to apply for student finance for second undergraduate degree

I am due to start a BSc (Hons) Computer Science undergraduate degree with the University of Essex Online in July of 2026. It will be part-time (4 years) and distance learning online.

I already have a BA (Hons) History undergraduate degree funded by student finance (finished in 2015), and an MA by Research in History funded by a scholarship (finished in 2017).

I have been informed that I would likely be eligible for a tuition fee loan via student finance, as the BSc Computer Science course is on their list of exemptions. However, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to actually apply for it? The website just seems to send me around in circles and none of the physical forms seem appropriate. As soon as I say that I already have an undergraduate degree, the website just says that I'm ineligible, with no mention of the exemption list! This is also the case with the paper forms I've looked at.

Please can someone just talk me through the process step by step? The specific form or specific website link?

Thank you in advance!

Reply 1

Stephen SLC

Official Rep

Hi there, if you are unable to apply via the online account directly, then you can complete the physical Part Time form as you would if you were applying for support for the 1st time. The exemption will apply once reviewed by the actual assessment team. you can find the required form here: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms/y

To qualify as an exception the course must be one of the following levels:

•

part time honours degree

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joint honours degree

•

integrated masters degree.

And be one of the following subjects:

•

Medicine and Dentistry (CAH01)

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Subjects to Allied Medicine (CAH02)

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Biological and Sport Science (CAH03)

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Psychology (CAH04)

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Veterinary Sciences (CAH05)

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Agriculture, Food and Related Sciences (CAH06)

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Physical Sciences (CAH07)

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Mathematical Sciences (CAH09)

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Engineering and Technology (CAH10)

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Computing (CAH11)

•

Geographical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (CAH26).

The psychical form can then be uploaded via the online account or posted to us to the address stated on the form.
Stephen.

Reply 2

ameliaibberson

Original post

by Stephen SLC

Hi there, if you are unable to apply via the online account directly, then you can complete the physical Part Time form as you would if you were applying for support for the 1st time. The exemption will apply once reviewed by the actual assessment team. you can find the required form here: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-forms/y
To qualify as an exception the course must be one of the following levels:

•