maybe doing a second degree? (as a mature student)

jackthelad321

Here is my story as succintly as possible.

I'm just turned 26, have a degree from Nuig. Got a dissapointing 2.2 in Arts, English and History B.A (not due to lack of ability, sadly down to too much drinking). Have 475 points leaving cert (if that matters anymore).

I have been on the dole for over a year . It's crap. I want to go back to college, and if possible do it as cheaply as possible( the dole doesn't pay well, despite people's belief that it's loads of money).

I either want to do a new degree, or a worthwhile masters. I have an interest in writing (creative/ screen writing) but am unsure it would be a smart choice as a masters.

I wouldn't mind doing a music degree (again, is it worthwhile??) or law, not a science minded person. but i am not definite. It would be interesting to know what i am enabled to do with my circumstances (having degree/ being on dole for 1 yr) and work from there. I have an interest in linguistics too, that would appeal to me!

Also, as i am on the dole for a while, will that enable me to get some financial assistance in doing either a masters or a degree as a mature student? this is the crucial part.

Is there some obvious things that i've missed? how much money will i have to find to be able to go back to College again? So i have an amount to work with.

Thinking of going back 2011/2012.

Any help is fantastic
JACK

captainstacy

I'm not 100% sure but my understanding is that if you already hold a degree then you can't get funding for another one in the form of a maintenance grant from the County Council/VEC or the back to education allowance from the social welfare.

I may be wrong on that as I am trying to figure out this stuff myself

onthehorizon

You would only be entitled to BTEA if the postgrad course you did leads to a HDip or a postgrad diploma in education, otherwise you would not be entitled to it.

As for the maintenance grant it is payable for approved postgraduate courses dependant on what you are doing/where you are studying etc as long as it is the first time you are applying for a postgrad course. It would not be payable for a second degree.

Basically you cannot do a second degree and get any funding for it at all. You could do a postgraduate course if you are eligible for maintenance grant which is dependant on the course you are doing/where you are studying, your income levels, etc. Your best bet would be to check out http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7232/maintenance-grant/index.html

jackthelad321

onthehorizon wrote: »

You would only be entitled to BTEA if the postgrad course you did leads to a HDip or a postgrad diploma in education, otherwise you would not be entitled to it.

As for the maintenance grant it is payable for approved postgraduate courses dependant on what you are doing/where you are studying etc as long as it is the first time you are applying for a postgrad course. It would not be payable for a second degree.

Basically you cannot do a second degree and get any funding for it at all. You could do a postgraduate course if you are eligible for maintenance grant which is dependant on the course you are doing/where you are studying, your income levels, etc. Your best bet would be to check out http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7232/maintenance-grant/index.html

Right. that's disapointing. I thought i may get some dole to go back. there is no way i can afford fees, rent and living expenses for a whole other degree. I may as well go to England or somewhere interesting if it'll cost the same.

The reason i thought i may be able to get the dole or part of it is 'cause a guy i know has gone back as a mature student and he has a certificate (2 yrs) of a 3 yr degree course. he has to pay fees for 2 yrs but gets the dole and he comments on how he couldn't possibly survive without the financial assistance.

Any other comments? I find this more helpful than going to the dole office. they make you feel guilty for everything in there, and throw forms at you!