Back To Education but already have a 3rd Level qualification

qbhod

Hi all,

So I'm 25 and I currently hold a Level 7 Ordinary Degree in Computing, but I now want to start a Level 8 Honors Degree in Film & Documentary.

I've been trying to determine if I qualify for Back To Education Allowance as I've been on JSB/JSA for pretty much 2 years now, but as I already have a 3rd Level qualification this might affect it.

It is, however, a higher qualification so I'm not sure what the story is, would the same thing apply to getting college fees paid for

Would really appreciate any insight,

Thanks!

theg81der

You would get back to education but not your fees paid other than your award year as far as I know. Why wouldn`t you do your level 8 computing? Not sure why the state would fund film and documentary course but computing is where they are investing. Couldn`t you somehow merge your areas like something to do with software editing something?

qbhod

That's good to hear thanks!


When I finished secondary school I wasnt ready to leave my hometown so I just tried to pick something to fall back on, like Computing, but the plan has always been to try study Film/TV as it's something I want to make a career out of. There wasn't anything available like this at the time so I'm hopefully making the move from Donegal to Galway this year! (fingers crossed)

theg81der

Good luck! Oh sorry forgot to say you definetely can`t get the btea and a grant from vec that was the change they made in 2010.

qbhod

Ah, so you mean you can't get both is it? one or the other yes?

theg81der

qbhod wrote: »

Ah, so you mean you can't get both is it? one or the other yes?

Thats it exactly.

qbhod

Understood, thanks again!

qbhod

As far as free fees are concerned I had a look on citizensinformation.ie which read....

You must also fulfil all of the following 3 course requirements:

"You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 years' duration (or certain shorter courses in institutes of technology)."
CHECK

"You must be a first-time full-time undergraduate. (However, prior undergraduate qualifications may be taken into consideration where exemptions are provided to a student pursuing a higher undergraduate qualification, to a maximum of Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.)"

That part in particular about pursuing a higher qualification up to Level 8 could apply to me maybe.

"In general, you must not be repeating the year because of failing your exams or changing course. This exclusion may be waived if you repeat a year due to certified serious illness. There are also some exceptions for students in institutes of technology who are switching courses."
CHECK

carolinebrowne

I need some help..

I did my leaving cert in 2010 and then did a plc course in 2011.

so does this mean when I go to apply for BTEA I wont get it because I haven't been out of education for 2 years.. by the time college comes around ill be on the dole around a year so I would have the nine months dole covered...

has anyone been in the same situation or can help me out at all..

would really appreciate advice and help.. thanks