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BTEA and Postgrad Courses

  • 03-09-2013 4:18pm
    #1
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I am registered for a Postgrad course in DIT, DT090A and it is awarded as a lvl 9 High Dip (12 taught modules) with an option to complete a dissertation to obtain a lvl 9 MSc.

    Course Details: http://www.dit.ie/postgrad/programmes/dt090amscinappliedcomputingfortechnologists/

    I was just informed by my local social welfare officer that I would not be elgible for BTEA due to the course being an MSc. I am going to go to my local citizens information office to see why I am not eligible also but I just wanted to see if anyone here has had similar experiences? I believe I should be eligible for BTEA as the course does state "Postgrad Higher Dip" award and citizens info states "Postgrad Higher Dip's" are eligible.

    Thanks all


Comments

  • #2
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,158 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    I think there may be a difference between a higher diploma and a postgrad diploma

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • #3
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    mango salsa wrote: »
    I think there may be a difference between a higher diploma and a postgrad diploma

    Yeah I have since figured that out. The higher diploma is a lvl 8 qualification and the postgrad diploma is a lvl 9 qualification (not MSc) even though they are both postgraduate courses.

    They really have a backwards way of saying the courses which are available while receiving BTEA. Why don't they just come out and say "no lvl 9 qualifications"? It leads me to believe that there may be some way around it. Probably not but who knows.

    It really is a bit ridiculous though. They will help me to get the same qualification I already have but they won't help me get the new "minimum" qualification required for a fighting chance of getting a decent job. I am still going to do the course but that would of seriously helped out.

    Anyway, if anyone else knows anything else that can help it would be much appreciated.

    Cheers


  • #4
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    Actually they won't fund me on the Postgrad H.Dip course because I wouldn't be progressing a qualification. The thing is they don't actually say my course isn't allowed. The say "Other types of postgraduate qualifications are not recognised for BTEA purposes. e.g. Masters, MA, MSc, M.Phil etc". They don't necessarily say a Postgraduate Diploma doesn't qualify. I am progressing a qualification, lvl 8 to lvl 9 but I do not receive an MSc. Only if I choose to complete a dissertation do I acquire an MSc award.


  • #5
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    mango salsa wrote: »
    ...

    Could you move this to the Edu -> Postgrad section? It might receive more views there.

    Cheers


  • #6
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,158 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    smjpl wrote: »
    Could you move this to the Edu -> Postgrad section? It might receive more views there.

    Cheers

    I can't - I'm not a moderator of this forum

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



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  • #7
    kiers47
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,564 ✭✭✭kiers47


    Fairly sure it says on the btea form and online that level 8 is the maximum allowed. Had this trouble myself recently.


  • #8
    kiers47
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,564 ✭✭✭kiers47


    Also it is worth noting that if you already hold a level 8 qualification you are not entitled to the btea.
    With the only exception being the various springboard and skillsnet courses offered. However this is just a version of the btea and has different guidelines.


  • #9
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    kiers47 wrote: »
    Fairly sure it says on the btea form and online that level 8 is the maximum allowed. Had this trouble myself recently.

    Where does it say the NFQ level 8 is the maximum allowed?

    Cheers


  • #10
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    kiers47 wrote: »
    Also it is worth noting that if you already hold a level 8 qualification you are not entitled to the btea.
    With the only exception being the various springboard and skillsnet courses offered. However this is just a version of the btea and has different guidelines.
    That is false.
    You can have a level 8 degree and then do a HDip.

    The only postgraduate courses that BTEA covers is any Higher Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
    There is an exception for a Masters for those who are entering the course purely based on life experience (have no primary degree)


  • #11
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    snubbleste wrote: »
    That is false.
    You can have a level 8 degree and then do a HDip.

    I don't think you can (not 100% sure though) because you are not complying to the rule the states you must progress a qualification level. H.Dip is now considered a NFQ Lvl 8 so you wouldn't be progressing.

    snubbleste wrote: »
    The only postgraduate courses that BTEA covers is any Higher Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
    There is an exception for a Masters for those who are entering the course purely based on life experience (have no primary degree)

    My last hope (fading quickly) is that they don't actually mention my award in their clarification of BTEA. They say "H.Dip & graduate Dip in Edu are accepted. Other courses like MSc. MA etc are not covered". They don't say NFQ lvl 9 isn't accepted and they don't say anything about Postgrad Dip award.


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  • #12
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    A Higher Diploma is above a Degree, therefore you are progressing. Forget the NFQ table


  • #13
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    snubbleste wrote: »
    A Higher Diploma is above a Degree, therefore you are progressing. Forget the NFQ table

    You can't forget the table. They are the rules by which BTEA follows. Everything I have looked at says that H.Dip is considered a lvl 8 qualification by NFQ.

    Therefore a person technically shouldn't be able to receive BTEA for it as you wouldn't be progressing a level. Yet a level 8 qualification is a requirement (not confirmed yet) to be accepted on a course that offers a H.Dip award. If this is the case then the highest NFQ level allowed on BTEA for a postgrad student is level 7 which doesn't even make sense as it isn't a graduate (is lvl 6 qauli considered graduate?).

    I have emailed NFQ for more info and I am bringing my case to the department of social welfare. I may be chasing a dream but I've got nothing to lose.

    Any other info that can help is much appreciated.

    Cheers


  • #14
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    The welfare website is clearly misleading re: the NFQ table.
    It used to be 'progression' and you have pointed out the anomaly there.

    Imo, the only way you'll get the btea is to ask your college admissions to register you as a student on a HDip for that course, otherwise you will be refused.
    Imagine having hundreds of students applying for masters courses under the guise that they will not do the thesis section..


  • #15
    smjpl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 77 ✭✭smjpl


    snubbleste wrote: »
    The welfare website is clearly misleading re: the NFQ table.
    It used to be 'progression' and you have pointed out the anomaly there.

    Imo, the only way you'll get the btea is to ask your college admissions to register you as a student on a HDip for that course, otherwise you will be refused.
    Imagine having hundreds of students applying for masters courses under the guise that they will not do the thesis section..

    So what are the welfare basing it on if not that chart? That's what they say they are using.

    Why not? Leave them on welfare with less chances of getting a job?


  • #16
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    They base it on progression.
    They look at your education level to date and confirm your new course qualifies for btea.

    Ì don't know, write to Joan Burton and ask her why the btea is limited in terms of postgrad opportunities.
    The original goal of the scheme was to give long-term unemployed the chance to upskill/change career.


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