Potential Returnee Trying to Understand Fees..

racersedge

Have a question that perhaps some more knowledgeable people would be able to answer here. Had a quick look through some of the recent posts to see if I could find an answer, but didn't find anything satisfactory. So I apologise if I sound a bit like a broken record if this comes up as common issues here.

As I am on the cusp of my 28th birthday, I am considering a return to college. I have previously completed a Level 7 in Journalism, but never managed to make a career out of it. Since 2009, I have been working in childcare after completing a FETAC Level 5.

I am looking for an out of this profession as you quickly hit the ceiling with regards to career progression and the money, frankly, for the work that goes into it, is barely liveable on. Talking a measly wage packet of about 16k a year once the tax man is finished raiding it. Hardly something you can start a family on in the future. Money is possibly an issue, particularly at my age. If I am going to tying up the next three to four years of my life with education again, I need to limit the impact on my account - given I will be 31-32 by the time it is all said and done.

So as I am looking through courses, I am trying to understand the fees and what I might be entitled to. A number of the courses make reference to the Free Fees initiative - but I wouldn't qualify for this as I am not a first-time undergraduate having done a course before. I have seen references to 'Second Chance' Student as well. But from what I have read on that, I don't think I qualify for that as I actually completed my undergrad course in the past, as opposed to not finishing it which it states in the text regarding it. (Have to love that fine print...)

I am considering, given that a number of the courses fall well within my points total I earned ten years ago (wow.. long time), to use my points as a way in, as opposed to going the Mature Student entry route - another reason for this is I applied a few years ago going that way and had some shockingly bad interviews to go with it, makes me worried that perhaps going with the points I had earned would give me a better chance of getting in. If there are grants for Mature Students(?), would going with my previously earned points total negate me from getting any such help.

Anyway, that is my ramble for a Sunday morning as I trawl through things trying to find a new career. Thanks in advance for those who read it and offer assistance...

Cravez

As you mentioned in your post, you wouldn't qualify for free fee's again and the Second Chance Student would be for those that did not complete their first degree and return after a 5 year break.

Probably the best option financially would be studying a degree part-time (if you can find a part-time degree that you would be interested in). Reasons being:

Part-time degree fee's usually cost less than full-time degrees

You can claim up to 20% of your part-time fees back

Leaves you with the option being able to work full-time if you wish so you can still be financially stable during study.

Some local organisations, credit unions or charities (e.g St Vincent De Paul) can provide extra financial assistance but your best checking the internet for your local area.

Alternatively, you could do a masters or post graduate diploma in a different area. You would need to find a course that is essentially a conversion course that doesn't require any prior experience of the material before commencing.

paperclip2

You would be eligible for free fees for a one year level 8 course to bring your existing ordinary degree up to honours degree standard. The downside would be that you would be restricted to those courses that are linked to your level 7 which might tie you back into an area you don't like.

Also if its a significant period of time since you completed the level 7 then you may not be accepted into what is essentially the final year of a 4 year qualification. The college may ask you to repeat elements of the level 7 which you would have to more than likely pay for.

There are no specific grants for mature students.

racersedge

I appreciate the input, guys. Even if it did confirm what I unfortunately suspected, it is nice to get a bit of a rubber stamp on the whole thing. Thanks.