Funding for students who have been to university before
Previous study and Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQ)
If you have been to university before, regardless of where in the world you may have studied, any funding you may receive on your new course is likely to be effected. You are advised to get advice before starting a second course. Contact the Student Advice Team: studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk, 0151 904 6056/6057 even before you apply.
Equivalent and Lower Qualifications (ELQs)
In September 2007 the Government announced that it would begin to phase out the funding for students studying for a qualification at an equivalent or lower level than the one(s) they already hold. This has been done to prioritise Government funding for students that are new to Higher Education
This means that if you already hold a Higher Education qualification such as a degree (for example BA, BSc) or a postgraduate qualification (for example PGCert, PGDip, MA, MSc) regardless of where in the world you obtained it, and you want to study another qualification at the same or lower level, LJMU will charge you a higher tuition fee than a student without a HE qualification.
Will this apply to all courses?
The Government has exempted a number of courses that they believe to be strategically important to the development of the workforce. An updated list of these subjects/qualifications can be found on the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) website: www.hefce.ac.ukIn addition to the above, certain courses are exempt under the Student Support regulations. These are currently:-
-
Students studying undergraduate programmes in medicine, dentistry, social work, nursing and midwifery – courses for which an NHS bursary is payable
-
those taking courses that lead to qualified teacher status;
-
Students studying for a foundation degree
-
Students in receipt of the Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA)
The course I want to do is one of the exemptions. Does this mean I will get funding?
No - you should be aware that even if you are studying a course that is exempt from the ELQ regulations you will not necessarily receive statutory funding to study on it.
In some instances you may qualify for a maintenance loan, grants for your dependants and/or help with disability related costs. However, you should seek advice before you start from the Student Advice Team, email
How much will my tuition fees be if I am an ELQ student?
If you are studying for an ELQ and are not one of the exemptions, the tuition fees you will be charged will range from £6,000 to £9,090 dependent upon the subject. Part time ELQ students will be charged a pro rata amount of this fee. If you are a attending one of the exemptions you will be charged the statutory fee of £3,465 in 2012/13.
If I am not going to get student funding how can I fund myself? You should be aware that there is limited funding available for students wanting to study for an ELQ. You may find your bank is prepared to help you with a loan. You could also check out Professional and Career Development Loans on the Direct Government website.Can I get an LJMU bursary to help with my course costs?
If you are studying for an ELQ you should also be aware that you will not be eligible for LJMU bursaries or scholarships.
