Changes to NHS funding for student nurses

[TheStarLightExpress]

I would like to retrain as a Mental Health nurse in 2018 (currently pregnant). I had found a graduate entry Masters course to do this (as I already have a degree) which would be my preference, or of course doing the standard undergraduate degree if I wasn't accepted. I'm now concerned about the changes to funding though- I know that previous study didn't affect funding due to it being NHS (and not student loans company) but this is apparently due to change in 2017?

Any info would be much appreciated!

[titchy]

There's an exemption - you're fine.

[TheStarLightExpress]

Thanks Titchy, I had tried looking and not got anywhere.. Do you know if that's for the MA as well? I know the NHS paid those fees but you couldn't get a student finance loan

[titchy]

Masters courses will be covered by the new PG loans of £10k for fees and maintenance as far as I know.

[rightsaidfrederickII]

The details aren't finalised yet, but it looks like these courses will be exempted from the rules about funding for people who already have a degree. This is about the best info out there at the moment. www.councilofdeans.org.uk/2015/11/the-2015-spending-review-changes-to-nursing-midwifery-and-ahp-education-background-information-for-students/

[calisha]

I work at a university that does a 2 yr Masters pre registration nursing programme - obviously we are interested in the funding available to post grad students post 2017.

Although it's still out for consultation what we DO know is that there is now a post grad student loan system that gives up to £10K - you would need to cover fees and living expenses with that.

You could still undertake a traditional 3 yr UG programme and access student loans though

[WhoTheFuckIsSimon]

I thought from 2017 you have to pay 9k a year tuition fees?

[calisha]

Yes for 9K Undergraduate degrees - it's not clear how much a PG degree will cost. The PG loan system is different to UG

[AndYourBirdCanSing]

Calisha do you think it's likely that the loan would fully cover the fees?