To say I don't already have a degree to get a student loan?

[Harkonen]

I did a BA in English Lit 1989, but want to retrain as a counsellor. There's a foundation degree at a college near me which would be great. I'm not eligible for a loan from student finance due to having already done a degree 35 years ago. The college I did it at has changed its name. AIBU to say I don't have a degree? How would they ever know? I'm married now with a different name. I am aware this is very illegal and tbh I know already I won't do it as I'm normally very law abiding! I can't afford to do the degree through self funding.

It might be helpful for you to know that you can have thoughts about doing unethical things (not actually doing them) without that making you a 'bad' person, although I know that's a concept a lot of mumsnetters struggle with

Thank you. Not near me unfortunately but I know there is something similar a commute away. The difficulty is getting the roles in the first place but I certainly haven't ruled this direction out (although ideally would study more than CBT). It's definitely something I'm looking at.

Right you are then ! Doesn't being at least honest contribute to be a decent therapist ?

Then why are you talking about self funding? In the 80s domestic university courses were automatically covered by local authorities in virtually all circumstances.

I am being very honest.

You want to get funding under your married name and pretend you haven't had funding,

Yes, I considered if it would be possible. I haven't done it nor will I. That's totally fine. I don't feel in the slightest bit uncomfortable about thinking about it and understand that it doesn't make me a thief, selfish, a fraudster or a bad counsellor/person.

I also did a degree in 1991 or so and even if I did have an ucas number then I have no record of it!

I did a second degree recently and had to pay for it. No loan allowed. I did get my fees totally paid at the time so I suppose fair enough but parents fully paid my living element.

.they really don't want to encourage 50 plus year olds onwards to do second degrees as the likelihood of paying it back is low - plenty of people, like me, would do it solely for interest as going into retirement.

I mean my fees were paid by government first time and my dad earned enough for me to get no grant so he funded me then.

Op if you are on Facebook have a look at the counselling tutor Facebook group and ask there. If any has managed to get finance they will speak to you about how to do so

Also explore if the foundation year will take payment over the year I know many do this.

I am a level 4 I do not know any who managed to get a loan for this. I am currently aiming to get to psychotherapist but will need to break for a few years now to get the funds for my last 2 years. I've worked out its about £500 a month.

That would be if you registered for a postgraduate degree. I was specifically talking about an undergraduate masters programme, which is appropriate for you because you wouldn't be given a place on a postgraduate course with a degree in a totally unrelated subject.

Thanks. I'm thinking I'll do the level 4 dip and self fund. If I get in quick I'll have finished in time to do a masters after (which I could get a pg loan for!) as we are moving in two years to somewhere less remote.

I graduated in the 90's (3 yr science degree) when the government funded the fees directly to the University. I did a PGCE for a year 15 yrs ago and qualified for a student loan.

I don't understand why you can't just get it.

Not great for training to be a counsellor when u are thinking of committing fraud!
Loans r done through yr NI number so no doubt I’ll get caught.

U’ll not I’ll

Because its not a higher qualification like a Pgce. Its effectively a second first degree and funding is only possible if its a medical or STEM degree. Psychology is covered but Counselling is not.

I know someone who did this (get funding for a f/t second degree by saying it was their first, not in counselling and not in a STEM subject). First degree was way back in 80s and in a different council, so it wasn't linked. Administration just wasn't coordinated or linked up back then - I think if you studied after student loans came in then it probably would be. But it would be possible to do it, not saying she should of course.

And the BACP wouldn't touch them with a bargepole either.

How would they ever know?

How would they ever know?

You'd need an enhanced DBS check ....

You'll

I think it's a very bad idea, OP.

Yes, you are.

Tbh, I'm pretty sure no-one would ever find out but I'm not intending to actually do it.

Well it's fraud. Which is a crime. So on that basis it's up to you. I wouldn't though.