Questions about AS levels.

[Crawling]

Firstly as a mature student do you need G.C.S.Es?
Secondly if you study full time and are on a low wage will the course fees be paid? If so what is the cutoff point?

I don't think you would get funding for beyond level 2 (GCSE equivalent) unless you are on specific income related benefits. ime you'd be better looking at GCSE or A level/Level 3 options. Almost certainly you'd need to pass a basic Literacy and Numeracy test or be prepared to take courses alongside. What is the course ?

When I last went to college a few years ago if you studied AS levels or G.C.S.Es full time you didn't have to pay so I'm hoping to study 3 - 4 AS levels and not have to pay like when I was 17.

Things may have changed ! What qualifications do you already have ?

Rules changed very recently and funding has been cut. Funding you receive will depend on what benefits you revived if any and your current level of qualifications. Mature students do usually need GCSEs in maths and English, or at least level 2 in literacy and maths; it depends on what you want to do.

Received not revived!

Also, if you want to study at level 3 (A levels/access) then you may need to apply for a loan. It's part of new regulations that came in this year.

I have a GCSE in both Maths and English but they are years old. I want to study midwifery.

At our local college there are concessions for JSA & ESA recipients, on Universal Credit with a mandate to look for work and those between 19 & 23 working for their first L2 or L3 qualification. After 24 you may be eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan.

Wouldn't you be better off on an Access course ? GCSE above grade C are fine , however old.

Thank you I'm 25 so loan it would be.

Yes agree withLIZS that if you want to go onto study midwifery then an access course to health professions is one to consider. It's a 1 year course compared to the 2 year commitment of A levels.

Have you applied to your local college? Do so as soon as possible as these courses are very popular. Also do you have any relevant work experience? Get some soon.

My local college runs evening courses on AS levels so it would be easier on childcare.

Do they run evening access courses too? Worth checking out. Also, studying in the evening I wouldn't recommend more than 2 evenings a week.

They don't run evening access courses why wouldn't you recommend more than two evenings?

It's too difficult and there's less chance of success. Are you academically able? If so and you feel you could cope with 3 evenings a week over 2 years then try to make a case to the admissions tutors. Is daytime something you could consider? Discuss what support the college could offer you.

Thank you that advanced learning loan sounds great but I live in Wales. The direct Gov site sais you need to be in England does anyone know of something similar in Wales?

There's an assembly learning grant according to google search. You have to be over 19 and studying for a recognised qualification it's worth£1500 a year. Contact your local college. They should have advisers to help you.

Thanks Rummikub thats very helpful.

No problem. The college will also probably have funding they can give out to, for travel, books or hardship. Nationally try various grants and trust funds. Google EGAS , educational grants advisory service. They list all available.