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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

My University course has been cancelled - just weeks before due to begin

36 replies

ErnesttheBavarian · 19/07/2017 17:37

I am totally gutted. I applied last September. I have been in contact with them numerous times in the mean time. I have cut my hours at work in order to study (online part time course)I have bought books, I have made all sorts of plans, my future career depends on this course.

Now, just weeks before the start, they cancel the course, now it's too late to arrange a Plan B, I've dropped down to 50% at work, and worse, I don't think there's any alternative, so I'm trapped forever.

Sorry, that last bit is a bit melodramatic, but I am totally gutted and TBH bloody angry. I even spoke to them last week, and they never even hinted.....

Now I really am stuck and really upset Sad Angry

OP posts:
NotTheCoolMum · 19/07/2017 17:38

Is there an alternate course at another uni? Distance learning maybe?

Letitrain · 19/07/2017 17:42

How rotten. What's the course?

Original poster
ErnesttheBavarian · 19/07/2017 17:43

This was distance learning. They say they've cancelled it due to legislation, so that would apply everywhere. Saying that, it was the only course I found like it, so I don't think there is an alternative. I am so upset. It feels like my future is screwed, and this has taken a whole year off me in terms of next steps.

OP posts:
Ookmybanana · 19/07/2017 17:44

They quite possibly didn't know that it was going to happen. My DH works for a university and they've just been hit with similar course cuts. It's frustrating I know.

On the assumption that this is a postgraduate course, Have you had a look at FIndaMasters? You may be able to find an alternative and I know a lot of unis are still recruiting.

Good luck.

Ookmybanana · 19/07/2017 17:45

Ah. Cross posts. "Legislation" is a weird old reason. Wonder what they meant by that?!

TheMysteriousJackelope · 19/07/2017 17:46

That is awful, I am so sorry for you.

Are there on line classes run by foreign universities that would work? e.g. in the US. DH and I live in the US, he took an online masters from the University of Liverpool. Maybe it could work in reverse for you. They may start a course several times a year too.

TheMysteriousJackelope · 19/07/2017 17:47

Can you also formally complain to the university and ask to be reimbursed for your out of pocket expenses? I know books can be extremely expensive.

Original poster
ErnesttheBavarian · 19/07/2017 17:48

It was converting my teaching qualification from secondary to primary. I can only work as a TA and not a teacher as I am in a primary school, (not UK) I was told that this course would give me legally sufficient further training to allow me to get legal recognition as a primary teacher.

Not apparently legislation has been introduced to make this course unnecessary (for UK teachers) but it means I'm totally screwed and trapped forever in a TA role. Unless I did a whole PGCE again, which I can't do here, and to do in UK (eng or Scotland) would be basically impossible as I would have to leave my family for too long for the school-based elements. Plus it would be full time, which I couldn't do. Plus it's too late now for this year.

This was the perfect course, and they wait until the 11th hour. I am so upset. and can't see where I can go from here.

OP posts:
TynesideBlonde · 19/07/2017 21:24

Where do you live - roughly

SolomanDaisy · 19/07/2017 21:40

Is qualifying as a primary teacher in your current country an option?

isthistoonosy · 19/07/2017 21:45

Could you look at online level 5 education and training, it gives equivalent to nqt status in the uk. Its for further education but maybe teaching younger than your quals is easier?
What country are you in?

Original poster
ErnesttheBavarian · 19/07/2017 22:09

I'm in Bavaria, southern Germany. German TT not possible. Don't know anything about level 5 education thing. What exactly do I look for and what? So annoyed they cancelled course at last minute. No time to make alternative arrangements. We go away next week for 4 weeks. Shit. Shit shit

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 19/07/2017 22:10

You never needed a conversion qualification. As a teacher you can teach any age group in the UK although obviously you are better suited to certain ages due to degree, training and experience.

mohuzivajehi · 19/07/2017 22:24

Is the issue that the schools in Germany require you to have a qualification relevant to the year group you swish to teach?

Original poster
ErnesttheBavarian · 20/07/2017 05:21

Then, I know that in England you didn't need a conversion. I know my PGCE is valid from 5 to 18. In England. But I'm not in England I'm in Germany, and the Bavarian authorities will not allow someone with secondary raining too work in a primary school. I really need this course. I've spent so much time getting transcripts etc. They have looked into it and finally agreed to recognise my qualification and give me permission to teach if I do this course bc and now they've cancelled it. Shit shit shit

OP posts:
RatOnnaStick · 20/07/2017 06:55

Is there not a German course equivalent you can take? (assuming you've been through all those options already but you never know)

RedSandYellowSand · 20/07/2017 07:13

Have you looked in Scotland? Aberdeen look to have what your after ( of course that could be the cancelled one).
Or UCL have a masters in primary teaching. Could a MA in primary be a way to satisfy the German Authorities?

rollonthesummer · 20/07/2017 07:18

Not apparently legislation has been introduced to make this course unnecessary (for UK teachers) but it means I'm totally screwed and trapped

What exactly is the legislation? If it's now unnecessary for U.K. Teachers to have it, doesn't that work in your favour?

BakedBeeeen · 20/07/2017 07:35

OP is not in uk.

BikeRunSki · 20/07/2017 08:00

Not apparently legislation has been introduced to make this course unnecessary (for UK teachers) but it means I'm totally screwed

If the course is unnecessary for UK teachers, then surely you can now work as a teacher in Bavaria without further training. What am I missing?

cantkeepawayforever · 20/07/2017 08:05

Bike, I think that OP is stuck in a situation where:

  • The UK does not require this course, so those institutions who offer it are ceasing to do so
  • Bavaria does require it, but does not offer it OR the OP for some reason requires the course in English not in German.
  • German-trained teachers wouldn't be in this situation due to their particular teacher training routes.

Is that right, OP?

Penhacked · 20/07/2017 08:08

What a nightmare. People who don't get it... Our British laws are not world laws. German authorities can ask for whatever they want. And they want someone with 'primary education' on the cert! Any part time German degrees? I thought Germany offered free uni degrees (what my friend boldly claimed)?

mohuzivajehi · 20/07/2017 08:18

What would happen if a German person qualified in Germany to teach at secondary level but then wanted to change careers to teach at primary?

sashh · 20/07/2017 09:19

Don't know anything about level 5 education thing

Don't do it, it is for teaching in FE, you can get QTLS afterwards but you have to have a permanent job so wouldn't be any good also yo would not get funding as you have QTS.

I'm in a similar situation, I wanted to upgrade my PGCE to MA but the course has been cancelled.

Have a look at Swedish universities, their courses are free for EU nationals and lots taught in English and online, a friend did some Japanese units.

Another option might be assessment only route, but would involve some time in the UK, not ideal.

You could look at distance learning in early childhood studies, as you are already qualified in the UK you might be able to do a graduate certificate or diploma.

Sorry this has happened, I know how it feels, well almost.

Original poster
ErnesttheBavarian · 20/07/2017 13:21

cantkeepawayforever exactly. It's not necessary in England, therefore courses no longer exist /being cancelled.

But Bavarian authorities don't take the same approach. Like Penhacked says, British laws or accepted norms don't apply everywhere, and certainly not here in Bavaria.

What would happen if a German person qualified in Germany to teach at secondary level but then wanted to change careers to teach at primary? Good question. Bizarrely it must never happen, because no such course exists, and the Education ministry have no suggestions. They did, however, agree to accept this course. Now it's cancelled, I have no time to apply to them in advance to ensure they'll accept any alternative I might find. Flexibility is not right up there in the German mentality, not employment-wise anyway.

I do have QTS. I guess I could consider a Masters, but that is much much more expensive, in-depth and time-consuming to the original course. I'll look at German and Swedish universities. Yes, university education is free here. I can speak German to the required standard, but lack confidence.

I'll look into graduate certificate/diploma.

Thanks for any helpful suggestions!

OP posts: