Going back to uni as a single parent-is it a financial disaster?

[BarnacleNora]

I'm set to move house in a couple of years (it's all dependent on a few things, but the plan and likelihood is within the next two years or so). I want to retrain and get a new degree in order to do so. There are apprenticeship options but these require both apprenticeships being available and also working for the particular provider for a year in a 'lower' post before being able to apply for the apprenticeship so lots of variables that have to come together. Nevertheless, an apprenticeship would be my preference because I'd be getting a wage throughout.

However, I'm also looking at just going back to uni. But the finances really scare me. I'm currently in receipt of universal credit and I know that this is subtracted from any loan I would receive. But I remember from my long ago (2008) first degree that the student loan really wasn't much at all. And I'd need to be paying 'proper' rent this time rather than for a room in a shared house, plus all the expenses that children bring!

How do other student parents do it?

I really do need to retrain in something so that I can climb the ladder and end up earning a decent wage to support me and my DCs (I have two) once they turn 18 and the child maintenance from my ex stops and all the child elements etc stop from universal credit. I'm a way off that happening but that's why I need to do this soon so that I have time to advance and progress in my salary

I went the OU route and worked alongside my degree. I wouldn't have been able to afford to be a full time student.

You need to look up the rules on student loans to see if you would actually qualify. Generally they are for a first degree with some exceptions but people don't get student finance for multiple degrees.

As pp has said, you’re unlikely to be eligible for student finance for a second degree.

why is it necessary? Hardly anyone has two degrees.

To be fair the majority of people I know have two degrees but most 2nd ones are MA/MSc.
Do you have to redo a BA/BSc, can you not build on your first degree?

I'm studying with the OU also, and I have 2 kids. You know that you don't pay off your student loan until you start earning over 27k or something like that? Even then we pay back only 9% a year.

Also it's worth mentioning you may be entitled to the extra help they offer because you're in receipt of universal credit. They do a scheme where they contribute a certain amount towards a laptop for you.

To echo previous posters, I studied with the OU so I could work alongside doing my degree. You can opt to study full time or part time to suit your circumstances. If it's something you wanted to consider I'd recommend giving them a call as they're very helpful.

The rules were changing as I left to say that OU students could now claim the maintenance loan as well (you could only claim the course fees as a student loan when I signed up) but I don't know if that is for all OU students or just certain select groups.

OP, I'm guessing you are talking about a health course , though could be wrong. If you are, you will generally be eligible for student finance to cover this

But you don’t get student finance for a second undergraduate degree!

this is from the government website. The general rule is student finance for one undergraduate degree only. You might however be eligible for some limited funding as follows (but not full funding and loans)

“If you already have a degree
You may be eligible for limited funding in certain circumstances.

You may get limited funding if you’re ‘topping up’ a higher education qualification, for example you’ve finished an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree and now want to do an Honours degree.

You may also get limited funding if you hold an Honours degree or a higher level of qualification and start a new course. This could be a part-time Honours degree, a joint Honours degree or an Integrated Master’s degree in one of the following (or 2 if it’s a joint Honours degree):

agriculture and related subjects
architecture (if it’s a MArch RIBA Part 2 course)
biological sciences
computer science
mathematical sciences
medicine and allied subjects
physical sciences
technologies
courses leading to qualification as a veterinary surgeon
You could also be eligible if you’re starting a healthcare course on or after 1 August 2017.”

The degree I want to do is to become a social worker. As far as I was aware this meant I was qualified to apply for student funding. My first degree was in English so useless but a postgrad option may be available. OU is only available if I'm working in that sector and can go on placement so the same issues as finding an apprenticeship.

I'm a UK trained SW, my first degree was history.
I then did a two year MA in social work.
So I would definitely check that option out.

Only if it’s your first degree or it qualifies as healthcare (in which case it might get partial funding).

better to look at postgrad options but postgrad isn’t funded in the same way either