Can I go back to college to complete an Art & design foundation course?

Question

I am 29. I live in Leicester England. When I was 19 I had been accepted on an Art/Design foundation course, but found out shortly afterwards that I was pregnant so gave up my dream of becoming a High school Art teacher. I am currently supported financially by my partner, & do not qualify for benefits. Would I be able to go back to College & get any financial support from the government to help me do this, as I know that the equipment is very expensive? Also, things have changed a lot in the past 10 years, as far as what qualifications are required to get into this field, so any info will be great. Thank you.

Answer 1

I doubt that you will be able to start where you left off...you will have to start again at the beginning...as a parent I think you will qualify for some financial help...call your local DSS office.  

Answer 2

You can go on to the website of the University you want to attend and search for your course you should be able to find out the entry requirements on the course page. If you don't have enough grades to get in you can first go to a local college and complete an access course to gain a certificate to allow you entry on to a degree course. This is how I got on to my degree course and it was so worth it!

You may find this helpful http://www.dmu.ac.uk/faculties/art_and_d...

This course is in Leicester, if you click on 'entry requirements' it says they welcome applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications.

This is a link about access courses http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAnd...

You can apply for loans and grants from http://www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk/po...

However the amount you are awarded will depend on your partners income, once you have completed your degree and found a job that pays above a certain amount the repayments from your student loans will start being deducted but it's a manageable amount they take.

Good luck with everything, it really is worth it to finally realise something you've always dreamed of.