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Help please!

Discussion in 'Thinking Of Applying' started by TrolleyDolly, Feb 22, 2012.

  1. TrolleyDolly New Member

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    Hi everyone,
    Firstly I am completely new to this so apologies now if anybody thinks of any of my questions as silly...
    Basically I left school back in 2008 and have done a variety of things since. The main ones being hairdressing, waitressing and I am now an air hostess. I left school with good GCSEs (A-Cs) but I have no A levels at all. I am really wanting to work hard and settle into a proper career now and would love to become a midwife. However I have no clue where to start. My main worry is how I will study and afford to live? I have always worked full-time and have a flat, bills and a car to pay for so for me to go to part timework and start uni seems almost impossible?! Also I will obviously need to gain some A-Levels or study an access course depending on what the unis ask for and again it seems very hard for me to do this whilst working full time?! If anybody could pplease share any thoughts or experiences and idea with me I would be ever so grateful :). Thankyou all xx
    TrolleyDolly, Feb 22, 2012
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  2. kitty2011 New Member

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    Haven't got the answers yet I'm afraid, because I am in exactly the same boat as you!
    I am 23 and have decided now this is the career for me too, however circumstances are the same as you!! lets hope some ones got the answers!!
    Don't no how to balance bills and studying!!:)
    kitty2011, Feb 22, 2012
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  3. jvh Member

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    Check with the Unis you wish to apply for what they are looking for in terms of entry requirements. Often for mature students it's advised to do an access course. Some run part time evening classes over 2 years which could be a possibility if you work currently. You can also get financial support while on the course - £2400 ish loan, £1000 grant and a means tested of bursary up to around £4000. If you are used to working full time it will be a shock as to how little you get while studying, but every little helps ;) If it's something you really want to do then go for it. Plenty of mature students leave work to study so it's definitely possible xx
    jvh, Feb 22, 2012
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  4. Tesni Moderator

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    SMNET Staff
    :welcome:to smnet, a great place for chat and support on the midwifery trail :)
    I would firstly suggest you contact the universities that you are thinking of applying to and check their specific requirements as they vary. If you do have the entry requirements, unis generally require that these have been achieved within the last 3 to 5 years or that there has been recent study within that time. If you don't have the A level requirements then either OU courses or an Access course are probable routes. Though again, check with the unis, some will accept the maths and english elements contained in Access while others want separate B or C grade GCSEs. OU is home study, Access can be done 1 year full time or two part-time in local colleges or DLC offer Access via home study (again check as some don't accept DLC qualifications!). I expect you've spotted the common theme of 'check' as there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some also require that some voluntary work or work experience in a midwifery related field, eg bf support or ante-natal classes, is completed as this shows commitment and that you have made yourself aware of the realities of the role. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask as there are plenty here willing to help :)
    Tesni, Feb 22, 2012
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  5. TrolleyDolly New Member

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    Thankyou for your help guys. There is no way whatsoever of me attending a part time course at a college. Being an air hostess there is no way of getting certain days off or having a regular roster.. if only! I'll give the unis a ring and see what they require but I guess even if I start an online access course now I wont be able to apply until 2014?! Seems along way! I've been looking into what help me andmy partner could get with rent etc. if I go as he earns a low wage. It will be managable I think. Just..
    Thanks again xx
    TrolleyDolly, Feb 23, 2012
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  6. Aviendha Well-Known Member

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    if your university accepts the DLC access or OU courses then you would be applying for 2013 entry as long as you have your results by next summer I think.
    The bursasy in england is changing and there is no calculator out yet, If you live with your partner then it is likely his income or your parents income would be taken into account. You can get a non means tested loan of around £2000 and a new grant of £1000.
    If you are living with your partner then he might be able to claim Housing Benefit, once you have an idea of how much you would get from bursary, loan and grant then you can get an estimate from the council about how much HB you could get. Also, if you become a fulltime student then you will be exempt from council tax so it gives you 25% off as your partner would be in the house too.
    HTH and good luck :clover:
    Aviendha, Feb 23, 2012
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  7. SianHolly28 Member

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    I wanted to be a air hostess when i left school! Hope things work out for you :) xXx
    SianHolly28, Feb 23, 2012
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