MT degree course applications for 2015, open days and

[TotallycluelessMum]

Is ArtsEd UCAS now?
On their FAQ it says not, or can you apply both ways?
DD was planning on applying to Unis (academic courses) via UCAS and Acting/MT independently ( apart from probs CSSD) so hoping it isn't UCAS only

[carriecrafts]

Being via UCAS won't necessarily mean the fees are lower, Urdang are via UCAS but charge £12,000 for their degree, of which only £9,000 can be borrowed via student finance. It would count as one of the 5 choices though. If Arts is via UCAS would that mean £9,000 can be borrowed rather than only the current £6,000 ? My dd didn't apply to Arts because of that shortfall but would've done if £9,000 was available.

[bruno2]

Does applying via UCAS mean you can obtain a student loan for the whole of the three years and have to pay it back when you are earning £21,000. I honestly havent a clue. Also I understand if your child was lucky to get a dada , it is means testing so even if you got the full amount, you might end up owing more that applying through UCAS ?

[carriecrafts]

Have just looked at their website and Arts Ed seems to still be direct application only and fees are over £13,000 with only £6,000 available in loans...

[carriecrafts]

Its complicated bruno2, but basically yes, if it is through UCAS then student finance is available. For most degrees that means all the fees (up to £9,000) will be covered by a tuition fee loan plus a maintenance loan for some living costs (all repayable once earning over £21,000) plus a means tested maintenance grant which is non-repayable. Some MT colleges don't go via UCAS but still offer a degree and fall within the student loan system.

However, many performing arts colleges are classed as 'private' institutions' so only £6,000 tuition fee loan is available towards the fees which are usually £12,000+ (I'm thinking Mountview, ArtsEd, London Studio Centre) Some you can borrow £9,000 for (Bird and Urdang - Bird's fees are £9,000 but Urdang charge £12,000 although some students get £3,000 bursary for shortfall).

So glad my dd is sorted!

[bruno2]

Some MT colleges don't go via UCAS but still offer a degree and fall within the student loan system.

Does this student loan have to be paid back as soon as the degree course is finished, or when they are earning £21,000 (like the normal degrees) ?

Thank you for being ever so helpful as always . x

[carriecrafts]

The loan is exactly the same as all student loans through Student Finance England. It is repaid only on earnings which are above the £21,000 threshold at 9%; a graduate earning £20,000 would repay nothing, if earning £22,000 they would pay £90 a year regardless of how much they owe.

[Dancecat21]

Hi,

Can anyone help?

If you get awarded a dada, can you still apply for a maintenance grant/loan at 16 years old?

Than you!

[Katymac]

I don't think the diplomas that are eligible for DaDAs are eligible for Student loans - but I'm not sure

[Katymac]

But if you are financially eligible there is a maintenance part to the DaDA

[carriecrafts]

Hi Dancecat,
no, sadly if you are in receipt of a DaDA you are not allowed a student loan. The DaDA rules say specifically that one form of funding excludes the other.
The Diploma course is eligible for DaDA funding which includes a maintenance element if the household income is below a certain amount. My dd turned down a DaDA from Urdang for the Diploma and opted for the degree instead because the maintenance element of the DaDA would be nowhere near enough to live on in London, whereas the student finance grant and loan will see her through.
Student finance loans and grants are only for degrees, which are usually for age 18+, although some schools such as Rambert and Central offer degrees from age 16.
Hope that helps, x

[Dancecat21]

Thank you so much for your help. I looked on line and got totally confused. It's so good to have my friends on here!

[francescasmum]

Carriecraft, you are amazing, though my dd is nowhere near old enough for this I have been reading this thread with interest, getting totally confused and thinking 'I'm glad dd isn't old enough to be contemplating crossing this minefield, but you have explained it succinctly so that even I understand. Well done, this forum is fab.

[carriecrafts]

aw shucks glad to help x

[bruno2]

aw shucks glad to help x

Yep Ill second that