Money advice for students

Started your course in 2011 or before

Social work student: full-time undergraduate

This page provides a summary of the funding and fee system for full-time undergraduate social work students. Please follow the links provided for more detailed information on funding, loans, bursaries and fees.

Tuition fees - how much are my fees?

In 2011 UK and EU students at the University of Brighton will be charged tuition fees of up to £3,375 a year for their first undergraduate qualification. Fees rise by a small percentage each year, in line with inflation. You don't need to pay your tuition fees whilst you are studying (although you can if you wish).

Government funding - the Student Loan for tuition fees

You can 'study now and pay later' by taking out a Student Loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees. You don't have to begin repaying your Student Loan until you finish your course and are earning more than £15,000 a year. Payments are generally taken automatically through the PAYE tax system by your employer. Your payments are determined by what you are earning and not what you owe: if your earnings are below the £15,000 threshold your payments will stop.

Government funding - the Student Loan for maintenance

You can also apply for a Student Loan to help with your living costs; the amount you receive is determined by your personal circumstances. It is repaid in the same way as the Student Loan for tuition fees, meaning you don't have to pay it back until you are earning more than £15,000 a year.

Government funding - the Maintenance Grant

If you have an annual household income of up to £60,032 (students who started in 2008) or £50,020 (students who started between 2009-2011) you could qualify for a Maintenance Grant. This grant does not have to be paid back.

Students should apply for standard financial support from the government online through Student Finance England.

NHS BSA bursary

Students from England can apply for a non-income assessed bursary from the NHS Business Services Authority (of up to £4,575 for a 52 week period in 2010) in addition to the standard student support package. Applications forms for the bursary can be downloaded from the NHS BSA website.

Students from other parts of the UK or the European Union can find further information regarding bursaries from the NHS BSA website www.ppa.org.uk/swb.

University of Brighton scholarships

105 University of Brighton scholarships worth £500 each are awarded at the end of years 1 and 2, and year 3 of four-year courses. These scholarships recognise the achievements of students since starting at the university. A range of sports scholarships are available which support the development of elite, talented and disabled athletes. These scholarships are worth between £500 and £1,000 per year.

Further financial help and advice

Specific government help is available for students with disabilities and for students with children or other dependants. Depending on your family circumstances you could also be eligible for certain state benefits and child tax credits.

If you get into financial difficulties while studying, or you find yourself facing extra costs in completing your course, you may be able to get additional financial help from the Access to Learning Fund or the Hardship Fund.

The university's Student Advice Service can provide you with financial advice relating to your specific circumstances as well as information on money management.

NHS on student finance

For more information visit: NHS Business Services Authority website.

Find out more about student finance

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