General statement to UK/EU Higher Education applicants

The Government no longer provides funding to universities for students who are studying a qualification that is equivalent to, or at a lower level than one they have already achieved. This means that if you already have a higher education qualification such as a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, first degree (BA/BSc) or postgraduate qualification (PG Diploma, MA, MSc) and you apply for a course at an equal or lower level, the University does not receive any public funding. The Government has agreed a number of exemptions to this policy, including students on Foundation Degrees, Teacher Training Qualifications and those in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance for which it continues to provide public funding.

For 2010/11 the University has also agreed to a further exemption for MA Conservation (Camberwell)

University of the Arts London recognises that some applicants may wish to return to university for a second qualification in order to enhance your skills and improve employment prospects. We believe this is a valid and important reason for you to return to higher education. Because we believe that re-skilling is so important, we will continue to welcome applications from students who meet our entry criteria, whether or not they hold an equivalent qualification.

However, if you already hold a qualification which is equal to or higher than that offered by the course at University of the Arts London to which you have applied, you will have to pay a higher fee than other students who are progressing from a lower qualification, unless it is for one of the courses exempted.

Whilst this policy does not specifically relate to those applying to Further Education courses it is important that applicants are aware of the implications, especially if planning a Further Education course as a precursor to future Higher Education study.