Student debt and the cost of a degree gets all the press, but what if you already have a degree and want to take your studies further — or you'd like to get ahead in your career with a different type of course?
The good news is saving hard before embarking on these courses isn't the only option — financial support is available for a variety of different types of education which can boost your jobs prospects.
One way, as explored in a recent Guardian Money piece, is through a government-subsidised Professional and Career Development Loan, with between £300 and £10,000 available for eligible learners aged 18 to 69 — and you don't pay interest while you are learning.
And if you want to study for a qualification not covered by this scheme you might be eligible for funding elsewhere — MBAs and professional qualifications, such as studying to become a barrister, vet or osteopath, are covered by different schemes.
So if you are thinking about investing in a course and you want to know what funding you qualify for — and if you'd like advice about what further study could offer your career prospects or information about other types of funding, such as scholarships and bursaries — join our panel of experts on August 31 at 1pm.
Our panel — more names to be added.
Donna Earnshaw is product manager (loans) at The Co-operative Bank. Donna's role includes launching various savings and loans products — she has been working at the bank for 10 years.
Tom Pearson is financial support adviser at City University London. Tom provides advice on a broad range of areas including student finance, NHS student finance, benefits and private funding. He is a member of the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA).
Lyndi Smith is a freelance writer and associate director of Mad Half Hour Theatre Company. In 1998 she was accepted onto an acting course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and raised more than £26,000 to fund her studies. Her book, Free Degrees, explains how to raise the money to pay for your education without the need for a loan.
Phil Davis is head of student support at Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln and secretary of the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA). Phil has been providing advice and guidance to higher education students about funding issues for 12 years. NASMA is an independent professional network of money advisers and funding administrators working in higher education throughout the UK.
Lee Davies is deputy chief executive of the Institute for Learning, the professional body for teachers, tutors, trainers and others involved in further education.
Helen Bowman is financial support officer at Cardiff University's Student Support Centre. Helen has worked in a variety of student support roles in the past 10 years and she is also a NASMA member.
Audrey Galibert is business school services manager at the Association of MBAs, the impartial international authority on postgraduate management education. Audrey is in charge of administrating the MBA Loan Scheme which is run in partnership with NatWest Bank. She also advises potential MBA students on factors to consider when choosing a school and ways of funding their MBA. Audrey will be joining us from 3pm—4pm.
Paresh Damani is a careers adviser from Next Step, the adult careers service. Paresh has been delivering careers advice since 2005.
