Careers Service NI - Education for Adults

EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

This article looks at learning opportunities for adults in Northern Ireland. It examines the reasons why adults wish to pursue courses, identifies some of the problems associated with adult education and outlines the main providers of further and higher education in Northern Ireland. There is a brief look at student finance, who provides it and where to get advice on what you may be entitled to. A list of useful addresses for further information is at the end.

Reasons for Further Study

Education is no longer only for the young; increasing numbers of adults are now entering further education and studying a wide variety of subjects at all levels. Adults wishing to study or return to study include: –

• Those who feel intellectually capable but unfulfilled because they did not acquire educational qualifications when younger.

• People who are unemployed or who have been out of the labour market for a long time and wish, through education, to increase their chances of employment.

• People who wish to either change jobs or to improve their prospects in their present job.

• Those who have been made redundant and need a new skill.

• People who want to study purely for interest to develop personal and leisure activities.

• Those who want to improve their essential skills i.e. in literacy and/or numeracy.

Considering Adult Education

Education for the mature student has its problems and rewards. Before undertaking a course of study, you should consider the following points:

• Motivation - You need to be aware of where you are going and why, and see the implications of the choice of course you have made. You must be prepared to work hard and accept a change in your lifestyle, as you will be coping with study at home as well as attending classes.

• Finances – The financial support that may be available to undertake study depends on whether you are going into further or higher education and whether you are going to do the course on a full or part time basis.

• Length of course: – Consider carefully the commitment required in terms of time.

• Which course: – The course you choose will depend very much on your reason for studying – for personal fulfilment, or for employment related or vocational reasons. Always make sure you choose a course that will lead to a recognised qualification. Before choosing, talk to a Careers Officer or a Guidance Worker about the employment prospects and if possible, visit Student Services in the institution in which you would like to study.

• Family support: – It will be much easier to cope with study if your partner and children are encouraging you to pursue your studies and are willing to accept that the family routine may change.

PROVIDERS

Regional Colleges

Regional Colleges offer a wide range of courses, some leading to qualifications, and some purely for enjoyment or recreation. Classes may be full- or part-time, day or evening and operate not only in the main college buildings, but in schools, community centres, women’s centres and other community-based venues.

Regional Colleges may offer: -

·        Introductory courses

Before you come to a decision about your future you may want to sample different subjects or you may feel the need for refresher courses. Many colleges offer return-to-study courses ranging from classes to improve reading or spelling to pre-GCSE classes in different subjects or Open University preparatory courses.

·        National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

NVQs are work-related qualifications designed to ensure that people develop skills, understanding and knowledge relevant and useful to business and industry. The emphasis is on a person’s ability to carry out tasks and skills rather than pass exams. Most areas of work are covered by an NVQ and you do not need any qualifications to start working towards one. They are available at five levels and you may start above level 2 if you have existing skills or experience.

·        GCSEs/A levels/A/S levels

These courses are offered in all the Regional Colleges with choices of daytime and evening study. Many colleges offer GCSE classes in English and maths specially targeted at adult learners.

·        Advanced Vocational Certificates in Education / AVCEs

These are an alternative to GCSEs, A and AS Levels. They are full-time courses, which cover vocational areas such as Business, Science and Manufacturing, and Leisure and Tourism and are designed to provide a route to employment or an alternative way into higher education.

·        Non-degree higher education courses

Usual entry requirements for such courses are one A level or equivalent. Some courses, such as Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs/HNDs) are validated by EDEXCEL (formerly BTEC), and others by professional bodies. Most of these courses are vocational and many are offered in a ‘sandwich’ format, which includes a period of vocational training as part of the course requirement. It may be possible to do a course on a part-time basis. For application details contact your local Institute of Further and Higher Education or the Universities.

·        Foundation Degrees

The Foundation Degree is an innovative degree course, which focuses on developing the work-related skills that employers require. It is designed in partnership with employers and a university and is delivered in an FE College to enable wider accessibility. The course takes two years to complete when taken full-time, but part-time courses are also available, which may appeal to those already in employment who wish to build on their existing skills, or gain formal recognition for experience gained. The course leads to a degree level qualification in its own right, but graduates may then “top-up” to a relevant honours degree course. Further information is available from EGSA or from the following websites- www.qub.ac.uk/foundationdegree and www.ulst.ac.uk/courses/foundation.

·        Access/Foundation Studies

These are designed mostly for adults who do not have A levels and lead to the award of a Foundation Certificate or Diploma which is acceptable for entry to university. Most of the courses are an introduction to arts, humanities, religious studies or social sciences but there are also a growing number of courses linked to science, engineering and health studies. Courses in NI are available on a two year part-time or one year full-time basis and are franchised from the University of Ulster and Queen’s University. They are offered through Regional Colleges and occasionally through women’s centres. To find out where these courses are running or to get a copy of their Factsheet Connect2…Access to Higher Education–contact the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) - address at end.

        Degrees

In order to increase accessibility, degrees are increasingly being franchised out by universities to the FE sector. Modules of Queens University’s part-time degree are offered in a number of Colleges, and occasionally students can study part-time to complete a degree through their local College.

·        Women’s’ Education

Some colleges offer courses designed for women who are returning to education. There is a wide range of courses available e.g. Information Technology, English Literature etc.

Applications:

For full- and part-time courses you usually apply directly to the college – check individual college prospectuses for details. For evening classes apply in early September or January.

Universities

-           Degree Courses

Entry to full-time degree courses at university is possible regardless of age, provided you are willing to do some preparatory study to reach the entry level required. In the case of mature students, universities will try to take into consideration, not just formal paper qualifications but also experience and achievements in other fields. However, the university will normally require evidence of recent academic study of a sufficient standard, such as 2 GCE A levels, “credits” from the Open University or a Certificate in Foundation Studies plus GCSEs in English, and often Maths as well, at Grade C or above.

You will have a better chance of making a success of a university course if you have been able to acquire or improve your skills of reading, analysis and writing. It is wise to remember that once admitted to a course, there are no allowances made in terms of the standards required.

In Northern Ireland degree courses are available at the Queen’s University at Belfast, the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Coleraine and Derry (Magee), the Open University (see page 4), and through some Regional Colleges. Degrees can be taken on a full time or part time basis and mostly start in October each year (some Open University term starts in February). They last from three to seven years, depending on the course. Sometimes a post-graduate course is necessary in order to obtain professional/vocational qualifications.

-           Applications:

The majority of applications for full-time undergraduate courses are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The closing date for most applications for admission is 15th January; however certain applications need to be in by December so check with your chosen university before applying. All applications must be submitted online, you can apply at http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/apply . If you need help or advice on your individual application, you should contact your careers adviser or call the UCAS Customer Service Unit on +44 (0)871 468 0 468, open Monday to Friday, 08:30-18:00 (UK time).

In the Republic of Ireland admission to full-time undergraduate courses at Universities and other Higher Education Institutes is controlled by the Central Applications Office (CAO) Tel 00353 9150 9800 or www.cao.ie

Applications for part-time undergraduate courses are handled by the universities.

-           Extra-Mural studies

Queens University’s Institute of Lifelong Learning (Extra Mural Department) offers a wide range of courses. Short courses give optional accreditation points towards study at degree level, and longer courses offer university certification, sometimes in conjunction with professional bodies. You are strongly advised to enrol early for all extra-mural adult classes. Application forms are usually attached to extra-mural brochures which are published in Autumn, Winter and Spring.

-           Colleges of Education

In Northern Ireland, Stranmillis and St Mary’s University Colleges are recognised constituent teacher training colleges of Queen’s University and all courses offered lead to awards from the university. Both provide courses in primary teaching at degree level and for some subjects at secondary level. Application should be made through UCAS. It is best to apply early. For closing dates for courses contact individual colleges or universities

College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

The newly constituted College has three campuses, namely Loughry, Greenmount and Enniskillen, which offer nationally recognised diplomas, certificates and degrees in subjects such as:- agriculture, food technology, animal husbandry and horticulture. Individual colleges should be contacted for their entrance requirements. Detailed information on their website www.cafre.ac.uk

Application should be made directly to colleges. Some agricultural courses require candidates to have completed a period of work experience before starting a course.

-           Financial Support

From 2007/08 there were some changes made to the way in which students apply for financial support. Now DARD FE awards are administered by the WELB while HE Awards are deal with by Student FinanceNi.

-           Open/Flexible Learning Centres

There are other providers who offer open/flexible learning throughout Northern Ireland. They offer qualifications in IT, Caring, Business Administration, Counselling and other areas. Some are privately run, others may offer reduced course fees for specific groups. For further information contact EGSA - address at end.

-           Learndirect Centres

Over the last few years the number of learndirect centres has been reduced however there are a few still operating.   For further details and a list of the centres contact Learndirect - details and website available at the end.

-           Womens’ Centres

A network of women’s’ centres operates in Northern Ireland. These centres encourage adults back into education by providing courses at various levels as well as giving opportunities for socializing. They are often used as outcentres by colleges. Contact EGSA to see if there is one in your area.

-           Voluntary Organisations/Community Groups

Some training providers operate within the voluntary sector e.g. the Women’s’ Training, Enterprise and Childcare (TEC) (Tel 90 748910), the Ulster People’s College (Tel 90665161) and various local community groups. Courses are usually part-time covering topics such community relations. women’s studies etc. The Women’s TEC runs courses on joinery, electronics etc. Open College Network accreditation is often offered for this type of course.

Open and Distance Learning

For a number of reasons it may not be possible to attend a course in a college. The Open Learning system enables people to study at their own pace, either at home or in a convenient location.

·        The Open University

The Open University gives adults the opportunity to study part-time for degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) and non-degree level courses by means of correspondence, supplemented by television broadcasts, residential summer schools and an extensive counselling and tutorial service which operate through local study centres.

The courses are open to everyone and no formal qualifications are required. Financial assistance may be available but will depend on such factors as household income, whether previous study has been undertaken. As the Open University administer their own funding it is advisable to contact them directly to discuss your entitlement. Courses require the same level of ability and dedication to study as those at universities, perhaps more, as for many people it means part-time study while in employment. For further information contact the Belfast office of the Open University (Tel 9024 5025)

Applications: For all courses commencing in February, applications must be made in the period January-June of the previous year. Students who are unemployed or on benefits may be eligible for financial assistance. You should apply as early as possible as it is first come, first served.

Short courses offered by the Open University also commence in February and applications must be made between May and November of the previous year.

-           Flexistudy/Homestudy

A few of the Regional colleges give students the option of flexistudy, which involves occasional attendance at college, perhaps once a month, plus telephone support. The range of courses varies but GCSEs and A-Levels are generally available. Contact your nearest college to see if they are running this scheme.

·        Correspondence Courses

Large numbers of correspondence colleges operate from Great Britain offering a range of courses, including GCSEs and A-levels, many of which are accredited by recognised professional bodies. To help students choose a properly accredited course the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) produces a useful leaflet entitled “Distance learning courses: a buyer’s guide” and their own listing of accredited colleges. The Association of British Correspondence Colleges produces a similar list. (see address section). As well as Correspondence Colleges many Universities e.g. London University, now offer correspondence routes to degrees and to Postgraduate qualifications, and there is recent trend towards offering degrees via the Internet.

It should be noted that studying by correspondence is generally more expensive than studying through a local provider.

Work Place Learning

Your employer may offer opportunities to return to learning either by participating in an in-house course or by assisting with the cost of courses. Some trade unions e.g. Unison, TUC Rep run courses for their members.

FINANCE

Student finance is a complex area and your entitlement can depend on a variety of factors including, the level of course you are studying, residency, previous study etc. The following gives a brief overview of the different strands of funding for Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE).   The Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) produce a series of Connect2 Factsheets and provide information and advice by telephone phone or in person, relating to these and other areas of student financial support. Copies of these Factsheets are available to download from their website, or telephone for a copy – see contact details at the end

Full-Time Further Education:

-    Tuition Fee Remission

Tuition fees for full time students aged 19 and over on eligible vocational courses were abolished in 2001. A full time course is defined by the government as one lasting a minimum of 30 weeks. It should consist of as least 15 hours, with at least 7 sessions per week or 21 hours per week with no sessional requirement. Examples of such courses are NVQs or SVQs, level 1, 2 and 3, access courses, foundation and intermediate GNVQs and Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education (AVCEs). Check with the college whether the course qualifies

      Further Education Awards

These non-repayable awards are paid in addition to support with fees, there are 3 types of awards;

Advanced Further Education Award- These are aimed at students taking advanced course such as Foundation Art and Design or NVQ level 4. Courses attracting this award have an entry requirement of at least 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above or equivalent. The ELB will pay the approved tuition fee charged by the institution up to a maximum of £1,165, students may also be entitled to grant up to £2.000, depending on household income.
Further Education Awards- this grant is for vocational or post compulsory courses with entry requirements of less than five GCSE passes are Grade C or above, examples are NVQs level 1,2 and 3 and access courses. The ELB will usually pay the fees up to a maximum of £890 however the majority of these courses are covered by tuition fee remission. Students may also receive and award up to £2,000 depending on household income,
Under 19 Further Education Awards- those who are under 18 on July 2008 will be considered for support only where in the opinion of the ELB the student cannot travel to a college where a similar course is available. The level of support will be identical to that available to holders of Further Education Awards.

Grants for those with dependants: Means tested grants are available for those with adult or child dependants. They include the Adult Dependants’ Grant, Childcare Grant and Parents’ learning Allowance.
Disabled Student allowance – DSAs help with the extra costs you may have as a result of studying your course and as a direct result of a disability, mental health condition of specific learning difficulty. Help is available for the following, specialist equipment allowance up to £5,905 for the whole course, a non medical helper’s allowance of up to £1,680 each year, a general disabled student’s allowance of up to £1,640 each year and extra travel costs as a result of your disability. Further information is available from a guide called “bridging the gap” which you can get by phoning 0800 731 9133

Part-Time Further Education

-           FE Awards- similar to full time FE there are 3 types as mentioned above,

1)     Advanced Further Education Awards- Aimed at Advanced courses as above. Here the maximum rate of assistance for fees is £583 and a small grant of up to £255 for (books travel and other expenditure), depending on household income.

2)     Further Education Award- Aimed at vocational or post compulsory courses, as above. The ELB will normally pay the approved tuition fee charged by the institute, subject to a maximum of £445 and a small grant of up to £255 for (books travel and other expenditure), depending on household income.

3)     Under 19 Further Education Awards- those who are under 18 on July 2008 will be considered for support only where in the opinion of the ELB the student cannot travel to a college where a similar course is available. The level of support will be identical to that available to holders of Further Education Awards.

Disabled student allowance. DSA is also available for part time FE study but while the specialist equipment allowance remains the same the allowance for non medical helper and general disabled allowance is reduced as % of course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a further education Award, your part time course:

Must not take more than twice as long as a full time equivalent course to complete

If no full time equivalent course exists, your part time course:

Must be at least 8 hours per week, with the 8 hours being made up of taught hours and placement hours.
Must take one or more year to complete.

All applications for financial assistance for both full-time or part-time FE courses should be made to the Western Education Library Board (WELB). The closing dates are, for full time FE 31^st June 2008 and part time FE October 31^st 2008. You can contact them directly for a form or download a copy form at www.welbni.org/publications and click on student finance. They also produce a useful booklet: Further Education Awards 2008/09- a guide to financial support for further education.

-        Concessionary Fees

Colleges/Institutes of F/HE may give concessionary fees for those in receipt of social security benefits or tax credits, check with your Regional College if you think you may be eligible.

Full-Time Higher Education:-

If you are domiciled in Northern Ireland and you are studying for your first degree, a PGCE, HND or HNC you might be entitled to help from studentfinanceni. Contact details at the end. The following gives a brief overview.

-           Tuition Fees

From September 2006 all new students are liable for tuition fees; the rate for 08/09 is £3,145 (those undertaking certain NHS degrees may not be liable for fees).   No eligible student has to pay fees before they start university or while they are studying.    Students will be able to apply for a non-means tested student loan for fees to cover these costs and will not start repaying this until they earn over 15,000 per year.

-           Institutional bursary

Universities or colleges charging the maximum £3,145 tuition fee will have to provide a minimum bursary of £310 to students who are entitled to the full £3,335 Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant. Many colleges and universities are also giving bursaries to students eligible for part of the Maintenance Grant or Special Support Grant. Check with the relevant providers for details.

-           Maintenance grant

This is a means tested grants which is non –repayable. The maximum amount of support available for 08/09 is £3,335, how much you get will vary according to household income.

-           Maintenance Loan

This is a loan for help with living costs such as accommodation, food, travel etc. Students aged under 60 at the start of their course may apply. The amount of loan varies. In 2008/09 you can receive up to £4,625 when studying in Northern Ireland. If you receive a Maintenance Grant from your ELB the amount of student loan you receive will be reduced. For example, where a student receives the maximum Maintenance Grant of £3,335 the student loan will be reduced by £1,760. This loan is repayable once you start earning over £15,000

-           Special Support Grant

This is a new grant for new system students who started their course in September 2006 or later and who may be eligible to receive means tested benefits, such as Income Support and Housing Benefit. This will generally apply to single parents, other student parents if they have a partner who is also a student, and students with certain qualifying disabilities. The grant is to cover extra related costs such as books, travel or childcare. The amount of support, assessment arrangements and payment are the same as for the maintenance grant. Those awarded this Special Support Grant will not be eligible to receive a maintenance grant. The maintenance loan will not be reduced and social security benefits will not be affected if you receive this grant.

-           Grants for those with dependants

Means tested grants are available for those with adult or child dependants. They include the Adult Dependants’ Grant, Childcare Grant and Parents’ learning Allowance.

-           Disabled Student allowance (DSAs)

DSAs help with the extra costs you may have as a result of studying your course and as a direct result of a disability, mental health condition of specific learning difficulty. Help is available for the following, specialist equipment allowance up to £5,905 for the whole course, a non medical helper’s allowance of up to £1,680 each year, a general disabled student’s allowance of up to £1,640 each year and extra travel costs as a result of your disability.   Further information is available from a guide called “bridging the gap” which you can get by phoning 0800 731 9133.

Awards for Health Professional Courses

For courses in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, speech and language therapy, podiatry, dietetics or social work in Northern Ireland you may be entitled to a health services bursary. You will not be liable to pay fees, and you may qualify for a means tested grant and a non- means tested loan. You should contact your local Education and Library Board office for details.

For students taking up a commissioned DHSS&PS place leading to   entry on the Nursing and Midwifery Council Register, you will be entitled to receive a bursary while undertaking the course. You do not pay fees but are not entitled to any support from an Education and Library Board. You should contact the Bursary Administration Unit, Central Services Agency, address at the end.

Application for financial support for Higher Education is through Student Finance NI, applicants are encouraged to apply online where they can check the progress of their - see address at end.

Part Time Higher Education

-           Tuition Fees and Living Costs.

Part-time undergraduate students, who are studying at least 50% of an equivalent full-time course (your college will be able to tell you if your course qualifies), can apply for support towards their fee and course costs. The fee grant is linked to how intensive your course is, and there will be three different rates of fee grant up to a maximum of £1400. Part-time students can also apply for a course grant of up to £255 towards travel, books and other course costs. Entitlement to the grants will depend on your income and that of your husband, wife or partner. Your Education and Library board (ELB) will work out how much support you can get. Also if you on a part-time teacher training course, you are not eligible for part-time grants but you may qualify for full-time support.
Part time students are also eligible for the Disabled Student’s Allowance although the allowance for non medical helper’s and general disabled allowance is reduced.

You can get an application form from your college or Education and Library Board.

The Open University processes applications for loans for its own students and the ELBs deal with applications for loans from students on distance or learning courses through institutions other than the OU.

Other Sources of Funding

The following information on support funds, benefit entitlement, and Career Development Loans applies to all levels/methods of study:-

-           Support Funds

Each College or Institute of Further and Higher Education and University receives funds from government to distribute to students who are in serious financial difficulties. They are available to full and part time students. However, Nursing degree/diploma students do not have access to this fund. Each institution has its own criteria and the Student Services office of your College/University can provide information on whether you may obtain help from this source.

·        Social Security Benefits

Full Time Students - Most full time students are not eligible to claim social security benefits, exceptions being single parents and disabled students. However, some benefits may be affected by grants and loans and you should contact your local social security office, advice centre for further information.

Part time Students- If you are in receipt of social security benefits you may be able to take a part time course without affecting your entitlement to benefit. To check how your benefits may be affected by study contact your local Social Security Agency office, nearest advice centre/Citizens Advice Bureau or the Adult Learner Finance Project (ALFP) for some advice.

ALFP is a joint partnership between EGSA and National Union of Students and Students of Ireland (NUS- USI), who provide free impartial advice on financial support available for all learning. A useful booklet called “Students and Benefits” may also help to clarify this complex area. Copies are available from EGSA- address at end.

-           Career Development Loans:

If you cannot get student support or any other funding, and are studying in Great Britain, you may be eligible for a Career Development Loan. These loans support courses in a wide range of vocational areas. They are not available for study in N.I. at present but if you plan to study in Great Britain you may be eligible, as long as you have been living there 3 months prior to your application. It may also be possible for get help correspondence courses where the correspondence college is based in Great Britain and where a period of study in GB is involved. Contact: the Career Development Loan Information Line Freephone 0800 585 505

FURTHER INFORMATION

-           Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA)

EGSA is a local independent, voluntary organisation that aims to connect adults with learning. EGSA offers free, impartial information, advice and guidance to adults and has a network of local advisers based throughout Northern Ireland in Ballymoney, Belfast, Craigavon, Derry, Dungannon, Magherafelt, Newry, Newtownabbey and Omagh.

EGSA is particularly interested in reaching adults who have little experience of learning. EGSA provides services for adult learners, learning advisers, providers, employers and anyone involved in or interested in improving access to learning for adults.

If you would like to speak to an adviser regarding career options or student finance you can call their Learner’s Line on 0845 602 6632 (lo call)

-           Learndirect Helpline Tel 0800 100 900:

This is an impartial freephone helpline for anyone looking for information on courses or careers. It is linked to an easy-to-use website: www.learndirect.co.uk
http://www.learndirect.co.uk/northernireland/centres/?view=Northern+Ireland

USEFUL ADDRESSES

-           Adult Learner Finance Project (ALFP), initial contact to EGSA on their Learner’s Line 0845 602 6632 (lo call) or access the website at www.money2learn.com

-           Association of British Correspondence Colleges (ABCC), PO Box 17926, London, SW19 3WB Tel: 020 8544 9559 Website: www.homestudy.org.uk

-           Bursary Administration Unit, Nursing Board NI, 2 Franklin Street, Belfast BT2 8DQ. Tel: 028 90 553661

-           Department for Employment and Learning, Student Support Branch, Adelaide House, 39-49 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FD Tel: 9025 7757
Website: www.delni.gov.uk/student08finance

-           Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA), 4th Floor, 40 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BA. Tel: Learner’s Line 0845 602 6632 (lo call) Website: www.egsa.org.uk       E-mail: info@egsa.org.uk

-           Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC), 16 Park Crescent, London, W1B 1AH Tel: 020 7612 7090 Website: www.odlqc.org.uk/odlqc
Email: info@odlqc.org.uk

-           Open College Network Northern Ireland Office (OCNNI) 9 Building 3, 212 -218 Upper Newtownards Road, BT4 3ET. Tel: 028 90650200
Website: www.ocnni.org.uk     Email: info@ocnni.org.uk

-           Open University, 40 University Road, Belfast BT7 1SU Tel: 028 9032 372    Website: www.open.ac.uk Email: Ireland@open.ac.uk

-           Student Finance Section, Belfast Education & Library Board, 40 Academy Street, Belfast BT1 2NQ.            Tel: 9056 4000. Website: www.belb.co.uk
Email: student.awards@belb.co.uk

-           Student Finance Section, North Eastern Education & Library Board, County Hall, 182 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1HN. Tel: 028 2566 2280 Website: www.selb.org   Email: student.awards@neelb.org.uk

-           Student Finance Section, South Eastern Education & Library Board, Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald, Belfast. BT16 2HS Tel: 9056 6200. Website: www.seelb.org.uk Email: student.awards@seelb.org.uk

-           Student Finance Section, Southern Education & Library Board, 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh BT61 9AX. Tel: 028 37512432.   Website: www.selb.org      Email: student.support@selb.org

-           Student Finance Section, Western Education & Library Board, 1 Hospital Road, Omagh BT79 0AW.    Tel: 028 8241 1411/411499                Website: www.welbni.org      Email: student.awards@welbni.org

-           Ulster People’s College, 1 Lower Crescent, Belfast, BT71NR                  Tel: 028 9033 0131    Website: www.ulsterpeoplescollege.org.uk               E-mail: info@upclearn.org

-           Women’s Training, Enterprise and Childcare (TEC) 161-163 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GE   Tel. 028 9074 9810                           Website: http://www.womenstec.com   E-mail: admin@womenstec.com