Would college be free for a third year?
 

So I was thinking of doing 1 more year of college instead of going to university, I've always wanted to do Business so thought I could do a year of business once I finish my Media course in a couple of months.

I just don't feel ready to go into the real world yet, but don't really want to spend 3 years at uni so thought this could be a good option considering I wanted to do Media/Business.

However I'd only do it if it was free, I found this information: (I'm 18 and my Birthday is 4th April)

All full-time Further Education (FE) courses are free to UK and EU residents aged 16-18 on 31 August in the first year of study.

If you are 16-18, there are no tuition or examination fees to pay, although you may need to make payments for exam/coursework re-sits.

If you are 19 or older on 31 August in the first year of your course, you may be required to pay tuition and exam fees.

I'd suggest only go on to do a third year of college if you really are sure. Most college courses are also two years so double check that. Your college will be able to provide you with information on pricing.

Also, on a side note, I can understand that you don't want to go off into the world but you're going to have to at some point and if you don't do it now, will you do it in the future? Don't just do another course at college because you think it's the comfortable/easy option because you might find out that being in college for an extended period is harder than actually leaving and going off into the world.

From what I know of you don't have to pay for BTEC courses until you're nineteen and can't do A-Levels after the age of nineteen? (not sure though)

Yeah the course I was looking at was 1 year, or you can do extended. I think it's free because I've only just turned 18.

I know I will have to, I just don't think this year is the right time. I think another year and I'll be ready, that's why I don't really want to go to uni as 3 years just seems a bit long.

I would probably go to uni if the course was 2 years.

I just feel that doing another year at college would be a good alternative because I'll have a qualification in Media and Business, two of my favourite subjects.

Yeah I think you're right, 1 more year and it should be free.

What is the difference between college and uni?

You say uni is long but essentially you're going to be in college for the same amount you would uni if you take the extra year course? :laugh:

What level would you be doing if you did business Will?

Uni is like further education where as college is below it...

we have...

Primary school
Secondary School
Sixth form/college
University

Yeah that's true. I just don't feel another 3 years in education would be right for me, so I thought maybe doing another course for a year would be a good alternative option as I always wanted to do either Media or Business at college.

I feel another year and then I'll have had enough of education... another 3 years just feels too much. :laugh:

Level 3!

I thought so, so you would be doing business course for 2 years?

at my college level 3 was a two year course, but you had to pass something at the end of the first year to get onto the second year.

Just a year, Its Level 3 Pearson BTEC Business and Financial Studies.

I think there's an extended one, but if I was to do 2 years then I might as well go to uni. :laugh:

Do Travel and Tourism Will imo ;) (joking)

Are you sure you don't want to do uni? you might change your mind about in a year or two.

I think so, well I'm not 100% sure. I need a couple more months to think about it . :laugh:

A lazy cow!

No, that's fine because you can always go to uni when you're older if you ever change your mind. What are you thinking of doing after you finish the extra course (if you were to take it) when you leave college?

:joker:

Oh yeah I could I guess. I think if I did college for another year I'd then probably look to get a job in Journalism or maybe join my mums company.

Why don't you take a gap year and work for a year? I did that as the thought of all my friends moving on and me being stuck at college for another year was depressing. That way you can make loads of money to spend or save for uni. You'll also make new friends if you get a retail job from all different ages and backgrounds :)

This could be an idea, my teacher has suggested this actually! :)

Interesting!

Here it is:

Primary School
Middle School
High School
University

Private unis are very expensive but goverment unis are free. (But the exam we take for it is HARD)

I'm either leaving college and doing an apprenticeship after my AS exams or staying on for another year to do A2 and then getting an apprenticeship (that's if I pass AS)

College has put me off university SOOOOO much so I know what you feel like. I wish I'd done a BTEC in business myself but i don't wanna do another two years after this year :laugh:

That says if you are "19 on the first year of your course" so if it's actually the third and final year of a course you started at 16 and it's continuous then it should be free?

Yeah I think college has put me off uni as well, like I just can't see it being for me.

Oh yeah Apprenticeships, that could be an option I guess.

Good luck with your AS! :love:

I won't name my collage but I have been studying over 20 years and I have not paid a penny - had to drop out of a few subjects on teachers advice - she said I will never make a poet.


( I took back the love of my life poem I wrote for her :joker: )