Courses

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Higher Education Funding and Financial Support

Tuition Fee Loans

Most students apply for a student loan to cover the cost of their tuition. These are provided by the Student Loans Company. These loans cover the cost of your course and are paid directly to your course provider. 

Student loans are repayable once you have finished your course and you are earning a salary above the criteria set by the Student Loan Company.

UCAS

Student Loan Company

Maintenance Loans

Maintenance loans can be applied for at the same time as tuition fee loans. These are designed to help with living costs whilst studying at university, such as rent, books, food, travel, etc.

The amount you can borrow depends on your individual circumstances. 

For more information about maintenance loans, visit the UCAS Website.

UCAS

Bursaries for HE Students

A HE Support Bursary of £500 per annum, paid in two parts, £250 in term one and £250 in term two, is available to students who are:

  • studying on a full-time degree or foundation degree programme at Wirral Met College
  • paying full fees
  • have a household income below £25,000

A HE Access & Progression Bursary of £500 per annum paid in two parts, £250 in term one and £250 in term two, is available to students:

  • studying on a full-time degree or foundation degree programme at Wirral Met College
  • paying full fees
  • have a household income below £43,600
  • have completed level 3 studies at Wirral Met College in the two years prior to commencing an undergraduate course

Starting from 1 January 2027, the UK government is introducing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). The LLE replaces Advanced Learner Loans and Higher Education student finance for qualifications at Level 4, 5, and 6 (including Higher Technical Qualifications, Foundation Degrees, HNDs, and full Degrees).

What the LLE Means for You

Flexible Funding Allowance: Eligible learners receive a tuition fee loan allowance of up to £39,160 (equivalent to 4 years of full-time study) to use across their working lives up to age 60.

Full or Modular Study: You can use your LLE to fund full Level 4–6 qualifications or individual standalone modules (minimum 30 credits) in designated priority subjects.

Maintenance Support: Loans for living costs are available for eligible in-person courses and modules.

Fair Repayments: LLE loans fall under Plan 5 repayment rules—you only begin repayments once your income exceeds £25,000 per year.

Note: Advanced Learner Loans will remain in place for Level 3 qualifications.

  • How to Check Your Remaining LLE Balance

    If you have previously completed higher education study or used government funding for higher-level courses, your remaining entitlement will be adjusted based on past study.

    To check your available funding balance:

    Visit GOV.UK and sign in to your online Student Finance account.

    Select Lifelong Learning Entitlement from your account dashboard.

    View your personalised LLE balance summary, which details your remaining financial entitlement and credit allowance.

Questions About Funding Your Course?

Our Student Finance team is here to help you understand your options and prepare your application. Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Student Discounts

Being a student unlocks thousands of discounts and perks in many high street shops.

Students and apprentices can enjoy all the perks of student discounts with TOTUM.

TOTUM unlocks a wide range of discounts, perks and offers for students.

TOTUM

Unidays is a free, digital platform which offers exclusive benefits and discounts to its members, from over 800 brands. It is available to all college students.

Unidays

Student Beans is the #1 student discount platform. Operating since 2005, it offers a world of student discounts, from over 1000 stores online and in-store.

Student Beans

 

 

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.