MSc and ESA

TheLazyBud

I am looking forward to admission for MSc. I am on contribution based ESA for over a decade now. 

I know 30% of student finance is treated as income if on income based ESA. Is it same for contribution based ESA. And what about any extra help I may receive from university like scholarship and bursary etc. etc. 

calcotti

Contribution based ESA is not means tested so income makes no difference.

(I have no idea where you got the idea that only 30% of student finance is treated as income for income based based ESA.)

TheLazyBud

This means if I take tuition fees loan and maintenance loan and a scholarship or bursary, there will be no effect on benefits I am receiving? 

I think I read somewhere on this site about this 30% of student loan. 

Alex_Alumni

That's right @TheLazyBud as contribution based ESA isn't means tested it won't be impacted by any financial support for your studies. 

Are you receiving any other benefits?

poppy123456

TheLazyBud said:

This means if I take tuition fees loan and maintenance loan and a scholarship or bursary, there will be no effect on benefits I am receiving? 

I think I read somewhere on this site about this 30% of student loan. 

I’m not aware of anywhere in scope where it gives such information.

Do you claim any other benefits? 

Are you sure your ESA is all contributions based? If you’re receiving anymore than £117.60/week then at least part of it is Income Related. 

TheLazyBud

I am receiving ESA and DLA (Disability living allowance). I am in the support group too, as the Job Centre's letter says. 

Feeling a little better and looking forward to start a new life. I have done a Masters 32 years back and looking forward to do another to kick start a new career and new life. 

Just looking around for chances and opportunities that can put me back on employment ladder. 

Alex_Alumni

Thanks for explaining, I'm glad you're feeling better! What are you going to study @TheLazyBud?  

TheLazyBud

I am looking forward to MSc Data Science or Financial Statistics. 

Alex_Alumni

Wishing you all the best of luck, those definitely sound like useful degrees for a whole variety of different jobs  

TheLazyBud

Why universities need references for admission? To check if I am a human or a robot?
What if I cannot provide references?
What shall I do and where do I go? 

poppy123456

It’s standard procedure for them to ask for references. Or for contact details for them to contact people to provide a reference. 

References can be from college, school even if you left quite sometime ago. There’s some information here that may help. https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/advice/ucas-application/how-to-get-the-ucas-reference-you-want

TheLazyBud

I am going back to university after 32 years. All my lecturers/professors are retired. New ones don't want to know who I am. Means I cannot provide an academic reference. 

Unemployed for over 13 years now. Due to anxiety and depression I ignored myself and kept isolated from others. Lost all contacts, friends and even close relatives. There's not even a single person I can think of who can provide me reference as a professional. 

Without providing two references, I cannot proceed and cannot submit my application for admission. 

Thought of GP and the Psychiatric Clinic as referees. When I told them I am planning and preparing myself for MSc, they both said, they will support me fully. When I asked their details to give to university, they refused and said they can give reference about health issues but not for admission in university. 

Feeling like I was better in my shell. 

Alex_Alumni

That must be frustrating @TheLazyBud, have you spoken to the University about exactly what options you can have for references?

I wonder if speaking to the uni's Disability Services department would help, as I'm sure you wouldn't be the first in this situation. 

Keep us in the loop with how you get on