Further Education - Degree

[Happy_Techie]

I have noticed across my travels that alot of people undertaking part-time/distance learning degree's funded through the SLC/ELC scheme. I have come to a point in my service life where its time for some further eduction, either through distance learning or day release.

I have looked at the RAF Learning website (http://www.raf.mod.uk/raflearningforces/courseinfo/) which did not lead down the right path. I have also looked at the ELC website for providers, but again this is not very clear. TDF and the learning centre on the station were not very clear.


If you are undertaking a degree, which degree is it & who is your provider?


HT

 

[Shortie]

I'm working towards a degree in ICT and computing with the Open University. They cater really well for the forces and I find distance learning fits in easier with work commitments. I use an SLC which is worth £175 a year, still leaves a lot to pay per course but you can pay in monthly instalments. Not really worth using an ELC as if you don't use the full £2000 per claim you lose the difference. Good luck!

 

[MrMasher]

Perhaps I missed the bleeding obvious, but what is your issue?

Your PLA should be able to answer your queries regarding further education. If not make a call to a PLA from another station, ask their advice perhaps suggesting yours is currently away?!!

 

[Happy_Techie]

MrMasher,

Your probably right.

I was directed to the ELCAS website for further information and shown around the information room.

The RAF learning website gives alot of information on the OU, Derby, Chester & Stafford though i was looking for which providers most people use for the distance learning stuff. Ideally i would have some credits awarded for some previous study to ease the pain.

As by my username, I'm a techie (TG1).

This is my second attempt to write this, as the first attempt vanished.

 

[Noidea]

Happy techie, the question you need to answer is what do you want to do and why. Further education at degree level and above, via distance learning, can take a fair amöunt out of you so you have to be robust and clear in what you want to achieve and further along the line be fairly clear in what you want to do post leaving the RAF.

Once you can answer this then you can be fairly certain in which course/s you wish to do. Also speak to your work colleagues as no doubt some will alady be going down the further education path.

So map out your end state and work back from their. Keep your goal in sight and be prepared to be flexible in how you get their.

 

[busby1971]

As above (noidea)

You really need to know where you're heading and what degree will help get you there because whatever course you choose you'll be putting in a great deal of time, effort and money.

You might find it may be more useful to do some other form of study that may have equal weight in the industry you're looking to go into.

If it's a degree for degree sake then the OU should have something that should appeal to you.

 

[Kenny629]

Before i left, i was doing a foundation degree in engineering through staffordshire university. I thought the course content was good and could use previous courses, JMLC etc as credit towards it. As stated previously it takes a hell of alot of time and effort, its not easy at all and can be tough finding motivation from time to time.
Still its worth doing, you dont want to be treading water in the air force forever, and its better to come out having bettered yourself with education.

 

[gemarriott]

I did my degree at Sheffield Hallam. Admittedly it was after leaving, but it was 2 days a week day release and 2 evenings a week of my own time plus all the extra study etc but the day release bit was good because you enter uni ife a bit more and I got to coach rugby because of it.

 

[Stevienics]

Look at like this. We may buy a car ostensibly to get to work and do the household chores, but we will nearly always invest in something more than we need, because we want to be associated with that invisible added value that "shiny prestige" affords, even if the thing depreciates like a GR9.

However, when it comes to investing in our own education, or more importantly, the massive added value to our career that this relatively small lump of cash affords, we all get concerned - even if it just keeps on giving. You never lose a degree and the prestige never goes away.

It doesn't matter what it costs - play the long game, learn for what you want to do (even if in ain't spannering).

 

[vim_fuego]

Speaking from the point of view of someone who could in the future interview you when you leave and also with the hindsight of time served I would say that if you did not push yourself through an OU degree whilst in and some funding for it was available then thats the difference between getting a 'Joe-job' on £20-25k a year and being back at the bottom of the ladder or demanding £30-35k+ (more if you have done other things with your time) and having something commensurate with your present position...Of course there will be some who achieve great money, especially offshore, with few extra quals but that life isn't for everyone.

For those who are getting itchy feet can I point you towards the Defence Academy...free, fantastic and a wealth of education that will prep you for a better job when you do walk...

 

[MontyPlumbs]

Wise words on this thread, I also recommend you have a look at civvy engineering jobs to see what kind of qualifications they are after.

Broadly speaking you can't go wrong with an Engineering degree whatever the discipline (being as you have the experience to back it up).

I recommend the OU simply because lots of forces people use it and it's a well respected and developed distance learning university - be warned though taking a degree on ain't easy!

Depending on your qualifications, look into getting some interim quals on your way to the full degree, such as a OU Certificate, Diploma or Foundation degree, so at least if you don't finish it you won't be left empty handed.

Outside of university, get on every other course you can (I wish I'd done a few more courses in the mob) especially anything that's certified such as Six Sigma, Prince 2 etc etc as these could be very useful in civvy strasse.

Good luck!