Investing in Your Future

The tuition cost for the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree is £9,790 per year, for each year of the two‑year programme.

We recognise that returning to study is a significant decision, particularly for working adults balancing professional and personal commitments. A range of flexible funding routes are available to help make this programme accessible and achievable, including options designed to support people in employment.

Further information on funding, eligibility and next steps is available through the Centre for the Children’s Workforce, who can help you explore the most appropriate route for your circumstances.

Funding Routes To Consider

There is no single approach to funding that suits everyone. Many learners combine different sources of support depending on their circumstances, employment arrangements and long‑term plans.

To help you consider what might work best for you, there are three main flexible funding routes available, each designed to support working adults in different ways:

Employer‑funded route

Many employers are keen to support staff who want to grow, develop and strengthen practice within their teams. Funding all or part of the programme through a learning or development agreement can be a positive way for employers to invest in their workforce while supporting retention and progression.

If this route appeals to you, we encourage you to start a conversation with your employer about your aspirations and how this programme could benefit both you and your organisation. Funding is often agreed through a learning agreement and, in some cases, may include a commitment to remain with your employer for a set period after completing the programme.

Self‑funded route

Learners may choose to self‑fund their studies, most commonly through Student Finance in the form of a government‑backed student loan. For many people, this is a familiar and well‑established route into higher education.

Most learners are able to access Student Finance to cover the full annual tuition fee, meaning there are no upfront costs while you study. The loan is paid directly to the provider and is designed to support progression into higher‑level qualifications alongside work and everyday life.

Key features include:

• Not income‑dependent when applying
• Paid directly to the education provider
• Covers the full cost of tuition fees
• No upfront payment required
• Repayments begin only once your income is above the repayment threshold
  (currently £25,000)
• Repayments are 9% of earnings above this amount
• If your income falls below the threshold, or you stop working, repayments pause
• Any remaining balance is written off after the repayment period

This approach allows many learners to focus on their studies and professional development first, with repayments linked safely and proportionately to future earnings rather than current circumstances.

Blended-funding route

For some learners, a blended‑funding approach offers the greatest flexibility. Costs are shared between the learner and their employer, making study more affordable while recognising the joint benefit of professional development.

For example, an employer may contribute towards part of the tuition fee as an investment in your growth, while the remaining cost is covered through Student Finance or a personal contribution. This shared approach can make progression more achievable and allows support to be tailored to individual circumstances.

Blended funding can be particularly helpful where employers are keen to support development but are unable to cover the full cost of the programme.

Financial Support for Working, Low‑Income Adults Studying the Foundation Degree 

Maintenance Loan

A Maintenance Loan may be available to help with living costs. This is means‑tested, based on household income rather than working hours.

Support can help with:

• Travel
• Bills and rent
• Food
• Study materials

Working does not disqualify learners from receiving this support.

Support for part‑time or flexible study

As this Foundation Degree is delivered flexibly alongside employment, eligibility is assessed using a course intensity measure.

If course intensity meets the required threshold, learners may be eligible for:

• Tuition Fee Loan
• Maintenance Loan (pro‑rated)
• Any additional grants they qualify for

Non‑Repayable Grants for Parents and Adults with Dependants

Student Finance England offers additional non‑repayable support, which does not need to be paid back.

These may include:

• Adult Dependants’ Grant
• Parents’ Learning Allowance
• Childcare Grant (towards registered childcare costs)

Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and is assessed as part of the Student Finance application.

Support for learners with disabilities or learning differences 

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

DSA is available to support learners with learning difficulties, health conditions or disabilities, including ADHD, dyslexia, mobility issues or mental health conditions.

DSA:

• Is available even if you are working
• Does not need to be repaid
• Helps cover study‑related support such as specialist equipment, software, non‑medical helpers or additional travel costs

Employer support

Some employers may also offer practical, non‑financial support to help you balance study alongside work. This can include:

• Paid study time
• Support with travel or associated costs
• Use of CPD or staff development budgets
• Practical support with assessments or placements
• Access to technology, equipment or workspace

The availability of this support varies by employer and cannot be guaranteed. We therefore recommend discussing these options directly with your employer to explore what support may be available in your particular setting.

Summary for working adults on a low income

Depending on individual circumstances, learners may be eligible for:

• Tuition Fee Loan
• Maintenance Loan
• Childcare Grant
• Parents’ Learning Allowance
• Adult Dependants’ Grant
• Disabled Students’ Allowance
• Provider hardship funds or bursaries
• Possible employer contributions

More information on student support options can be found at Student Finance - GOV.UK 

 

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