LLE-funded short courses for BCU alumni
Have you thought about upskilling in AI or cyber security? Funding could be available through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) for you to study a 40-credit module in a high-growth field at BCU.
What is the LLE and how does it work for graduates and adult learners?
The LLE is a new form of funding for university fees and living costs. It gives you more choice in how you learn by giving you a pot of funding you can access throughout your working life.
If you’ve already accessed student finance in the past, you may still be eligible for some LLE funding. For example, if you studied a 3-year degree, you may have funding remaining to use in a way that suits your current life and responsibilities.
Featured modular courses (starting January 2027)
The LLE means you can now fund your continuing professional development using student finance. You can choose to study an eligible module at registered universities in an area of interest to you.
BCU is offering two 40-credit modules that are ideal for graduates seeking targeted career progression. Delivered part-time at STEAMhouse over just four months, these standalone modules give you access to industry-standard facilities and expert teaching on a timetable built around working professionals.
AI Futures: Artificial Intelligence, Data and Intelligent Systems (40 Credits)
Who this is for: Ideal for alumni working in a variety of sectors who want to understand AI and data-driven technologies and explore how they can be applied responsibly within their organisation.
What you’ll gain: Foundational knowledge of programming, machine learning concepts, data analysis for intelligent decision-making, and the ethical and business implications of AI.
Explore AI Futures and apply now
CyberShield: Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking (40 Credits)
Who this is for: Alumni already working in computing, data science or artificial intelligence, or those looking to explore opportunities in the cyber security and infrastructure sector.
What you’ll gain: An introduction to cyber security and networking concepts, including understanding common threats, security risks, Cisco CCNA-aligned networking principles, and the tools organisations use to help protect digital systems.
Explore CyberShield and apply nowLifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) FAQs
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What courses and modules are eligible for LLE funding at BCU?
All of our undergraduate courses starting after 1 January 2027 are eligible to be funded by the LLE. So, if you’re a student in England (with home student status) applying to an undergraduate course in any subject or a postgraduate allied health professions course that starts in January, you need to apply using the LLE portal. Also, all students applying for our undergraduate courses starting in September 2027 and beyond.
We’re also offering two 40-credit modules aimed at adult learners starting in January 2027, see them at the links above.
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Can postgraduate courses be funded by the LLE?
For the majority of postgraduate courses (Level 7), no the LLE is not applicable. If you want to study a taught Master’s (MSc) or other postgraduate course, you’ll need to use the Student Finance England (SFE) application or self-fund.
Only courses in priority areas will be considered for the LLE, for example; Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). We will have guidance available on eligible postgraduate courses at BCU soon.
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Is the LLE still a loan and how does repayment work?
Yes, the LLE is a loan. It does have interest, but unlike traditional loans, you won’t pay anything back until you’re earning over the threshold. The threshold is £25,000 a year before tax. Once you’re earning enough to make repayments, they’ll be taken from your payslip like a tax. Repayments for the LLE will follow the rules of Plan 5 student loans. If you already have a student loan from previous studies, you won’t have to make separate repayments. Your repayments will be combined by the Student Loans Company and you’ll continue to pay 9% of any earnings over the threshold.
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Does this replace Student Finance England (SFE)?
Yes, for all Home students applying to start an undergraduate course or module after 1 January 2027, the LLE replaces SFE. If you are currently a student (e.g. year 1, year 2) who applied for SFE, you need to keep reapplying through that process (see guidance for continuing students here). A lot of the information and guidance you find online or on social media will be about the old SFE process. Refer to official Government guidance wherever you can. We will also be creating a guide to help you understand the new process and what you might be eligible for.
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What if I've used all of my entitlement?
If you already have a degree, you may qualify for extra funding called Priority Additional Entitlement (PAE). This is an extra pot available to help adult learners retrain in key skills. For example; nursing, social work or teaching.
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What is BCU's course trainer code?
Birmingham City University's course trainer code for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is 10007140
Started university before 2012?
If you started studying at university before September 2012, how much of the “pot” you’re entitled to will work differently. Your entitlement to the LLE will be worked out by how many years of study you completed, rather than how much they cost (or didn’t cost!) at the time of study. Check government guidance to find out exactly how much funding you could still get.
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