Birmingham City University Childcare and Finance Adviser, Jackie Brophy, explains how she can help students with children find childcare and funding for their postgraduate degree.
Being a mother of two myself, I understand that studying while raising children can be a challenge at times. But at Birmingham City University there is plenty of help and support available to help you achieve your goal.
My role at Birmingham City University is Childcare and Finance Adviser and I sit within the Student Affairs team. I started my BA part time when my youngest was just two years old so often I can empathise with students who have children.
What do students ask?
- If I have children can I study for a degree?
- What am I entitled to?
- Can I afford to study?
- Will I have the time?
- What support is available?
- Are there any student-parent groups?
Just some of the issues and problems students can experience include:
- Delayed funding
- Finding childcare
- Access to money
Answering these questions and finding resolutions to these problems is where I come in. I understand that finding the right childcare and financial support can be the difference between studying and not studying for a degree.
Helping students to find childcare and sources of funding plays a big part in my role. I can assist with tax credits, benefits, the university hardship fund and more. I also enjoy working with the Students’ Union on “Student-Parent Events” throughout the year, supporting students with families.
Reassuring students that they can do it gives me great pleasure as Childcare and Finance Adviser. I can also assist students with their funding issues and I have good links with the NHS Bursary team and the Student Loans Company.
If you have a question or a query, you can find out more at the Postgraduate Open Day!
