Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) at UCP

Study with UCP

When you study with University Centre Peterborough (UCP), you’ll gain an accredited HE module, validated by one of our awarding partners:

• The Open University
• Pearson
• Bishop Grosseteste University (Lincoln)

Courses eligible for LLE funding

The courses listed below will be eligible for LLE funding in the first funding cycle, running from January to June 2027.

We will continue to expand our LLE offer and actively welcome feedback from students and employers to ensure our provision meets real-world skills needs.
You can view the latest UCP LLE course offer on the UCP website.

Support for students studying under the LLE is outlined in our Short Course Handbook, which explains what to expect before, during, and after your studies.

Who is the LLE for?

We expect two main groups of students to benefit from LLE-funded study at UCP:

Upskilling and professional development – CPD offer

For individuals who already hold a degree or HE diploma and want to update or enhance their skills.

• There is no Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) restriction for computing modules
• Ideal for professionals looking to stay current in fast-moving industries
• Example: the 30-credit Applied Artificial Intelligence module, part of our BSc Applied Computer Science

Exploring higher Education before committing

For learners who want to: 

• Try modular or part-time HE study
• Build confidence before committing to a full degree
• Study flexibly alongside work or other commitments

When can learners apply?

From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.

Cost of courses/LLE/Modular study in Jan 2027

• Pearson HN provision is £1500 per 30 credit + registration
• Open University – 30 credits = £2000

Financial support available through the LLE

Eligible learners can access:

Tuition fee loans

• Students can access up to £38,140, equivalent to four years of study
• Based on 2025–26 fee rates

Maintenance loans

• Available for in-person courses and modules
• Designed to help with living costs
• Amount depends on course intensity, location, and personal circumstances

Additional financial support is available for: 

• Students with disabilities
• childcare support

Students will be able to track their remaining loan balance through a personal LLE account, managed by the Student Loans Company (SLC).

LLE Personal Account

What can the LLE loan be used for?

From launch, the LLE loan can be used for:

• Full qualifications at Levels 4–6, including degrees and technical qualifications
• Designated distance-learning and online courses
• High-value technical modules (HTQs) at Levels 4–5
• Level 6 modules (for example, from degree programmes) that align with: 

• priority skills needs
• the government’s industrial strategy

Modular study

• LLE modular funding is available for 30-credit study
• This can be: 

• one 30-credit module, or
• two 15-credit modules bundled together

Learners can study up to 180 credits per year, including across multiple modules or courses.

Understanding your loan entitlement

New learners

New students (those who have not previously received HE funding) are entitled to the full £38,140.

This means students can:

• Spread funding across multiple courses and modules
• Use their entitlement flexibly over time

Example:
If a learner uses £7,000 for a 120-credit course, they would still have £31,140 remaining to use on future learning.

Returning learners

Returning students may have residual entitlement, depending on previous study.

Example:
A typical graduate who completed a 3-year degree (worth £28,605 at current rates) would have a remaining entitlement of £9,535, subject to future fee changes.

Maintenance loans and grants

From January 2027:

• Maintenance loans will be available for all designated in-person courses and modules
• Distance-learning courses will remain out of scope, with existing exemptions continuing

Targeted support grants will:

• Continue for students already eligible
• Be available to new full-time students (120 credits per year or more)
• Include grants for dependants and travel
• Not require repayment

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) will remain available for learners studying 30 credits or more.

Loan repayment

LLE loans will be repaid under Student Loan Plan 5.

• Repayments start once earnings exceed £25,000 per year (before tax)
• This is approximately:
  • £2,083 per month
  • £480 per week

Self funding and employer sponsorship

Students  can also choose to:

• Self-fund their modular study, or
• Be sponsored by their employer

Employer sponsorship offers a flexible way for organisations to upskill their workforce while supporting staff development and retention.

Develop the skills your business needs—now and for the future

• Upskill your workforce
• Flexible and accredited learning for your employees
• Sponsor an employee
• Partner with us and help share future LLE-funded courses 

Contact our Employer Engagement Team today – business.development@ieg.ac.uk 

Register an Interest