Okay, I should have applied for a university place when ministries council recommended I did a few months back. I didn't. I suppose it was a case of not wanting to tempt fate and my personal thing of not wanting to take a place out of circulation for someone else. I know, I know. Highsight is always 20:20!
So, on a practical level, Edinburgh University is the where I'd like to go. I'm already used to commuting to Edinburgh for work and the other universities are just too far away.
I had thought of applying to Glasgow uni. It's my alma mater and I thoroughly loved my time there first time round. But I'd be looking at a 4 hour (minimum) commute per day. I just couldn't do that and do placements etc I need to do.
Edinburgh uni has no places left. So, looks as though I will have to defer my training for a year. On the bright side, that gives a year to build up a savings fund. I'm sure it's all meant.
Or God may have other ideas and "allow" something to crop up. Either way, I'm not worried, though I think I'll need to think what to do for the next 16 months, until I can begin training...
Well, I'd say that Edinburgh is the only one to consider, but then I'm biased. The problem with Edinburgh is not the Divinity course places, but the limits imposed on the School of Humanities. Might be worth pestering them. Another candidate was in a similar position last year. Talk to 121 and see what the options are.
ReplyDeleteIt might seem like along time to wait, but it'll come round soon enough.
Thanks John
ReplyDeleteI've started the perstering and touched base with 121. I'd rather begin study this year, but if I have to wait, I have to wait. Everything happens for a reason.
All places funded by the SED may have gone, but they will take as many undergraduates as will pay for themselves. Have you tried other funding agencies?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/fees-finance
Keep your name on the waiting list - some always drop out.
Why on earth can't you do a distance learning course or even a part-time masters?
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart
ReplyDeletePart time study for 2 years out of Aberdeen, then transfer to Edinburgh for the final 2 years of the BD divinity course has been given to me as an option. All the "hands on" training for ministry would take place during the last 2 years, as I would have to do the part time study in my own time and wouldn't have time for any training over and above that.
I couldn't do a part time masters as I don't have an appropriate BD is similar. A degree in topographic science, unfortunately, isn't very useful for ministry (though, if a church needed surveyed for an extension or redevelopment, I could be their woman!).
ntkathchat has a point - depending on when you got your degree you may not be eligible for SAAS funding anyway, in which case the CofS pays (or rather, you pay and the CofS refunds it). You may be able to swing a privately-funded place. Worth checking.
ReplyDeleteJohn and ntkathchat
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. I have been told applications have closed. No exceptions. Pity, as I suspect I won't be eligible for SAAS funding.
Ne'er mind, it's all meant.
So far there are only four CofS candidates definitely coming into first year in September to EU. Get in touch with the Principal of New College, David Fergusson, David.Fergusson@ed.ac.uk and explain your predicament. He will know when there are any dropouts.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/divinity/staff-profiles/fergusson
Hi again Ntkathchat
ReplyDeleteThanks for your continued interest with this one. According to 121, the advice from David Fergusson has been to apply for part-time study for the first 2 years, then transfer to full-time for the final two. Again, this wouldn't leave me in a better place than just deferring for a year.
If you would like to get in touch with Professor Fergusson, he would be willing to discuss the options with you directly.
ReplyDeleteDavid.Fergusson@ed.ac.uk
Hi again ntkathchat
ReplyDeleteFollowing your advice, I did contact Prof Fergusson and he has advised me. I'm now waiting for humanities admin to get back to me.
Thanks again for your interest.