Would the army help me achieve a computer science degree whilst in service?

Frank R.

CPT Operator

Hi,

Thanks for your message.

The Armed Forces has numerous schemes to support your own personal and professional development.

I can talk from personal experience (as I am soon looking to do a BSc in ICT in the very near future).

Every Soldier will be entitled to SLCs (Standard Learning Credits) which is a yearly payment (if claimed) of £175 for any course/certification you would like to do. This doesn't rollover into the follow year and doesn't stack (i.e., you can't save them up).

SLCs are not really suitable towards a degree, and that's where ELCs (Enhanced Learning Credits) come in, which you are eligible for after 6 years of service. These come in two tiers. Lower tier, is after 6 years of service, and is a £1000 payment, every year, for 3 years. This would help greatly towards a degree.

After 8 years of service, you become eligible for the upper tier. Which is £2000 per year, for 3 years (this is the one I am using myself).

Additionally, some universities have bespoke degrees that are tailor made for Army personnel, that take into account the training (trade or career courses) and experience you will have likely gained in your career in the Armed Forces, and count this as RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). Meaning you won't have to study for as much to get the degree.

These universities also offer distance and blended learning and take into account the likelihood of you being away at times, and are flexible in submission of work (as long as you keep them informed).

The prices are also cheaper, Staffordshire University offer a FdSc in ICT for £3750. Which when you take into account ELCs, that leaves £1750 to pay (a huge amount cheaper). Then to top up to a full degree is another two instalments/years at £2250 per year. Using 2 x ELCs (£2000) each. Gaining a full degree for just over £2000. Just from being in the military.

Don't get me wrong, it's going to be a lot of study. But it will be worth it.

Hope that helps.

Kind Regards,

Thursday, October 19, 2023

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