At the Open University, if your household income is below the threshold (£28,065) you get a significant amount of financial support and grants. I can see Distance Learning and part-time education really picking up in the next couple of years. Total cost of an OU degree is approx £3,600 and you can take just about as long as you like depending on the subject. Many of the degrees are recognised by proffesional bodies and by the looks of it you'll even have access to student loans*
I really should start working for the OU...
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Government confirms details of loans for part timers | Platform | Open University