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Trade Unions

Trade union discount

Please note that the 10% discount is no longer available for new students.

If you are a current undergraduate student who is returning in 2023-24 and you have previously received this discount during your current studies, please apply as part of your re-enrolment process.

Students must reapply each year once you have re-enrolled onto your course.

How to apply

  1. Re-enrol onto your course. Fees are taken at this stage and discount will be applied after you have been confirmed eligible.
  2. Fill in this online trade union discount form to ensure we have your correct details.
  3. Request that a member of staff at your union at Birkbeck to verify your membership details.

FAQs

  • How can I apply for the discount for 2023-24?
    • Please note that the discount is no longer available for new students.
    • If you are a current student who is returning in 2023-24 and you have previously received this discount during your current studies, please apply as part of your enrolment.
    • Students must re-apply annually once you have re-enrolled onto your course. You will have to pay some fees upon enrolment and discount will be applied once this has been completed.
    • Further details of the eligibility criteria and steps to follow to re-apply for the 10% discount for members of a TUC-affiliated trade union for 2023-24 can be found on the Trade Union details page.
  • How do I get my membership status verified?
    • A contact from your union will need to within 28 days of enrolment with your: full name, membership status, membership number, and length of membership so that your discount can be applied.
    • Members are responsible for contacting their union themselves to make the necessary arrangements. Anyone from within your union who has access to its membership systems can do this for you, and the confirmation email must come from a recognised union email address in lieu of a signature. Your union’s Head Office may be best placed to assist if you do not have a contact at your union. Details are available on the TUC's website.
  • If I apply for the discount, what information is shared between Birkbeck and my union?
    • When applying for the discount, you are asked to give consent for your union to share the relevant information required by Birkbeck to confirm your membership and authorise your discount, as some unions require your explicit consent in order to pass this information on.
    • At the request of a Trade Union we will share the total number of members accessing the discount. Any further data provided will be in aggregated form. We no longer share identifiable personal data with Trade Unions.

Information for union learning officers

Birkbeck's Access and Engagement team work closely with trade unions to identify groups of mature learners who may benefit from higher education and offer them targeted pre-entry support and information, advice and guidance to help them to take the next step.

We would like to work with trade unions to:

  • help demonstrate the importance of lifelong learning and the benefits of higher education to the workforce
  • identify sectors or roles who may be affected by increased automation or restructuring who do not currently have a formal qualification at level 4 or higher
  • enable workers to return to education in order to adapt and move up in their careers
  • better understand the journeys and challenges faced by workers and those supporting them, in order to help inform our provision.

We can do this by collaborating on existing provision as well as providing targeted outreach and information, advice and guidance support. To discuss outreach opportunities with your union, branch or employer, please .