Academic Progression urgent question

[Rxlcrab]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and have a question regarding applying for a Tier 4 visa.

I came to the UK to do a Post graduate Diploma in Piano performance at a conservatoire in August 2006, and finished the course successfully in June 2008, after which I applied for and got a PSW for 2 years until December 2010. In September 2010 I applied and gotten a place for a MA in Ethnomusicology, this was based on my BMus result back in New Zealand, where I studied up to an MMus in piano. Unfortunately due to health reasons I didn't pass my MA course, and went back to New Zealand in November 2011 and applied and gotten a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa. Which lasts until January 2014.

I am now just started on a MFA, which is a 7.3 level Masters course, so technically higher than an MA. And I got onto that course on the strength of my MMus degree back in New Zealand. All in all I have studied for 3 years at the Postgraduate level.

My question is, would that be ok for me to apply for a Tier 4 visa if I had not gotten my MA degree, but this MFA is a higher level course anyway, so technically it is Academic progress? The MFA is at a conservatoire as well, so I guess that shouldn't be limited by the cap right? Since I already started my MFA in September , I'd like to be able to keep doing the course, and go on to a MPhil/PhD after it.

Also, I am going home to New Zealand to apply for my Tier 4, so as to not infringe the Tier 5 policy. Is that the correct way to go?

I would greatly appreciate anyone who can help me on this issue.

[sheraz7]

Were you aware that you can study full time even on your youth mobility visa tier 5. And yes for switching into other PBS cateogory like tier 4 you will need to apply from outside.
If you did not hit 5 years degree cap limit and your institute can confirm to UKBA that your course is demonstrating academic progression then hopefully it will work but prefer to join University.