Good info Pixie- I'm sure I can apply for these- I mean I'm granted citizenship, (not PR, not student visa)....the reason I'm paying international fees would be the 3-year rule, having just landed....will read through the UKM Guide again to try and make sure whether there could be financial 'net' in case things go wrong .....

thanks monkey- I have not received my passport yet but have received UK citizenship approval based on descent. I doubt "no recourse to public funds" will therefore be stamped into my passport but will just have to wait and see. I mean if I'm a UK citizen then I'm assuming I will have access to public funds/ assistance- if eligible (& if required)....regardless of how long I've been a citizen for..... right?.

I do know I have to pay international fees though, due to the requirement to have been in the country for 3 years prior, to qualify as a 'home' student.

Need some urgent advice/ pointers:
a)- recently granted UK citizenship (by descent) & currently applying for a masters in either Scotland/England (international student fees DO apply),
b)- land in UK before 1st semester, but haven't decided exactly when,
c)- study options either full time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).

Busy finalising household budget for 2011/12:
1. financial obligations are fairly obvious, but unsure of where there may be some relief in the short term while I study (as they apply to my circumstances) e.g.- eligibility for welfare/state benefits, student loans, housing/rent allowance, etc. ?
2. this may be different depending on FT or part-time study ?