According to research carried out by Abbey Loans, some 200,000 consumers aim to get a personal loan as a means of supplementing their return to the classroom during the next 12 months, with tuition fees and books potentially being some of the areas in which borrowed money is most likely to be spent. Overall, ten million adults (22 per cent of the population) are to undertake an educational course outside of their main job over the coming year.

Research from the financial services firm also revealed that while just over a third (35 per cent) of respondents are going back into education to help them improve their skills and knowledge in relation to their current job, 38 per cent of those surveyed are studying to get out of "the rut they're stuck in" and move into a completely different career. Responses to the Abbey study showed some people wishing to go from a shop assistant to forensic technician, machine operator to lifestyle guru and a scaffolder who is looking to retrain as a feng-shui teacher.

Dipping into savings schemes was shown to be the most popular method in which to meet educational expenses, as some 41 per cent of respondents to the Abbey survey plan to "raid the piggy bank". Meanwhile, 23 per cent of prospective students aim to use a monthly assistance while 18 per cent are looking for financial aid from a government grant.

Commenting on the figures, Paul Morrish, head of Abbey Loans, stated: "With so many of us planning to undertake an extra-curricular course in the next 12 months, it's clear that Britons have a strong desire to keep on learning. It's also great to see that so many people stuck in jobs they'd rather not be in have the will to do something about it while they can."

However, those looking to get a competitive rate of interest on a cheap personal loan they wish to take out, for whatever purpose, could well benefit from having a history of borrowing money. Earlier this year, James Jones, consumer affairs manager for Experian, suggested that by having a "proven track record" on their financial report of regularly paying off credit cards, overdrafts and personal loans, prospective borrowers are likely to be granted a much cheaper loan.

By making "at least the minimum repayments" every month and using credit "wisely", the Experian representative claimed consumers are more likely to prove to financial providers that they are responsible when it comes to managing their money. Mr Jones added that making sure they are registered correctly on electoral rolls is another way of ensuring a healthy credit rating. He suggested that as lenders will check the details of those wishing to borrow money against the information contained on such a document, consumers who do not put the right address or name may well see their financial file is adversely affected.