Returning to study as a single parent?

[Marmalade85]

Hi. I currently work full time and have a one year old. The long hours, London commute, extortionate childcare costs and freezing weather are killing me. I'm considering starting an MA and would like to know what funding is available and how tough it is to balance a baby and study?

[Marmalade85]

Hopeful bump

[Fakehungarian]

I'm interested in people's experience of this too as am also considering going back to uni.

I know you can claim housing benefit and child tax credits while you study. Also, they've recently changed the funding system so you can now get a student loan for postgraduate study.

Perhaps contact the NUS. There's also a website called studentparent.co.uk

[spaceyface89]

I can't tell you about funding as I was on maternity leave when I did my masters so I was still getting paid, but i can tell you studying with a newborn was a challenge! Thankfully, my family and friends would take the baby for a couple of hours so I could study and write essays and my dissertation. It probably kept me sane to be honest, after months of singing baby songs! That said, the difficulty was offset by the immense pride I had getting a distinction and going to my graduation ceremony with my baby in tow!

[Marmalade85]

Thank you for your answers. What was your masters in spacey?

[spaceyface89]

Hi,
It's in International Law and Human Rights. I was fortunate enough that they let me study distance so I got lectures and seminars via video link. Lots of courses are offering this now, it's really handy if you're a bit older with other commitments, or like the course but don't want to move etc.

[LeoTimmyandVi]

I went back to full time study in September on a healthcare professionals course. NHS funded do not sure on funding for Masters.

I am lone parent to 2 children and when they are with their dad every other weekend I work. It is hard going I have to say, but I finally seem to be getting in the swing. I have realised that my desire for perfection at Uni and home is unsustainable so I am just trying to enjoy the leavening and do the best I can!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[LeoTimmyandVi]

*learning

[SalemsCat]

I have studied a BA honours degree full time as a LP to 4 dcs. Also worked PT, bloody knackering but well worth it. I've no idea about funding for an MA but I got regular student loan and also some tax credits on top of my (crap!) wage. Money was tight but just about manageable.