To be devastated they've withdrawn the course

Being told at what in academic terms is late in the year I can totally see is awful. I hope you are able to find something.

Ok so first up, everything is online now.
90% of the books will be online.

Second of all, even if you went to your local uni, most of the students will have travelled from afar anyway so that’s unlikely to make an impact to uni community life.

Lastly, don’t be disheartened!
Look at other uni’s, don’t let this put you off!
Go for it!

That’s gutting!

If it doesn’t sound like it’ll run again soon, then I’ll definitely look into a different uni.

I was a mature masters student and it was pretty difficult to get involved with the uni life because we all had kids or jobs etc.

We met up during uni time and met up a few times for social events but finding a time when everyone was free was a pain.

How far is the next closest one to you?

Just be aware that there are several levels of SCONUL access each with different permissions depending on the academic level of the applicant. None of them (afaik) give access to the other libraries' electronic resources, such as ebooks and ejournals. It's usually more about being able to use the print resources of the host library on site and have a place to study. If your own university and the host university are part of the eduroam service for access to WiFi, you could potentially access your own institution's e-resources via the host university WiFi service. PhD students can apply to borrow some print materials but I don't think that taught Masters are included for this level. Worth checking it out before relying on it entirely.

Good luck. I hope you can get something sorted.

I'm a good chunk older than you OP and I made amazing friends, older and v much younger, on my masters. Beware the OU if you really want to be at an in person uni. They are not comparable.

YANBU to be gutted. I'm so sorry. I'm an academic (literature, so if that's your area feel free to PM for advice on specifics) and this is happening all over in the humanities. We're being absolutely cut to the bone.

You've had some great advice r.e. SCONUL. I would definitely look at the other courses the uni offers - often the same modules are listed across several MA degrees so those may still run. If e.g. you were going to do a Shakespeare MA and they still run a general English course, you'll likely be able to do the dissertation that you wanted to (unless they are making staff redundant too).

Do look at other nearby institutions. My uni is currently trying to rush a new course onto our books to replace one at another institution that has just closed. You might find close competitors trying to hover up students like you with similar plans. As others have said, most MA students are only on campus for teaching days, so if commuting 1-2 days a week is possible for you, I would look into that.

That’s so disappointing for you. I hope you can find a workable solution.

Have you considered the OU? You won’t be online all day, every day and you can make friends across the study group.

Sorry @LaPetite. I would say don’t dismiss online masters courses outright. They aren’t all created equal and many are very good in terms of striking a balance of learning approach that ensures peer group work as well as solo assignments. I am coming to the end of my MBA all done part time online with Liverpool Uni and there is plenty of support and I’ve never felt worse off for not having to physically attend lectures etc.

Hope you find a solution and good on you for pursuing a masters degree. It’s a hard slog but so worth it!

DH did his MA recently. He lived nearby but many of the other students (most of whom were mature students) came from further away. Teaching was concentrated on 1 or 2 days a week for the first part of the course. And those were also the times when you got to meet your fellow students. The later part of the course was even more independent study with tutorials.

How much are you likely to use the uni library? Most journal access is now online - but ensure that you can access them online at home. Many town/ city centre public libraries also have areas for quiet study with wifi etc.

His course nearly didn't run. Some EU overseas students were refused visas at the last minute, so it was on the edge of being viable.

Totally anecdotal but I have heard lots of people saying there is indeed less social connection at that stage, because people already have established and busy lives outside the course.

Would doing it online but being a member of your local University’s library be an option at all?

I really don't want to piss on your chips OP, but be aware that if they're cutting the course they may well also decide to get rid of the resources. Eg journal subscriptions.

It's happened where I used to teach.

Which university is it? There are a lot of academics and support staff on here who may have insight.

SCONUL is indeed a wonderful scheme. If something like this would make the difference it’s worth finding out if you would get access year round or only in certain periods. I’ve worked in libraries that offered both so something to check.

I’m sorry about the course OP. Fingers crossed something works out for you.

Edited to add: might be worth having a chat with your local university library about access even if they’re not in SCONUL. They might have other access options and are often keen to help where they can.

I'm sorry, it's gutting when something you had plans to do is taken away from you.

But from Reading, the other posts you may have other options available to you, it would be reasonable enough to spend tonight being pissed off and upset, chocolate and wine or Pilates and lettuce, whatever floats your boat! Then crack on tomorrow (preferably at work😆😀😀) looking at the other options that people have suggested!!

I'm envious. A masters seems achievable, I have a serious case of brain fog & in no way could cope with the thought!! Let alone actually doing it

When I did a masters the teaching part was only over a couple of days. It could have been commutable, within reason. How much f2f were you expecting, could it really not work elsewhere?

Unfortunately, Masters courses are particularly reliant on overseas students. Those overseas students numbers have dropped significantly in the last couple of years and a lot of Masters programmes are likely to be withdrawn at the moment.

I'm so sorry. I work at a university that is forcing us to cut courses at the speed of light and it's heartbreaking to have to turn down willing and enthusiastic students.

I would look into other options however - you can always use the library and it it's a full time course then you're only looking at commuting September through to April, after that it's dissertation time.

That is sad and you are entirely within your rights to feel distraught. Unfortunately, higher education is going through a crisis right now and you have fallen victim to that.

I really hope you find something that works for you. Learning is a joy.

Oh, that’s shit