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Original poster

To do a Masters while working full time as a lone parent?

115 replies

Namechangelikeits1999 · 24/08/2025 12:28

I'm a lone parent, 2 DC, one about to start high school and one going into Y9. I work full time term time only. My DC are fairly independent and support the idea.
I think this might be the ideal time to finally do my MSc. It would be done in 12 months if I can manage it. Therefore finished before Y10 exams etc for eldest.
I can't drop work hours because of finances, I don't particularly want a student loan either.
Am I completely mad? Anyone done it and have tips?

OP posts:
Iwantsandybeachesandgoodfood · 24/08/2025 12:42

I think it depends on the needs of your children and your situation. I did a masters when my children were young and I was working full time but it only worked because my husband picked up the bulk of the childcare/cooking etc. At your children’s age do they need much in terms of practical things? As in, could you work for a few hours most evenings or do they need ferrying to rugby and swimming? With it being all online I think you have a better chance.

sonjadog · 24/08/2025 12:41

Are there any courses where you can take it part time over 2 years? I think a full time MA on top of what you are doing sounds like a lot, but if you could stretch it over 2 years, it should be doable.

Original poster
Namechangelikeits1999 · 24/08/2025 12:40

chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:38

Ah I see, which uni if you don’t mind me asking?

The nearest two that offer an accredited, fully online course over 12 months are Man Met and Uni of Bolton. Do you know anything about these unis?

OP posts:
alphabetti · 24/08/2025 12:39

I did a law degree part time (over 4 years) as a lone parent working x4 full days. Kids were primary school aged throughout. I finished work 4.30 and drove to the uni (40min drive) and attended lectures 6-9pm x2 evenings. Would study as much as i could evenings and weekends. It paid off as got a 2:1 but was exhausting. If you think it’s likely to increase earning potential in future go for it but if not i’d maybe wait until they older

chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:39

Outhouses 😵‍💫 meant to say enough hours in your spare time lol

Original poster
Namechangelikeits1999 · 24/08/2025 12:39

FlatErica · 24/08/2025 12:38

Is it properly accredited?

Yes I'm only looking at accredited options

OP posts:
chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:38

Ah I see, which uni if you don’t mind me asking?

FlatErica · 24/08/2025 12:38

Is it properly accredited?

chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:37

Namechangelikeits1999 · 24/08/2025 12:33

It's all online, it says pre-recorded so you can do it in your own time. I have assumed that means I can attend around my work hours.

Ok that’s probably more doable then, but you must check first aS you don’t want to start and find out it’s not achievable if you’re working. What is the contact time? Are there e outhouses in your spare time to do the online stuff and the assignments on top of the guided learning online?

Original poster
Namechangelikeits1999 · 24/08/2025 12:36

chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:34

… also consider what you want to do a masters, is it to then continue to PhD because you can do a PhD without a masters (I did and so did many of my friends), plus PhDs often come with a stipend so like an income and it’s tax free, well much of it would be anyway (did mine 25 years ago so not that up on them albeit I still work in HEI research phds are not really in my remit these days

It is a conversion course (psychology) so needs to be done before anything else

OP posts:
Btowngirl · 24/08/2025 12:35

My wife is due to finish a masters in October which she’s done over 2 years. Admittedly not a lone parent but 1 year in I gave birth to dd2 and dd1 was 2 when she started. Also works full time. I think given the age of your children it’s definitely possible ! To be honest she has done it after the kids are in bed & then weekend lectures online with some face to face weekends. The whole thing has minimally impacted our family life to be fair!

chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:34

… also consider what you want to do a masters, is it to then continue to PhD because you can do a PhD without a masters (I did and so did many of my friends), plus PhDs often come with a stipend so like an income and it’s tax free, well much of it would be anyway (did mine 25 years ago so not that up on them albeit I still work in HEI research phds are not really in my remit these days

Lemonsugarpancake · 24/08/2025 12:33

How will you complete it in a year if you're working full time?

Original poster
Namechangelikeits1999 · 24/08/2025 12:33

It's all online, it says pre-recorded so you can do it in your own time. I have assumed that means I can attend around my work hours.

OP posts:
chunkybear · 24/08/2025 12:30

How will you attend lectures /tutorials etc if you’re working?