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Original poster

Is it too late to do a degree?

25 replies

HighlandWorrier · 20/12/2018 18:35

At 43 I am considering doing a degree in music. Never had the opportunity when younger then kids came along. Now feel I have the discipline to see it through and am excited by the prospect. Till DH puts a downer on me and says I've left it too long etc. Is he right or is it never too late to learn which is how I feel?

OP posts:

TrollTheRespawnJeremy · 20/12/2018 18:37

When you say a degree in music- do you mean doing it at a conservatoire?

Can you read music/play an instrument already?

themagicamulet · 20/12/2018 18:38

Of course it's not too late! I did a second degree in my forties and am hoping to start a PhD in my fifties

fresh · 20/12/2018 18:38

I'm 59 with no first degree. I completed a Masters this year. Don't let anybody tell you you can't do it! It's never, ever, too late. If I can do it, you can

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Higher education

bertielab · 20/12/2018 18:39

Go for it!

XmasPostmanBos · 20/12/2018 18:41

Where would you do it? Have you any plans for what you would do with the qualification?

donajimena · 20/12/2018 18:43

No. I'm 46 and doing one. I am doing a vocational degree though.

Cornishmumofone · 20/12/2018 18:45

I think one of the biggest factors nowadays is the cost. If you can afford to pay tuition fees, any additional course costs, commuting, childcare etc whilst not having your current income then go for it... But if it's just because you're interested and it's not part of a career plan then you might find that the £27k might be better spent on some great music tuition and other courses.

Villanellesproudmum · 20/12/2018 18:46

During my degree we had a 72 year old and lots in their 40s.

llangennith · 20/12/2018 18:46

Started a physics degree at 41 (no previous qualification in it) and followed it with a PGCE. But decided teaching wasn't for me. Went back to the well-paid job I loved and didn't use my degree but never regretted taking the time out to get it. I'm 67 now and retired (apart from looking after DGS the last 11 years).
I'm very proud of my degree and enjoyed doing it.

OllyBJolly · 20/12/2018 18:46

I did a first degree straight from school. I've completed two Masters degrees since I turned 40. I was a far better student than I was at 17- more focussed, more diligent and far more receptive. The results were also much better!

Go for it!

Original poster

HighlandWorrier · 20/12/2018 18:47

Yes been playing piano by ear since age 5 then decided to learn to actually read music. Currently going through my ABRSM grades and doing well. I fancy either teaching or going into music therapy but something that involves music as it's the only thing I've even been any good at. Think DH feels I am trying to get out of going back to work even though raising two kids is no walk in the park as many of you will agree!

OP posts:

JockTamsonsBairns · 20/12/2018 18:49

My uncle went to Glasgow university for the first time at the age of 79, and graduated with a 2:1 in Computer Science at the age of 83! He was (obviously) the eldest in his tutorial group by a good 50 years, but he was very conscientious and perfectly capable of keeping up. I think he might even have been Glasgow University's oldest student - I'm not sure, I might have made that up!

Go for it!!

Pinky333777 · 20/12/2018 18:53

Certainly not too late. I'm approaching 40 and would love to look into doing a degree in 3 years or so once my kids are in preschool.
I've got another 25/30 years of work ahead of me.
Why not better myself and have brighter career prospects?

Shepherdspieisminging · 20/12/2018 18:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OpalIridescence · 20/12/2018 18:55

I finished a degree last year in my mid thirties. There were a few around my age and six that were in 40s and 50s.

No one cares, if you love it then do it.

Shepherdspieisminging · 20/12/2018 18:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Rshard · 20/12/2018 19:00

Definitely go for it, I’m starting a degree in January and will be 45 in February. I can’t wait.

Original poster

HighlandWorrier · 20/12/2018 19:02

Thanks everyone you guys are far more encouraging than DH. Glad I posted was needing some reassurance it wasn't a totally ridiculous idea

OP posts:

donajimena · 20/12/2018 19:13

Its not a silly idea at all. I was an average school student (read: spent too much time drinking cider in the park) I am so much more focused and I've surprised myself with my results so far. Way above average! Go for it.

XmasPostmanBos · 20/12/2018 19:19

I think the advice above re music grades (obviously check with your own uni too) will give you a good guide as to whether its worth going ahead. Its a high standard and if you have the ability to play at that level it would be a shame not to use it for something.

continuallychargingmyphone · 20/12/2018 19:21

I think if your family need the money it’s a silly idea(sorry)

couchparsnip · 20/12/2018 19:23

Never too late. If you can afford it then do it. My Great Aunt completed her Masters in classics in her 80s, she was a determined lady!

bigbluebus · 20/12/2018 19:27

One of the people my DS shares a house with at Uni is doing a music degree (2nd yr) and he's 42.

Janecon · 20/12/2018 19:36

I'm in my 50s and really want to do a degree in Classics. At the moment I'm finding the prospect of the cost daunting - it would use up all my savings. If you want to do it and can afford it you should. You're not too old.

SocksRock · 20/12/2018 20:10

My Mum is halfway through her phd. She'll be 70 next year.

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