Am I too old to do an MSc??

[Burntout01]

Long story short I qualified as a nurse back in the day when it was a Diploma not a degree. The year after I qualified the course became a BSc. I could have stayed on for an additional year to ‘top up’ to a degree but needed desperately to earn money so didn’t.
I then had a chance to top up around 15 years ago, started but had to drop out as was Mum to two SEN kids ( didn’t know about the SEN then and massively beat myself up that I couldn’t juggle it all).
I have always lived studying, originally wanted to be a Scientist ( had an offer from Imperial but didn’t get the A level grades). Always regretted not getting a degree.
Anyhow, have been chipping away doing top up modules self funded and will finally get my degree next summer. Have really enjoyed studying and have seen a remote MSc in a really interesting subject related to my work although unlikely to advance my career although I’m happy with my role so thats not a primary concern.
My question am I mad to do a Masters in my early 50’s, I will have to self funded and it will be around 16k I think.

Why would you have to self fund?

It depends on where and what you study, so not always, but in my case I could do it with my existing professional qualifications, I am however going to be finishing a top up degree by next year as its been such a long time since I studied and needed to know if I would cope.

Read the OP

I’m a nurse ..the nhs funded mine…l did a PG dip ….then topped up to a full MSc

Do it! 63 here, lifelong learner. Currently at college, day release, studying horticulture. You are never too old!

I couldn’t even get funding to do my top up degree. There are two uni modules that they ‘block purchase’ and thats it. Theres very little funding available for any professional development, very different times compared to the first 20 years of my career 😢

Not at all. I completed my MSc at 51

Depends where you live, I reckon I'll be able to get PG finance. I got a student loan to do a PT course a while back, it was bonkers really.

I’m a nurse too and started my MSc in my early 40s. I’m not going to lie it has been bloody hard work juggling a full time job, kids and study and you need a support system around you, but all being well i finish next May and I’ll be really proud of myself.
its been great for my self confidence and has scratched the academic itch I’ve had for a while… there’s no chance ill be doing a PhD though!

I'm an AHP. My manager is on her 2nd MSc since starting her role (maybe 3 or 4 ward ago) and is thriving. An elderly friend of a friend is still studying for MSc (for fun) and had become a professor in their 80s!
You are never too old, especially if you enjoy it and are passionate about your subject.