Starting MSc as a mature student

[ItsInTheSpoon]

Would I be mad to start an MSc at age 52? (If I even get in!)

Considering doing an MSc part-time over 2 years in Wildlife Conservation. I have a BSc in Animal Science gained at age 21 but haven’t worked in relevant employment (admin instead 😤). Owing to current circumstances I could do this now with a view to working in this field, which really I have always wanted to do.

Has anyone done anything like this?

Part of me thinks it’s crazy but then I still have probably another 15 years of working life ahead, and I really want to work at something I’m interested in (for the first time).

We're just giving this a bump for you, OP.

@LilyMumsnet that’s very kind of you. I did receive three replies when I posted again on “Back to work” but would still like a few more opinions and things to think about.

Not mad at all! Do it, if you can afford it - both literally and timewise/mentally then go for it!

Why not? Do it! I teach an MA and pretty much all of my students are mature.

Good luck!

@Wrongdissection I always overthink and tend to consider worst case scenarios - but fitting in all the work is my main worry - plus I’m nervous about going back into studying after so long.

@CostanzaG what are the main difficulties you see in your mature students?

I work on an MBA programme and all students are mature, have to have a minimum business experience so you definitely wouldn’t be the only one! I realise it’s not the same course but I would imagine it’s common for mature students to take postgrads, for one thing they are often able to afford it. I think you should go for it, even if it didn’t lead to a career change it will definitely be interesting so I would say it’s worth it for that alone

I’m doing my LLM as a mature student (haven’t got an LLB, my undergrad degree is in a different subject) and I’m not gonna lie it isn’t easy to fit it all in with work and other commitments but it is doable for sure, you just have to be disciplined and organised (and capable of pulling an all nighter if you are neither of the above!)

The main issue is returning to academic study...knowing how to write academic assignments can seem daunting if you've not done it for a while.
My advice would be to take full advantage of any academic skills support on offer at your university.

@Wrongdissection is it your hope to get into law? Do you worry about job prospects? I considered it myself but I know too many people who have law degrees and can't get into the field. Do you have an inside track?

@lboogy no I don’t want to work in law. I’m actually a clinician and my LLM is in medical law and it all kind of slots in together with the direction I’m heading as a clinician. And tbh I wanted my masters so I figured I might as well do it in a subject tat interests me and not as an extension to my undergrad subject.

@MustStopSnacking28 yes, I would love the course itself even if it didn’t help me change career successfully.

@Wrongdissection very best of luck to you - at the moment I struggle to sleep so the prospect of all nighters is not so daunting as it once would have been!

@CostanzaG I will use whatever support is available to the full - my original degree was so long ago that the way everything is done now has changed massively.

I started my BA 3 years ago (4 year course) at the age of 53. I would definitely recommend it. The difference with me is that I had to move 150 miles away and leave my DH at home. But I can honestly say its the best thing I've ever done. I've discovered a love of research, have increased my confidence and have learnt so much. I would say, go for it.

@Flowersmakemyday that’s wonderful! Did you study a subject in a field in which you already worked or is it a total change? What are your plans now you are nearing the end? I wish you the very best of luck for your future

I had a big gap between my undergrad and masters, did my BSc handing in handwritten or typed essays, had to use microfiche for newspaper archives, and journals were all on 2 hour loan! Returning and having so many resources instantly available was wonderful, and I've ended up now doing a PhD. Mine have all been different subject areas though broadly social and political sciences.

Go for it. Education is never a waste of time.

I think it's brilliant that you want to develop your skills and knowledge, at whatever age. I think if you consider what you would then be able to put in a CV/covering letter for any new positions, you could really show your enthusiasm and interest in your subject area. I've heard that those who do an open degree from the OU, for example, often get many interested questions about what modules they chose to study when in interview and it's the same for motivation for any area, I think. People are interested in what drives you, and how that could help their business. I did my MSc at 40 (with a toddler!) and I also had these thoughts but it is worth it. I've gained a lot on insight on the industry and my potential place in it (Applied Bioscience). If you do take the study course, I'd recommend keeping a separate record of any major essays/group tasks/ research goals/new found interests or anything that you are particularly proud of, just in a notepad file on your computer or something, it's so much help when writing covering letters and in looking back on your studies for your own reference.

@HardAsSnails my BSc dissertation had to be typed up by a friend (manual typewriter, lots of corrections!) then taken to a copyshop to obtain multiple copies, then to a binder to get 3 bound copies.... all very expensive and time-consuming. I remember microfiche too.

@bikerclaire thank you for sharing your experience - must have been very challenging juggling the workload with a toddler’s needs! Thanks for the suggestion about noting particular achievements - that is a really good idea.