To go to university again?

[hopelessandhopeful]

I am married with 3 DCs aged 5 and under. I have a university place for September 2019.

I'm currently a SAHM, DH earns 21k as of last month, for years it has been around 19k. We rent and just got our first car in February. We have about 12k debt. We both have degrees, but I need another one to do a degree which will enable me to work in the NHS and also independently if I wanted to.

AIBU to prolong our debt status by going back to university, graduating when our DCs will be 10, 9 and 7?

I can't decide whether it is best to do it now and get it out of the way, or do it later when it's more convenient. The catch is, our youngest doesn't go to school until 2020 and even with the 30 hours, RTW now when I've had a long career break to a decent wage will be difficult. Unless I go full time I won't be able to work in my previous sector, so I am left with very little prospects unless I give up my time with my DCs.

So, AIBU going to uni?

The benefits system is for people who need it and there are so many people bit getting the help and support they really desperately need, it isn't so people can choose to do an additional degree having not used their first and not even delay it by a couple of years ago children are in school and they've saved to cover some of their expenses. Also If this was a man expecting what OP is expecting of her DH, but of his wife MN would be up in arms.

Fash84, I agree.

Given all the jobs listed that can be done with the first degree yet nothing came of that interest, then it's highly likely that the second will go the same way. Plus there seems to be no work ethic whatsoever.

Added to that with no dependants or commitments, the OP only managed a 2.2 the first time then realistically will it be worth anything anyway?

You could have a better life as you claim now but opting out of work, failing to use your existing degree and three children don't match that.

*not getting the help
*Until children are in school

I want to make it clear I am very very much in favour of a welfare system, but this doesn't seem to meet the purpose for which it exists

Sounds like you’ve done lots of planning and know what you’re about. Is SLT something there is consistent demand for in NHS? Also once you’re at uni look into hardship funds - sometimes they are underclaimed and can help.

If you are likely to be reliant on Universal credit when you start Uni then you need to know that it's not great for students in that your loan is classed as income for the period it is meant to cover. this is a very different system to tax credits.

If you're on about the severely autistic 4 year old who got high rate mobility then that has nothing whatsoever to do with OP's situation.
'Only a 2:2'?! I say this as someone with 2 firsts and an MSc with Distinction but how condescending.
I failed an A level once who'd have thought. I have matured since then, it happens.
True there are options to lecture sociology for instance, which would pay more than an entry level SLT. But if the student finance is there then why not?

And kids don't get refused for DLA because some mothers go to university.

I said nothing about her grade. I've recruited graduates with 2:2s in criminology who are now in senior positions at the MOJ

She's been once already, she could wait a couple of years and contribute some of the money herself, or help her partner pay some of their debt. She might find of she uses the degree she has she finds an interesting career. She might do another three year degree and again device there are no jobs she wants. Where should it stop?

Ideally she should focus on paying some debt first. The thing is about 'losing time with the kids' is that this is beneficial later down the line.
It was another poster who commented on the 2.2
I understand what you're saying about idealising another job when she's not using the first degree and in the meantime this is a good idea. Then to do the SLT course in 2020, which is not too far off.

I have to agree with everything posted by FASH84.

I’m surprised you get another student loan tbh! Only as I know someone who is doing medicine as a graduate and neither she nor any of her course mates have managed to get a second loan.

But, if you can afford it and your dh is happy to be breadwinner while you do it, then I would say go for it. I’m sure you’ve checked out the jobs market for when you do graduate, but that would be a big factor for me. I have a degree which hasn’t been terribly useful to me so far either, so I’m looking at retraining. I would only do a whole new degree if I was fairly sure I could get a job with it.

Is there an Open University course that you could go on to start with to boost your education to make the university courses shorter one
but if not for my point of view if you can afford it then go for it but bear in mind the extra expense of child care and what happens on days when childminder can't make it and you have exams etc

RCSLT are currently also supporting the development of an apprenticeship route into the profession. If you were to hang fire a few years this could perhaps be an option for you? Maybe look for a job as an SLT assistant or technician in the meantime? Or something education/health based to gain experience?

www.rcslt.org/governments/apprenticeships

Come on then, name one job I could have walked into with a Criminology with Forensic Science degree that would have allowed me in without any work experience in the field, over other experienced candidates in the field?

Yeah, thought not.

Is there an Open University course that you could go on to start with to boost your education to make the university courses shorter one
but if not for my point of view if you can afford it then go for it but bear in mind the extra expense of child care and what happens on days when childminder can't make it and you have exams etc

There's no loan for these, you have to pay for them. I'm currently paying for an online Access Course which is 1100, because my degree is over 5 years old. I don't need to boost my education as I already have a degree, i just need to show evidence of working to Level 3 (A Level standard) in the last 5 years to enter uni. :)

Plus I have debt, so it wouldn't be wise to do this Access Course, then an OU course for no reason, then do the degree, and still have to do the 3 years.

I do think you'd be wise to sort some debt out first though OP otherwise you're just getting deeper into it which is going to make it like digging uphill even with a FT SLT job. Have you looked into job opportunities in your area post qual?
I had a few friends get into Midwifery either to drop out or not work after qualifying because the reality was very harsh. Just make sure it won't be you, working at all with three kids so close together is going to be very hard.

You sound very clued up and determined so I say go for it. Having a calling is the key factor here. As long as that's true and you stick at it, then yanbu, and with all the factors you've outlined (finances, geography, family) this seems like a sensible option. No point flogging away at criminology when it's a bad fit for you.

I don't think you should totally dismiss your first degree. I studied History and similar to criminology it's not exactly vocational but it has allowed me to be a high earner. Maybe studying a masters would be more pragmatic.

OP ! I’m doing the same course in September ! Is it the MSC or BSC, that your doing ?

FASH84 What ?

RCSLT are currently also supporting the development of an apprenticeship route into the profession

Yes, but you would get less pay in comparison to a qualified speech and language therapist.

Is there any opportunity for your DH to get a better paid job ?