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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To start a degree at 38?

30 replies

Meralia · 31/01/2019 10:24

Hi all,

I’ve noticed my local college are running a 2 year foundation degree in Psychology accredited by a not so far away uni, you can then do a year top up for the full BSc at the university itself.

I have the qualifications for the degree (Access) and a CertHE, and experience working within the mental health field.

I’ve been out of education for a while, although my access course doesn’t expire, I’ve emailed the admissions advisor and she has said to me that it’s ok to apply.

I have 3 DC, a 17 year old, a 15 year old and a 19 month old. My youngest can go to nursery which isn’t an issue and I have a supportive husband both financially and practically, so don’t have to carry extra burden.

I’m just a bit worried that I’ve missed the boat with regards to age and career prospects after. Anyone else been in a similar situation?

OP posts:
KittyVonCatsworth · 31/01/2019 10:30

No, I don't think it's too late. I started a Masters degree at the same age while working full time. It was tough going and I hugely underestimated the time it would take but it's certainly do-able. You've already thought about the childcare for your little one so as long as you use that time wisely and don't get dragged into doing day to day stuff...I say this as the queen of procrastination!

Good luck x

HalfBloodPrincess · 31/01/2019 10:35

I’ve just started a forensic psychology OU degree at the ripe old age of 37!
You’re not too old at all!

Anecdotally, my mum switched careers at a similar age and qualified as an anaesthetist at 45!

Jackshouse · 31/01/2019 10:37

You will be working until your probably 68 so of course it’s not. Look carefully into the field you want to work in and what other qualifications/experience you will need.

Iblinkedandiamold · 31/01/2019 10:38

I started a BA last year. Only difference for me is I am working in the field already and my DS was almost an adult. Every year for about 5/6 years I said I'd do it but I guess fast approaching 40 made me panic a bit. Grin
I am working full time and doing this online. It's been a hard slog but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Well worth it.

Frosty66611 · 31/01/2019 10:40

My mum did her nursing degree at 44 and was employed straight away when she graduated. It’s never too late

Tattybear16 · 31/01/2019 10:41

Nope my partner did his degree at age 50, you’re never too old, go for it.

thenightsky · 31/01/2019 10:42

I know a lady in her 70s who has just started an English Lit degree. When she was interviewed for the course, they asked her where she saw herself in 10 years and she replied 'still alive, hopefully'. Grin

WhyDontYouComeOnOver · 31/01/2019 10:43

There were people on my PGCE and my initial degree over the age of 60. Two on my Master's were over 70. Go for it.

donajimena · 31/01/2019 10:45

I'll graduate (all being well) at 49. I'm doing it for a career. I might have another 21 years of work to do.

Thehop · 31/01/2019 10:47

My 4 dc are much younger than yours, youngest breastfeeding and I work split shifts. I’m starting a degree this September, I’m 40.

I figure ow or never

juneau · 31/01/2019 10:50

I started a second degree with the OU in 2016 and I'll be 48 when I finish it! Are you or I too old? I really don't think so. We're all going to be working until we're 70 (health permitting), so I could have 22 years of work after graduating and you could much more than that. I know quite a few people who have embarked on new careers in their 40s, so don't let your age hold you back.

ErickBroch · 31/01/2019 10:50

Do it!! My degree course had lots of ages and it sounds like a great opportunity.

skybluee · 31/01/2019 10:51

What do you want to do with it afterwards? the reason i ask is a degree in psychology itself doesnt qualify you for much unless you go on to do postgraduate study and then become accredited. For eg to become a clinical psychologist there is a tonne of further study. I'd seriously look into what you want to do afterwards.

If you want to do it for enjoyment, fine - but do be aware that you will most likely require a lot of further study if you want to go into psychology professionally. It is virtually useless as a standalone degree if that is the field you wish to enter. Good luck.

Disfordarkchocolate · 31/01/2019 10:53

I started a full time degree course when I was that age and with 4 children. I think in Psychology you won't be the only mature student either. Good luck.

Frosty66611 · 31/01/2019 11:05

When I did my psychology degree with The OU I was one of the youngest by far (I was 26 at the time). The majority of the other students were around 35-45

WWlOOlWW · 31/01/2019 11:05

Started my degree 8 years ago aged 37. It's no age really.. do it, otherwise you will regret it.

Shallishanti123 · 31/01/2019 11:10

Do it! I’m doing my masters now and I’m 34. When I started I just wanted to do something for fun/a hobby, but now I think I might actually use it to change career.

sleepwhenidie · 31/01/2019 11:13

No you definitely aren't too old but I'd echo what skybluee said about required qualifications to actually work in psychology. I was considering it myself recently (I'm 46) but would have had to sit A levels in Biology and Chemistry (and get B grades) before starting the MSc to give recognised qualification (and that would only be first level). That would mean nearly 5 years of studying, plus fees of £20k+ when I wasn't 100% sure I want to work in the field, so I decided it wasn't worth it! Be sure about your objective and what jobs/returns there are at the end.

QuestionableMouse · 31/01/2019 11:14

You're only a few years older than me. Go for it, I say.

sleepwhenidie · 31/01/2019 11:15

Sorry - I'm confusing the A levels with Dietetics degree I was looking at! But I did need to do a conversion course before the MSc so it was still an expensive slog for a career I wasn't 100% sure I wanted.

Bloatstoat · 31/01/2019 11:37

I did a degree to qualify as an HCP in my early thirties. Just before I started I was stressing about not starting a career until mid/late 30s, a lovely lady I worked with at the time just asked "How old will you be if you don't do it" - it's stuck with me, as it made me realise time would pass anyway, and I could use the time to get closer to a job I wanted to do or stay where I was and get further away from it. Good luck to you.

PoptartPoptart · 31/01/2019 18:44

I started my 4 year degree last September at the grand old age of 41.
I figured that once I graduate at 45, I still have 20+ years of work ahead of me in my chosen field, so it was definitely worth doing.

Original poster
Meralia · 31/01/2019 19:16

Thank you for the replies. I’m not sure what career I would like to go into yet, I’ve been at home with my youngest and I’m itching to get back to a learning environment. I enjoyed Psychology in my access course and thought it sounded an interesting subject to learn further, and then see where it leads me.

The fact that the local college offers it is ideal (although my 2 teenagers will be studying there also, so not sure how they’d feel about their old mum on campus!).

OP posts:
NymanPerkins · 31/01/2019 19:25

Definitely do it. I’m doing my masters at 55, and getting better results than the 20 year olds. I’ve had no problems making study friends. It’s been nothing but positive. I expect to be working beyond retirement age as long as I’m fit, so coul d have another 15, 20 years.

It’s very empowering.

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