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Original poster

Considering masters, crazy or doable?

36 replies

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz · 01/01/2021 23:54

Posting here for traffic (hope that’s ok).
I’ve been thinking about studying for a masters (most likely part time), however I’m beginning to wonder if this sounds like a crazy idea? Just for reference, graduated in 2008 and haven’t studied since. Have also been a SAHM for about 9 years (2 dc).
How easy is it to get back into study mode after such a long break?

OP posts:
wantmorenow · 02/01/2021 00:02

Go for it. I graduated in 1996, and am 4 units into my pt masters. Loving it and doing okay. Bloody hard work though.

QuestionableMouse · 02/01/2021 00:03

Maybe try a short course online first but I day go for it. I'm currently doing one (which is online only) and while it's challenging to fit everything in, I feel like it'll be worth it.

Batteryislow · 02/01/2021 00:03

Not at all crazy, I did my pgdip while pregs and need to complete the dissertation for the msc but it's been a great experience. What subject/area? Also what uni? I returned to my undergrad one and enjoyed it. Its a bit of work, and good time management but worth it. Hth xx

antidisestablishmentarianism · 02/01/2021 00:08

I started my MBA when dc1 was 1 and finished when he was 5 and dc2 was 1. This was 12 years post graduation. I loved every minute of it. It was part time (very) I studied at night when dc was asleep. I also worked full time with a 60 minute commute each way.

Perfectly doable, particularly if dp is supportive and you don’t care about a messy house!

AlexaShutUp · 02/01/2021 00:11

Of course it isn't crazy. I started a part time master's in 2013 after more than 20 years out of education. Took a bit of adjustment, but graduated with a distinction 3 years later. All juggled with primary aged dc and very demanding ft job, so it's definitely do-able, but you need to be prepared for some hard work.

ivfbeenbusy · 02/01/2021 00:14

What would you actually do with it though??

OneWildNightWithJBJ · 02/01/2021 00:19

Go for it! I graduated in ‘98, did a PGCE 6 years later and a Masters 10 years after that. Had kids by then and studied part-time. It was hard work but I loved studying again.

freakyfairy · 02/01/2021 00:21

I'd go for it...if you have a plan to use it afterwards. Otherwise I would see it as fairly pointless sorry.

louderthan1 · 02/01/2021 00:23

Don't do it unless there's a good reason, like changing career, boosting your earning potential, getting your dream job.

louderthan1 · 02/01/2021 00:24

Otherwise it really isn't worth the stress and cost.

Aprilx · 02/01/2021 00:33

I graduated in 1992, finished professional exams in 1996 and I did a masters in 2018-19. Didn’t have any issues getting back into studying.

Peaseblossom22 · 02/01/2021 00:38

I graduated in 1986, and finished my masters 2 years ago . I did a PG very first partly to get me into the habit of studying again, plus I changed subjects and also to make sure I could manage the logistics . Best thing I ever did

Peaseblossom22 · 02/01/2021 00:39

That should have said PG cert

wonderstuff · 02/01/2021 00:47

I graduated in 2000 and I'm currently on second module of a pt psychology conversion MSc, it isn't easy, but definitely doable, I'm doing okay. I think its key to identify when you have time available, I've reduced work to 3days a week and so have a couple of days clear for studying, I'm needing about 15 hours a week. There are some people doing it and working full time, but I personally don't think I could do that.

I find I have huge anxiety about not being able to understand at the start of each module and then gradually get my head round it and it's all fine. If I wasn't doing a conversion it would probably be easier, but I'm wanting to become a psychologist.

wonderstuff · 02/01/2021 00:48

You can get a student loan to finance a master's too.

Writersblock2 · 02/01/2021 00:59

I’m half-way through my first year of an MFA. I’m 38 and I have w full time job. If you want it badly enough, it’s doable.

ohdearthehouseisburningdown · 02/01/2021 01:07

2nd year of a PT MSC, 2 year old and work full time with a partner who’s also working full time and doing an MSC it’s difficult but we think it’s worth it.

Original poster
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz · 02/01/2021 17:21

Thank you everyone for the replies.
I am hoping to slightly change direction career wise, undergrad is a healthcare subject, but I’ve been veering towards a psychology MSc.

Lots of food for thought, Smile

OP posts:
mindutopia · 02/01/2021 17:37

What are your career plans long-term? There are only so many things you can really do with a Psychology MSc (you can't, for example, be a psychologist). I would think about what you see yourself doing and how necessary the degree is. You may consider relevant work or volunteer experience first to test the waters before you sign yourself up for the expense of an MSc. I teach and supervise MSc students and I also make admissions decisions for our courses (not in psychology though, I should add).

I would definitely want to see relevant work or volunteer experience to show that someone has a demonstrated commitment to the field. You have an undergrad healthcare degree, so that's a great start though. Is there something you could do to get some more experience and see if that's the sort of job you actually want to do.

I think it's very doable, even with children, but it's quite intense, even part-time, so I'd want to be sure you definitely want to do it and definitely want that sort of job long-term before you decide.

Tiltedclone · 02/01/2021 17:40

I’ve just finished a part time masters course (online via Coventry Uni) in occupational psychology. I work part time, have a 3 year old and a husband who up until covid, worked away a lot. It was hard work at times and I had to put in a lot of late nights for assignments, especially when my husband wasn’t here but I’m sure it’s going to be worth it!

FolkyFoxFace · 02/01/2021 17:53

I say go for it. I did a full time Masters whilst working part time some years ago, and although it wasn't "easy" it was fine. PT gives you breathing space. I had been in two minds about a PhD but enjoyed the Masters so much I jumped at the chance!

DH on the other hand worked as a teacher for 15 years and swore off any further qualifications - one day he decided to do a PhD out of the blue and also loved it!

Go for it! If you've got a plan and a good support network, what have you got to lose?

lovelyupnorth · 02/01/2021 17:54

Do it - currently 47 and I the 3rd year of my degree

Gindrinker43 · 02/01/2021 17:55

I graduated in 1995, completed my MSc last year. Studied part time, worked full time and have 2 DC. You can do this,

Truthlikeness · 02/01/2021 18:14

I did a masters 8 years after my undergrad to change career and I've worked in that new field ever since (15 years now).

KarmaNoMore · 02/01/2021 18:22

What subject? You may need a refresher/access course to bring you back into the gist of it.

If a science/tech subject you may need to do an access course if things have evolved in what you want to do.

I would also say that it would also depend very much on how demanding your university is or how well prepared they are to bring you back to speed as a mature student.

Just bear something in mind, if studying PT you will need at least 15 hours of fully focused study, if FT twice as much, which is ok if your kids are all in school but if you have younger ones you will need a nursery or a supportive partner to take over from you on the children front so can study until late at night.