Anyone returned to university as a parent?

[kkelly82]

Hi there. It’s been over 20 years since I graduated but for a while now I’ve been contemplating the idea of going back to university to do a Masters. I’m ready for a change and want to do something different career wise but I also really like the idea of doing a Masters first to potentially widen the scope of career choice thereafter.
I have two children and a mortgage to pay and so hearing from others who have left their job to return to education would be really useful. How did you manage financially? Is there any specific financial support out there for older adults returning to education? Just knowing generally how you coped in managing both returning to education and having a family would be really helpful.

I did my masters part time and worked part time. That meant I was able to pay the bills. I think there's a topic on returning to education that might have similar threads.

I'm currently doing a part time MSc.

I know someone doing a PT masters, on line, at a proper university. They are doing it over 2 years while working FT.

I started a part time degree while working full time. Got pregnant, carried on the degree while pregnant/mat leave/working part time while dc was tiny. I don't recommend it

is the degree you're looking at related to your employment @kkelly82 or just something that interests you? If the former, I'd have a look at apprenticeships. They're not just for young people/school leavers.

Have a look for apprenticeship masters.

I don't pay for the MSc, I get paid my full salary, and given 1 day a week to study.

https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan

https://www.bbk.ac.uk/

Yes full time MA and full time work! It's a lot.
One pre schooler

Yep, just finishing a Masters. I didn't give up my job though (not an option). I did it part time over 3 years whilst working full time. Just started my new career this week and loving it!

I went to uni full time when I had two young children at school. I did my Masters with the OU while teaching full time. It is all doable but you have to be determined and organised and have support from your partner.