How doable is studying for a full-time Masters with a 1-year old?

[MelliehaBay93]

Is it possible to juggle a full-time Masters course with a 1-year old child?

I know it's difficult to answer without knowing my individual context.

I have a dh who is willing to support as much as he can and we also have one pair of grandparents who are able to help when needed.

Can anyone who has studied a Masters whilst having a toddler at home share their experiences please?

I'm really tempted to apply for a MSc course as I wish to change my career. I also think it would give me a strong sense of identity back...but I'm not sure if I'm being unrealistic?!

My friend switched to a part time masters over 2 yrs and found it more manageable. She had 3 boys 3 - 7yrs, a partner and live in grandparents but still found the one yr masters too demanding with the extra adult help that she had. She found the pace very intense with the extra reading, assignments and exams over a year. The part time masters gave her more breathing space and she didn't feel that she was neglecting her family either.

I did a 2 year part time masters between DC1 and DC2 whilst working 4 days - was doable but yes needed DH onside to support particularly in the run up to dissertation submission

I used to go to the university library quite a bit near the end to have quiet time to get stuff done

Mainly I first found it hard to get back into the academic mindset - writing structured long docs, referencing etc - yet feel that I was pretty motivated to get it done and spend time with DD1 so that helped

Would say go for it!

Are you working as well as studying? Will you have any regular childcare? If you have childcare and are not working then it is probably easier than a full time professional job as there is more flexibility about when you study (although there will be ‘pinch points’ when you have assessments due).

If you are trying to work and cover childcare yourself then would definitely advise part time. I did my MSc part time with part time work and two school age kids and started my full time doctorate when my DC3 had just turned one.

Do you mean studying full time rather than working? If so I cannot see why this would be a problem.

I mean it’s doable but it’ll be hard!
Assuming you will put the baby in childcare?

Doing it part time over 2 years could also be a good option to consider as PP have said

I am studying a full time Masters, (but over 2 years because I will be on placement for 100 days each year). It has been intense, but because of having to go on placement from
Feb I’ve had to complete so far 4 assignments, I have a 48 hour open book exam coming up, and another 2 assignments before I start my placement. Although my toddler is almost 3 and is in nursery when I’m in Uni (also have a 7yo). I have also been working as a casual night care assistant working Friday’s and Saturday’s most of the month. It is definitely doable if you really want it. However I am dreading starting placement as it will be 9-5 Monday-Friday and I don’t see how I can pick up weekend night shifts if I’ve already been working all week, but our finances as a family is going to suffer badly for those 5 months. But I just keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end.

good luck with whatever you decide to do x

I started a MSc whilst working a full time in my office job (degree apprenticeship). My children were 3.5 and 11 months. Partner not living with is, all on me.

I found it fine but I didn’t really want to do it and wasn’t bothered about grades, since it was already a very good university.

I didn’t go above and beyond and read hardly anything. Got a 2:1.

Yes, you will be fine with the circumstances outlined as you have help. Obviously don't go crazy and do a subject which requires loads of studying or crazy work placements.

Edit to add, I also did a full undergraduate with children. I’ve met other people with children who’ve done courses, I think the hardest part is juggling travel and childcare because that’s what disadvantages you

My sister in law managed to do a masters over 2 years when her kids were 2 and 4. She also worked 3 full days and went uni 1 day and 1 weekday studying alongside evenings and weekends when needed. My brother works from home few days a week so that helped and my parents helped with kids as they live locally so had youngest often. Now earns more in new job, is local and doesn’t need to travel far so can do school drop off and pickups so has worked out for them. Go for it!