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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Masters degress

29 replies

Katkins1 · 31/10/2013 00:44

Hi

I'm looking for some advice on MA study, for myself. I'm a lone parent with one DD, 6. I've fought really hard (depression, PTSD, the whole uni system in general) and now I'm in my final year. I've been offered a conditional place of 2.1 degree to do an MA next year. This is something I want more than anything, because I want to teach in HE. I'm applying for all of the funding I can think of (scholarships, loans, everything) because I'm not able to self fund, and plan to get a p/t job in May, as soon as my course finishes.

I know it's going to be hard, and funding is competitive, but I'm determined to do this. I feel as though I have come so far, too far to give up now, but I wondered if anyone has been there and done this, or has any advice at all?

Thanks.

OP posts:
PiratePanda · 05/11/2013 19:18

Note, I did say I would have to scale back when he went to school; I'm not being unrealistic. I'm also definitely not having another child, and I have a truly awesome job. In my previous job (Russell Group but insane workload) I probably would have gone into something else by now. So I am lucky. But I also think we underestimate how much flexibility we do have in comparison with other jobs.

Katkins1 · 05/11/2013 20:37

Say cool, yes, I have a first by default, not design, for second year, though third year is really, really hard, isn't it?! I'm pretty stubborn, and sleep deprived right now.

Upthe chimney, I want to research in semiotics, I think its quite a contemporary field, but by the time I get to PHD level it will be so different, I'm sure. There are so many different views on here, all well worth reading. I've studied Drama for the past three years, you'd be surprised how often this "Bullying is rife, corporate values over-ride everything, and the day-to-day pressures make it hard to find the head-space to do research" chimes with me already, crazy spaniel! Thank you for being so honest.

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Joy5 · 09/11/2013 23:04

Only just seen this post.

Started a MA just over a month ago, and i'm so glad i did! Can't say how hard its been, been out of education for a long time, but enjoying it more and more. Getting into a routine now, going back to studying is hard, so if you're in your last year of a degree, you'll not have that hurdle to face.

Had serious depression in the last five years, sudden death of my eldest son, followed by the end of marriage, and due in the family courts in January to sort the finances, plus the understandable problems of my youngest 2 sons to everything, so understand your concerns over that.

Having deadlines and work to do at home, has given me new stress though. The sort of stress thats ok to have, that hard work and determination help you to cope with.

On a really low income, and having to fund myself to do this, but sold everything i could over the summer, had so many toys, clothes etc that my boys had grown out of, stopped using so managed to get the first years funding, and studying means i'm not spending money so trying to save for the second years funding.

If you afford it, and sort childcare, i say go for it! If nothing else, studying occupies your mind, have to be strict and keep stopping myself from being lost in my thoughts, but after almost a semester, i think its the best thing i ever did. :)

Katkins1 · 30/11/2013 00:09

Hi Joy, I've only just seen this. Thank you for that, nice to hear such positive comments about it.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, though. I hope that you are proud of yourself for doing what you are now :)

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