How can I fund a second Master’s?

[RibenaColada]

I did an MA in 2013. I’ve now found an MSc that I would like to do (the MA has helped my career not a jot) but because I have the MA I can’t get a postgraduate loan...are there any ways of funding this second one?

A regular personal loan?

I wouldn't recommend it at all, though.

Check out whether there are any scholarships associated with that particular MSc first.

Save up, work while you study?

Working and saving is quite tricky, two pre-school DC who would need nursery (no local family at all). I’ll have a look at scholarships, thanks for that suggestion.

I’m basically stuck in a trap of administrative work which I can’t seem to get away from, despite my MA and lots of voluntary and work experience in the sector I want to be in. It’s very competitive, with three local universities offering courses similar to my MA. Out of the friendship group I made on the course, only one of us is working in the sector, and with no children she’s able to move at very short notice to take up the odd 6 month contract.

Open university?

They offer a 'budget account' where you can pay monthly.

I'm going to PM you.

Could you do it part time or distance learning?

So I’m doing my second masters and funding it through a small inheritance/ savings. It’s not the cheapest nor the most expensive.

And I wouldn’t be doing it if I hadn’t received the inheritance.
Job wise - my first masters did help a lot so slightly different position from you.

My current masters wouldn’t automatically get me a new job - it would help through networking and being able to position myself differently.

So what exactly does this masters do to get you into the jobs you want?

Or is it that there are only short term six month contracts and very few permanent roles on offer at all - at which point a second masters may not address this at all. What is the sector?

sashh - thankyou! I’ve seen your message, I’ll give it a read when DD has her nap

The MSc I want to do isn’t offered by the OU it’s quite specific but it looks great and would build on and add to some research-type work I’ve done in the past. I’ve got a vague idea of working for myself if I do do it.

My previous MA and other work I’ve done is mainly linked to the museums/heritage sector. I’ve done a few admin jobs to pay the bills and done as much relevant voluntary work as I can around childcare. The MA course was interesting and I did well (distinction), but I thought it would open a few more doors than it has done.