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Higher education

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

Original poster

Distance learning MA course with 3 DC under 5

28 replies

jemart · 08/11/2009 23:20

I have found a taught masters course that I really want to do, it is mostly via e-learning and can be studied part-time over three years. BUT I have 3 DC's all under 5 years old. Am I utterly insane to even consider doing this?

OP posts:
rasputin · 08/11/2009 23:22

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TeenyTinyToria · 08/11/2009 23:22

Yes.

TeenyTinyToria · 08/11/2009 23:24

Sorry, didn't mean to be too blunt, but really it is! I have 2 DCs under the age of 3, and wouldn't even consider starting something like this. But if you want a challenge, go for it!

rasputin · 08/11/2009 23:24

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Original poster
jemart · 08/11/2009 23:25

Also I need to justify to DH that it is worth doing.

OP posts:
Original poster
jemart · 08/11/2009 23:26

MA Archaeology and Heritage Management

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rasputin · 08/11/2009 23:28

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Original poster
jemart · 08/11/2009 23:45

DH is reluctant about the whole idea but reckons I'd be better off re-training altogether and doing Law instead. He is concerned for my employability.

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TheFallenMadonna · 08/11/2009 23:49

Do you work? I studied part time before mine went to school, and it was marvellous. I loved it.

MarsLady · 08/11/2009 23:55

Yes you're insane but when you get to the end you'll be so proud of yourself and so full of joy.

I did a BA(Hons) with 5 DC. You have no idea how proud of myself I am. I got my 2:1. I know that I could've had a first if RL and children's things didn't get in the way. But I'm so so glad that I did it. So go for it!

Original poster
jemart · 09/11/2009 00:01

I am currently a SAHM - DS is only 8 months old. On the one hand I can't face leaving him to go back to work just yet, on the other hand I am sooooo bored.

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TheFallenMadonna · 09/11/2009 00:04

Oh best time to start then . I started just as DD turned one. Finished just after she started school. Really, one of the best things I've done. In and of itself.

Original poster
jemart · 09/11/2009 00:12

I want to do this course because it meshes well with my undergraduate degree and because it sounds interesting. My DH's thinking is that study for its own sake is a waste of time and money and that I need to have a career goal in mind when selecting a course.

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TheFallenMadonna · 09/11/2009 00:15

DH suggested my course as a matter of fact. He said, you're always being rude about psychologists. If you do the course you'll at least be arguing from a position of strength. He was right

Do you actually want to be a lawyer?

Original poster
jemart · 09/11/2009 00:33

Do I want to be a lawyer? hmmmmm well as an undergraduate I was offered a place to study Philosophy with Law, but chose to do Heritage instead.

I did used to quite like the idea but looking at the online prospectus now, it does seem rather dry and boring.

However, with Law it would be easier to get a job on graduation. I want to work in a museum/heritage setting. Getting a job in my field of interest is quite tricky if you can't or don't want to relocate.

OP posts:
scottishmummy · 09/11/2009 00:42

it can be done with organisation,routine and support from dp

when choosing any course id always advise employability upon graduation.if you are solvent then yes study for interest.however if you need the PG to change income,pay mortgage then chose wisely.

tadjennyp · 09/11/2009 01:35

I did my MA by research part-time and had both dcs while doing it. It was really hard work but well worth it from many points of view. However I now live in the US and there is not much call for Germanists here!

rasputin · 09/11/2009 10:19

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tadjennyp · 09/11/2009 16:38

Agree with Rasputin.

madwomanintheattic · 09/11/2009 16:50

i changed my BA half way through, because although it had good employment prospects and i was doing well, it bored me rigid.

so, now i do a lot of 'studying for its own sake' alongside attempting to keep up my motherly duties. it'a bit mental tbh. another mner likens studying with small children to 'trying to hold a skyscraper together with blu-tac in a tornado', which i think sums it up perfectly.

who knows, i may even end up in a real job one day, instead of part time 'fit in' jobs that are handy for everything else!

Original poster
jemart · 09/11/2009 18:24

I agree with rasputin too, just need to convince my DH! I have promised him I will research career outcomes and settle on one I want to aim for - allowing that this may change by the time I graduate.
Anyone got any career suggestions for me?
My BA is in Visual Arts & Heritage.

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Original poster
jemart · 15/11/2009 14:17

Have bounced the idea off a few friends and am now considering a PGCE with a view to teaching secondary or post 16. Anyone got any experience of this?

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twopeople · 28/11/2009 10:26

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liftmeup · 28/02/2010 21:51

hello, I am so tempted by this also. My dd is 4, and ds is 2. I have a undergraduate degree and am considering doing an MA.
The only things putting me off at the moment is funding. I will need to return to work to pay for it, but the money I earn could help the whole family out. I have also considered a PGCE but am more drawn to the MA in Dramatherapy.
Not sure which way to go...
My only other issue that is clouding my judgement on this is that dd has special needs...

lagaanisace · 28/02/2010 22:11

I'm doing Psychology with the OU and I have three children aged 6 and under, which I know isn't quite the same thing. But on the forums on there there are mothers with multiple children and some are pregnant - some are due very close to exams!

There are times when I would rather be sitting in front of the telly with a glass of wine at night instead of studying, but the whole thing is giving me a wonderful sense of agency. I mean, if I can do this I have a better idea of what I'm capable of.