Am I a total nutter?? Thinking about applying for Masters!

[harrisey]

I finish my BA in theology in June, and am seriously considering applying for a 1 year taught masters afterwards (MTh in Biblical Interpretation). It looks like a fab course.

6 taught modules (1 day a week, 8 week terms), taught mainly by student led seminar, each module assessed by a 2000 word formative paper and a 5000 word final paper, plus a thesis of 15 - 20, 000 words.

Dh very supportive. Kids will all be in school by then. I'd have to put them in afterschool club one day a week but could be home for the school bus on the other 4 days and just make up the library hours in the evening a couple of days a week. Dissertation is through the summer 'holidays' but dh is quite happy to take time out of work (he's a locum GP) to give me time to do it.

Finance isnt an issue. I know I am capable of it as I am working at at least high 2:1 level (though going straight to masters on the back of an ordinary degree as I have a previous honours).

Just there's this little voice in the back of my head saying "you're MAD! start staring MAD to be considering it"

ANy experience of doing something like this with 3 primary age children???

btw course leader very encouraging and supportive of my ability to do the work adn organise myself - he's one of my current lecturers.

Go for it.

I did not have children when I did my masters, but it was so worth it intellectually. It is a different level alltogether. (I was lucky I was in study group with a phd student, so my professor laid it to his level rather than mine, and boy did I have fun! Gosh I regret not doing a phd. I even had my thesis lined out with my tutor, and then world outside academia shouted at me. I even had my university back home offer my a teaching post there whilst studying for my phd long distance to my london uni. DONT LEAVE ACADEMIA if this is what you want.)

I do really want it. Its also a tepping stone to the dream of a PhD in Practical/Missional THeology which I have a teeny tiny dream (dont dare let it get too big - yet!).

The course is fab. The tutors are just excellent, there are normally 8-12 students, so good number, not too big or small. And looking at the module choice, if I was pretty much writing "exactly the postgrad course Harrisey wants to do" that would be it!

Thanks for the encouragement!

I have seen some of your posts, not being mad stalker woman or anything, but you seem passionate and theoretical/philosophical enough to have fun in such environment.

I have regrets for not continuing when I could, it is so hard to get into it if you leave it/take a break. I sometimes feel totally suffocated for lack of intellectual stimuli (not being bigheaded, just honest) as life with a standard job and motherhood can sometimes be very mundane, however enjoyable it really is. It is not philosophy, which I love. And I sometimes wonder how did it happen, when did I lose my brains....

You're not mad! You go girl! Just do it!

I'm here for the proverbial boot up the backside when you're slacking!

Once I've finished my degree with the OU I'm going to do a Masters as well!

Plough the road babe!

Thanks! Its certainly something I have not yet got bored of and the thought of taking it to a whole new level is very exciting.

Maybe I'll just be a student forever ......

I've just come back from my 2nd seminar on my current masters unit. I'm doing a P/t MEd, I started 2 years ago but had to take last year off as DD2 arrived somewhat as a surprise. Now back into it with enthusiasm. I'm doing it P/T as only one of my 3 DC is at school so childcare is complicated but it's worth it, i love it. I'm sure you are mad to be considering it, but do it anyway. I know I'm mad trying to fit it in but i don't care I love it!!! Good Luck

thanks coveredup

I know I am mad. But I went as far as to mention ot a couple of lecturers and the librarian (a very encouraging professional friend) today and everyone went 'Oh YES Harrisey we are so Glad you are doing it etc ... etc ....'

So I feel pretty happy about it today.

I know I am mad - but so what? Mad = Great IMO!!

Is there anyone else out there doing pg style work with small kids? I know there are some PhD people and there must be those doing masters as well.

Would just like to hear a little more about the time commitment (esp fulltime) and the heaviness of the workload (though I am really relishing the idea!!!)