Is anyone studying for a part time degree at a "traditional" university

[sammyantham]

Hi,

I've tried OU study, did 90 credits, and didn't like it because I found it a bit lonely. I'm obviously not cut out for it. I've found motivating myself really difficult and as a result, withdrew from several courses. As you may know, OU then put an embargo on you doing any more courses if you do this. So that's it for me an the OU, I can't do any more.

So, It's now been over a year since I finished with the ou and I'm thinking of going for a part time degree with the University of Warwick. They do evening only study, so this may fit into my full time work.

Am I stupid for even considering it? Should I just give up now on my dream of doing a degree because I've tried and failed? Or shall I give this a go?

I don't have kids at the moment, but H and I are TTCing.

I so very much want to earn a degree. I missed out on uni when I left school because of my circumstances at the time and it feels like I've let myself down.

Anyone have any thoughts or similar experiences?

I did an MBA part time while in full time employment, and didn't have kids at the time. When it started they said - as it was part time it was really going to take a lot of time - and I though uhu sure, but err they were right, evening classes, then group exercises, it meant a very full day and weekends and add the homework. If you really want to go for it, then do it, but if you do I think a child will become full time, and I don't think I could cope with all three [child, full time employment and a part time degree]

But if I were you, I wouldn't say you failed. Circumstances don't make you a failure. You could do the degree after a family is started - my friend has - its still hard work and she relies on her DH, and parents to help with kids - and she is not working.

I'm doing a P/T MEd at Bristol, its mainly evenings and as I can do it over 5 years I have managed to keep it to a unit a term which with 3 DC is all I can cope with at the moment!!! I did get PG half way into my 1st year and they were very understanding and gave me a whole year's materninty leave so if you do become PG in the middle they should be quite helpful. As you don't have DC at the moment you might be able to manage more courses than me each term as I imagine there might be more to cover in a first degree, it depends on how long they will give you to do it really, althoguh working full time on top would be quite exhausting I imagine. Any chance of going P/T at work to give yourself more time?
wildfish has a point really and don't think you've let yourself dowm, life's hard enough without giving yourself a hard time too.

Hi, I have just graduated in law - it took me five years part time and I was working and had two kids (my youngest dd was born 8 months ago)

It is hard going and does take up a lot of time but if you are interested and are really keen then go for it - you will only find out by doing it!

If you start and find that it is taking up too much time then you can always postpone and start again later - education will always be there for you to access! But IMO it really gives you a confidence boost!