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Original poster

would you/have you started a degree at 35+

21 replies

Feelingsensitive · 19/03/2010 21:37

I am pushing 40 and thinking of returning to work. I don't want to go back to my previous life in science and have been looking into a few options including project management and clinical psychology (as you can tell this is the preliminary stage). I think I may have to study for a degree which PT would take 6 years. Would I be mad to do this at my age?

OP posts:
messymissy · 19/03/2010 21:46

In some unis the 'mature' students make upwards of 25% of the students. Its very common. With a parttime degree taking so long i think you will have to be certain you love the subject and have a plan in place as to what to do about work - can you work part time and study part time?

The two courses you mention are so very different. Could you take an access course first so you can be certain you choose the right path?

Have you researched job possiblities in your area once you have qualified?

If you have a degree already in the sciences - would teaching be an option? its only a year and you get funded to do it.

taegsmum · 19/03/2010 21:46

it's never too late! my dad's cousin went back to uni and started her own speech and language practice at 45 good luck! (i am currently studying thru the OU myself...its hard work but totally worth it in the long run)

nosferatu · 23/03/2010 14:26

I think so, i am 32 starting a degree, and I am a true believer that its never too late.

rattie77 · 23/03/2010 21:46

I stated an undergraduate degree at 38, a masters degree at 43 and am hoping to begin my doctorate in clinical psycholgy later in the year at 47, so it is not too late. I personally wouldn't have had the determination and resolve to study at this level when younger and after having a family am much more organised. It has worked well for me, and I am sure it will for you - good luck!.

fluffles · 23/03/2010 21:55

my mum went to college to change career when she was over 40, my dad did it when he was in his 50s!

it's never too late.

i suspect clinical psychology will take longer than 6 years PT though - have you looked into it? people i was at uni with did four years uni (FT) then work, then clinical qualification meaning about six years FT! not sure if there are other routes.

RougeBinDippers · 23/03/2010 21:59

Go for it. I did my first degree with the OU, graduating when I was 40, doing my MSc now (at 55). With the OU I met students in their 70's. It's never too late.

leamac · 27/03/2010 09:57

I am studying a degree through the OU, I am 35, its hard work but great, a friend of mine is also 35 and she has just started a nursing degree, when I went to college first time round many years ago, there were loads of older students

go for it, what have you got to lose

RussAbbotDancer · 20/04/2010 11:33

If you want to do psychology and have an undegraduate degree, you can do a "conversion" course of one year (or two p/t). You need to pick up a few psychology credits first but can do this through the OU, which also offers a conversion course.
After that, there's lots of postgrad but if it's clinical you're interested in the NHS offers some v. competitive (i.e. try to get loads of voluntary experience before applying) jobs-with-masters. The British Psychology Society has more info on its career change page.

DeirdreB · 20/04/2010 12:37

My Dad started a degree when he was in his 50's and has since got a PhD. Anything is possible!! Good Luck!!

APassionateWoman · 20/04/2010 14:53

I'm in my 30s and doing a Post Grad qualification (retraining for a totally new career). There are people on my course in their fifties. Go for it!

slipperandpjsmum · 23/04/2010 19:29

I started my BA when I was 38 and I enjoyed and appreciated it far more than alot of the younger people on the course who had come straight from college and as a result I did far better than the majority of them. I had worked since I was 15 and felt every moment there was a honour. The day I graduated my children were so proud of me and I felt on top of the world. Like other Mums have done I am now undertaking an MA with as much enthusiasum as before. Do not hesitate for a moment. Go for it!!!!

unfitmother · 23/04/2010 19:30

I started mine at 40

applesnpears · 29/04/2010 23:31

My mum started her nursing degree at 36 when we were young, and is now a clinical lead nurse - she reckons she progressed so fast up the promotion ladder because she was older and had a lot more life experience and confidence when it came to interviews.

Never too late and i think most colleges/uni's really try to attract mature students as they tend to take it seriously!

ageing5yearseachyear · 30/04/2010 07:58

at 34 i decided that i needed a degree.

i realised how long it would take to undergraduate degree so went straight into doing an MBA

Did it in 3 years part-time, worked full time,had a 4year old and 6 year old

nearly killed me!

what was i thinking?

StillSquiffy · 30/04/2010 10:16

If you have a Bachelor degree from way back when then I would recommend you go straight to a Master's (via conversion if necc). I found my MSc far easier than the BSc I did 25 years ago, and usually it only takes a year full-time or 2 yrs PT.

I went to my first lectures 2 weeks after a CS birth and had just had my 40th. If you do a subject you love it doesn't feel like work and I think I only had to devote around 8 full weekends over the 2 years in order to write essays etc, the studying trhough the year just had to fit round normal life (I was also working so did have commute time to do my reading, which helped)

ChickenInABasket · 11/05/2010 16:18

I've just finished my Masters degree at 36! I'd say go for it if it's going to improve your career opportunities and open up more jobs to you. My MA gives me "chartered" status in my field which is a pre-requisite for the majority of managerial jobs.
Perhaps have a chat to a few recruitment consultants or employers as to whether a further qualification is going to improve our prospects? If not, I'd say don't bother, it's expensive, bloody hard work and impacts hugely on family life!

BigBadMummy · 11/05/2010 16:19

My mum went to uni at 40 and graduted with a 2.2 in Business studies and French four years later.

One day I will get around to doing my degree.

ballroomblitz · 13/05/2010 19:57

I'm doing an access course and will start my degree at 33. Loads of my class are late 30s/40+. Never too late. Go for it!

MUM2BLESS · 14/05/2010 14:31

Hi if you really want to do it then grab this opportunity. Dont look back wishing you had done it.

I am in my 40's and enjoying life to the full. I got married in my 20', kids in my 30s and started my own business in my 40s. It will be interesting to see what I will venture into when I reach 50. Your as young as you feel. Go on why not!

hmc · 14/05/2010 14:38

Why would you be mad to study for a degree at 40 ish? I don't get that at all!

I got my first degree at aged 21 - the conventional post 6th form route. I studied for a Masters in my late 20's whilst working, and now at 42 I am doing another degree (history - with the ou) principally for self improvement. I expect that in another 10 years time I will still be studying (for my 4th or 5th degree) with the OU

Mspontipine · 22/05/2010 22:48

I'm 40 and have my uni place for September

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