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Open Uni - Full time study and full time work possible?

Vince JVince J Posts: 1,293
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in Advice #1
I'm in the middle of working towards a degree with the Open University. At the moment I'm studying part time and working full time. So far so good.

I really want to go in to full time education but the only thing from stopping me is my finances. I have a fairly good paying job which supports me well, pays my rent and pays for my books and things. If I was to go in to part time work I think I would suffer a bit, my parents have 3 other children to look after, I don't have any friends for flat share either.

Has anyone managed to work full time and do a full time degree?

Another option could be as follows: I could work 4 days a week and still study. Or ask for day release?

Does anyone have any advice?

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    Chilli DragonChilli Dragon Posts: 24,684
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    #2
    Yes - I've worked full time and done a MA and a PhD (PhD not finished). I won't lie to you, it is intense, hard work and brain frying.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,814
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    #3
    I have done my degree with Open University effectively full time by doing 2 60 pt modules a year, completing the degree in 3 years and work full time as a manager and am a single parent - it can be done but dont expect a social life or not to have big black rings round your eyes constantly

    :sleep:
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    Vince JVince J Posts: 1,293
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    #4
    Yes - I've worked full time and done a MA and a PhD (PhD not finished). I won't lie to you, it is intense, hard work and brain frying.

    So you did a BA, MA and are on course to a PhD all whilst working full time? Wow, that's impressive! All through OU?
    am a single parent - it can be done but dont expect a social life or not to have big black rings round your eyes constantly

    That's really inspiring, I'm single, I have no dependants when I hear something like what you've told me I just think if they're determind enough to do it, what's stopping me??? Thank you for answering.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 1,814
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    #5
    Vince, my theory of life is if you want something enough you will get it - if you want to get a degree you can, its up to you to put the effort in and you can get there. Like I said its not easy but will be worth it in the end. What degree are you taking?

    Good luck
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    Vince JVince J Posts: 1,293
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    #6
    I agree with you Nanamoan, I would say exactly the same thing to my friends. But I tend to ask around for advice so I don't make a big bad mistake.

    I'm working towards a degree in Criminology and Psychological Studies, which will be followed on with an MSc in a similar subject.
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    magnificentmagnificent Posts: 2,976
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    Well.....i'm doing the law LLB (Hons) at OU.....doing 60pts and 30pts jointly this year and intend to continue doing the modules back to back AND i have a full time job which can be demanding (for example i got in at about 915pm tonight - twice this week already!) but as I'm a night person...i tend to do my reading into the wee hours and save the planning and writing of TMAs for the weekend or for tutorials if there's one on.

    My daughters an adult herself so i've no small children and i have scaled my socialising right down to accomodate my studies.

    I'm totally enjoying the course at the moment...even though i have some quite large brick sized case law books to get through reading! lol
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    Vince JVince J Posts: 1,293
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    #8
    That's incredible, magnificent. Very admirable. How on earth do you wake up in the morning/remember all that you've learnt/keep to a schedual?

    Thank you to everyone who has answered and best of luck!
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    magnificentmagnificent Posts: 2,976
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    #9
    Vince J wrote:
    That's incredible, magnificent. Very admirable. How on earth do you wake up in the morning/remember all that you've learnt/keep to a schedual?

    Thank you to everyone who has answered and best of luck!

    Thanks Vince J.

    Its funny, but for me, my last thoughts at night are the most lucid. I tend to remember more what i studied during the night the next day than when i pour over the books in the daytime when i remember hardly anything! But i guess its different strokes for different strokes...my routine is a bit like the pavlov dog one - as soon as i hear the alarm at 6.45am i automatically stumble out of bed - no probs! lol

    Good luck with your studies too.
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