Would I be entitled to anything?

dellas1979

Hi guys.

I am considering doing a Masters in e-Learning and Design. I have up to a level 9 already. I have always wanted to go back and do a Masters and I was waiting for something to come up that interested me, hence I came across this course in a University nearby.

My situation at the moment is this: I presume, like a lot of people, I am in a job that has no relation what so ever to what I studied. I work in an Admin office. The work is quite boring. The only thing about the job (which is in the public sector-I have over 2 years here) are the cushy hours (9.30 – 5), but that’s not a good reason to stay in a job. The money is not great – its ok like – it pays the bills. I pay rent alright (no mortgage, no car loan, no loans in general, no children). I’ve just turned 29.

I looked into the cost and to do it full-time would cost €4250. Its €3333 part-time over 2 years (but you’d still have to go to college on certain days – obviously wouldn’t know the days until college starts in September).
I would prefer to do it full-time but am wary of what it means i.e no money or salary. I guess I could get a job while studying, but even working part-time wouldn’t cover the cost of rent anyways.

I am also worried about getting a job after an MA. Even though I have education up to a level 9, it has been so hard to get a job in that area (I live in the Mid-west). I suppose I am wondering if it is worth 4 grand and a year off working to do this. My heart says yes, my head says no.

I have emailed grant authorities seeing if there is any grant available for MA students. I have never received a grant in my life. I have heard nothing yet. Someone also said to get onto the dole office. I don’t know if there would be any benefit available off them though.

Has anyone any experience of going back to education?
Has anyone any knowledge of the e-Learning industry?

Thanks for reading/replying.

Eviledna

Hello,

I see you say you live in the mid-west, have you looked into the possibility of a funded (scholarship-aided) masters programme? Such things exist, perhaps contact your nearest University to find research groups in your area. Also, there is an elearning devision at DERI in Galway. Click this linky
I am not in any way affiliated with the above, but its something that I have known people to have achieved. Beware, a scholarship aided masters can be a double-edged sword, as you must work towards a research projects goal as well as meeting your research requirements. But the good part is that you can get decent funding (<=21,000 per year)

Also, failing that, you could try to apply to IRCSET for funding if you find someone in the university that will supervise you.

The very best of luck!

The Saint

Hello,
I'm in a similar position to the OP and would also like some info on this. Here's my situation.

I've recently finished my undergraduate degree and am seeking to do full time taught MA in a university. I did my undergrad through the Open University part time while working the whole time. I did not seek any government help for this nor did I claim any tax back on my fees. I've been working in the same job for the last 10 years. I have never recieved any benifits (grant, dole, etc.) from the state.

What I'd like to know is am I entitled to any state help while doing the MA? If not I will not be able to support myself and don't know if I'd be able to undertake further study.
Thanks for any help.