What would you do?

LegacyUser

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.

LegacyUser

Heartorhead wrote: »

Hi guys.

I am considering doing a Masters in e-Learning and Design. .

I am in a job that has no relation what so ever to what I studied. The work is quite boring.

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. .....(I live in the Mid-west).
My heart says yes, my head says no.

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

Well I returned to education, but having a child to support meant I did it part time. It was hard but worth it.
Are you staying in the mid west?
Is there anywhere you can find out about grants?
Colleges will know what day attendance is required as mmost pt students are working.

paperclip2

Hi heartorhead

Theres good info on the grant situation on this site http://www.studentfinance.ie/

Also you could try to speak to an Information Officer in one of the Adult Guidance services. If you look here http://www.ncge.ie/adult_details.htm
you will find the one nearest you. The guidance services can give you some good insights into returning to learning as an adult. Some of them offer educational and career guidance to anyone and some only work with particular target groups but all will provide you with information and answer questions on adult learning.
Good luck!:D

LenaLena

Hiya,

don't know much about grants etc (because I borrowed from my mum and then paid her back when I was finished) but I left a job in one industry to go do a full time masters in another area completely at the age of 25/26.

It was hard giving up the money, but I'm earning a lot more now two or three years down the line than I would have earned if I stayed where I was. I'm also in a completely different area of employment, and it's not one I could have gotten into by chance. My masters opened up loads of doors to me that I wouldn't have had the confidence to even knock on in the first place if I hadn't gone back to study.

I definitely put a lot more effort into my masters than I did my degree (think I went out on the batter properly about 5 times over the year and a bit...) but I got out of the course what I put into it. It had a work placement (which I recommend for contacts & experience) and out of that, I got my thesis and further work.

It's not easy to go back to college, but it's not easy to stay in a rut either. I say go back to school full time if you can - you'll be focussed as hell for the year. Yeah it's expensive, but people spend five times that on a car they get to drive for a few years. You'll have your education forever.

By the way, it would be worth your while seeing if you can get your course fee back through tax, and speaking to a post-graduate advisor in the institution you want to attend. They will know more about finances etc.

Good luck!
Lena