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Returning to college - need advice

  • 01-02-2010 10:39am
    #1
    IamtheWalrus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,075 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    For some time I have been considering returning to education. I currently hold a BSc and an MSc in Computing and I'm 28. I having been thinking about my options for a return to college and I have come up with 3 methods of return.

    1. Conversion Master's
    2. Brand new Bachelors
    3. PHD

    I have decided I need a change from IT software development. Realisticly, the financial aspect is going to have a big part to play which route to go down. I would need to work for a year to save money and work part time whilst doing the course to pay for the initial fees and also rent and so forth.

    1. Conversion Master's
    This would be the simplest and fastest method. I could have it done in a year and I could get a loan to pay for the fees and a year's savings to help me get by (or get a part-time job). The problem is that do employers respect courses that last just one year?


    2. Brand new Bachelors
    Financially, I would have to do the same as I would for a conversion Master's but for a 3-4 year period. This would be expensive but at least I'd have a fresh new degree in a field of interest.


    3. PHD
    I could get a grant for this option. I got a grant (VEC grant I think) whilst doing my BSc and MSc and they say I can only get another one if my new course progresses my education, i.e. not another BSc or MSc. This would take 4-5 years but I could have the option of doing lecturing.


    Have any of you been in this situation? If so, which option did you choose? Are there other options?

    Also, have any of you any advice re funding? Is there such a thing as a 'Returning to Education' grant?

    Any advice, opinions and comments are welcome.

    Thanks,
    Walrus


Comments

  • #2
    IamtheWalrus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,075 ✭✭✭IamtheWalrus


    Anyone?


  • #3
    IamtheWalrus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,075 ✭✭✭IamtheWalrus


    Dole?


  • #4
    Einstein?
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 378 ✭✭Einstein?


    I'm still an undergrad but if I were you I would go for the PhD.


  • #5
    IamtheWalrus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,075 ✭✭✭IamtheWalrus


    Einstein? wrote: »
    I'm still an undergrad but if I were you I would go for the PhD.

    Thanks Einstein. It might be the best option financial-wise.


  • #6
    Sound Computers
    Closed Accounts Posts: 30 ✭Sound Computers


    agreed, a second BS degree is useless in comparison to a PHD, at least from an employer/job market standpoint. unless you really don't want to do any work that is related to your first degree, of course.


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  • #7
    IamtheWalrus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,075 ✭✭✭IamtheWalrus


    Sound Computers wrote: »
    unless you really don't want to do any work that is related to your first degree, of course.

    I don't. I want a change...


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