Am I mad - back to uni?!

[LankyDoodle]

I was going to try and go back to uni THIS year to do my MA Social Work as I want to be a social worker. I did my degree 2003-2006, then worked full time for a year then trained as a teacher for a year from 07-08 and then did a bit of supply. My degree was very psychology/society/culture orientated and I always was attracted more to the social work side of things, but I didn't see a route into it at the time. Now I know about the MA and have been wanting to do it for a while (since about half way through teacher training when I realised it wasnt for me - my mum teaches and I somewhat followed her lead in a way).

Anyway, I have worked in a chn's home for the last 9 months and have also helped an elderly relative for a long time, so I have the work experience required. I am due to give birth in April so now know I can't do it this year, but definitely want to do it next year. Am I mad to want to go back to uni with a 5 month old baby? Uni will be 2-3 full days a week and will be in Plymouth which is a 2 hour train ride away (maybe a bit less) as I live in Wellington, Somerset. I don't mind that bit as our childcare will be good and we have a good support network; but it's the fact I will have a heavy full time course, a baby and my 2 horses AND a house to keep.

Am I mad>?

 

[jenny82]

I'm going back to uni with a ten week old baby so I have to say that it can be done!!!

Admittedly, my uni is 15 mins drive away and I'm leaving baby in the creche for only a few hours a day, so its less time than you...but still, I think it can be done!

In fact, even though our baby was a slight accidental & happy surprise, it couldn't come at a better time. I've always had a verrrry stressful job whilst trying to hold down uni as well and was struggling a bit with the 2 workloads. This will be the first time I'll have uni only to concentrate on and I can't wait!

 

[kit603]

It sounds like you've thought things through and that you have a decent support network. If you can financially afford baby and uni, and you have someone you trust to take care of the baby and you can cope with things like night feeds and studying at the same time, then I don't see why it can't be done

If it all gets too much then you could always do semester 1 and then put a hold on your studies due to the baby and go back the following semester when baby is a little older?

 

[Phexia]

I'm sure you can do it I just started a masters program, I have 2 kids and am pregnant with nr. 3, due in february. I´ll have full time Uni when the baby is born (my OH gets paternity leave and some of the courses are taught as distance learning) and I'm gonna go through with it If you have a good support system, childcare and all that I'm sure it will be fine.

Good luck

 

[Freya]

HI Carrie, just wondered what placements you have to do for the MA? I these are full time would they be a problem with your life/home and fam? I know for the degree there are 2 complulsary 90 day placements that are full time. What does the MA want from you? x

 

[LankyDoodle]

Hi and thanks all. I forgot I did this post for some reason - blame it on the preg brain!

The MA is 2years. During uni time, it will be 2-3 full days per week; and you have to do something like 3 full time placements over the course of the 2 years, which amount to about 250 days. In one sense, I am thinking that part would be easier as I may be closer to home and would be working full time like I would have to anyway (I am going to have to go back to work in some capacity whatever happens).

We have family and friends who want to help, and I also want to send to nurseyr a little bit.

I really hope I can do it.

 

[Freya]

Go for it!!!! Good luck xxx