Masters Funding Help?

Legacy_user

Hi everyone
Here is my dilemma. I've been offered the chance to take a Masters degree in Employment Law at a couple of universities. Its via distance education.

I've been unemployed for just over 3 years due to a variety of reasons but mainly health related (diabetic, depression etc). I am finding it incredibly hard to get access to any kind of funding to help me through this. I want to take this degree to allow me to get back into full time, purposeful work (I am the single parent to a 17 year old son) as, due to my previous experience, its a profession I can get into quickly.

The course fees are around £7,000 for the course. About a year ago, due to the breakdown of my marriage, my son and I were made homeless and are struggling to find our feet so any guidance and advice would be most welcome and gratefully received.
Cheers everyone
Roy

Oldernotwiser

I really hope you get something sorted but I have to be honest and say that it's not hard to get a place on a Masters but it's getting the funding that really sifts people out.

What are your career plans for afterwards and what are you planning to live on while studying?

System

You are right, I am finding it ridiculously difficult to get any ideas. Apparently career development loans would be a possibility but I have a crap credit rating (another result of the divorce) so that would rule that option out. All I want to do is get myself off benefits and get back into work!

Upon graduation, I'd have a solicitor qualification and would like to work ideally for a charity or public service. Apparently the relevant university would support me during training in working with agencies or legal practises as a trainee which would be paid (although low level).

Oldernotwiser

Cullers wrote: »

Upon graduation, I'd have a solicitor qualification and would like to work ideally for a charity or public service. Apparently the relevant university would support me during training in working with agencies or legal practises as a trainee which would be paid (although low level).

Can I ask which institution offers this course as I haven't come across it before.

shegirl

Cullers wrote: »

You are right, I am finding it ridiculously difficult to get any ideas. Apparently career development loans would be a possibility but I have a crap credit rating (another result of the divorce) so that would rule that option out. All I want to do is get myself off benefits and get back into work!

Upon graduation, I'd have a solicitor qualification and would like to work ideally for a charity or public service. Apparently the relevant university would support me during training in working with agencies or legal practises as a trainee which would be paid (although low level).

Are you sure about this?A soliciter qualification?you don't become a qualified solicitor by doing a masters,you need and LPC and a training contract.Are you sure you'd be able to get into whatever you want to quickly?

Look into what you need to do and what you will actually get from this and good luck with funding it

Oldernotwiser

shegirl wrote: »

Are you sure about this?A soliciter qualification?you don't become a qualified solicitor by doing a masters,you need and LPC and a training contract.Are you sure you'd be able to get into whatever you want to quickly?

Look into what you need to do and what you will actually get from this and good luck with funding it

That's what I was trying to say really but I thought I'd try to be tactful for once!

shegirl

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

That's what I was trying to say really but I thought I'd try to be tactful for once!

Are you saying I have no tact?:eek:lol

Oldernotwiser

shegirl wrote: »

Are you saying I have no tact?:eek:lol

Would I do such a thing?:rotfl:

SpottedLeopard_2

Cullers wrote: »

Upon graduation, I'd have a solicitor qualification and would like to work ideally for a charity or public service. Apparently the relevant university would support me during training in working with agencies or legal practises as a trainee which would be paid (although low level).

Maybe you mean you'd have a qualification that a solicitor may also possess? But a Masters would not make you qualified as a solicitor as already mentioned; traditionally you need to have a Law degree+LPC or non-law degree+GDL+LPC, and then a training contract. Unless your work experience is related, and you're working your way up??

System

Hi guys
Sorry about the delay in responding. Was expecting to get notifications but obviously didn't tick the box.

The degree is an LLM. I've got 15 years experience working in tribunals for a variety of different companies representing them as well as representing a few individuals privately. I currently hold a postgraduate qualification in HR.

I was talking to the University yesterday and they confirmed that they will support me in working alongside in an 'assistant' role during the course.

Probably my fault for not describing it clearly (not a good start lol).

I've spent the last couple of weeks chasing up every grant available only to find most are for small sums maximising at £1000.

The university suggested trying for a career development loan but I'm worried about my previous credit rating. They've even offered to spread the fee over two years. but time is really running out now.

Thanks for all your help

kittycatface

http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1037
Have you tried this one? Some of the grants can be up to £2,500 which I know won't cover the full amount but given your circumstances you may be able to get more than one. You sound like you are really well qualified already and the uni are being supportive, best of luck to you I am sure you will succeed.
I would definitely try to get a career development loan, they offered me one despite crap credit rating, it cant hurt to ask.
Only other thing I can think of is to go to one of those Business Networking style events (local chamber of commerce and local councils organise them) ring and ask if you can do a presentation. I'm not sure I would have the guts to do this but maybe some future employers would sponsor you through especially given the nature of your future qualification. Or write to them?
Try big legal firms or ones with a big HR department and make it clear whats in it for them- a lovely hard working, well qualified grateful employee is actually quite hard to come by these days! Loads of luck