MA - is this feasible?

studentphil

Deadline for applying for some funding is the 9th of March as it is all over the university on big posters. So I hope you have got your applications in.

hostie

Make life easy on yourself and do the MA part time over two years. That way you will have more time to work and more time to study. I did my MA that way and it worked out really well. The other benefit of doing that is that if you get good marks in your essays in the first year, it will help you to get extra funding from foundations and trusts for the second year (and will give you more time to devote to applying for help with funding).
The access to learning fund to help people who just need a bit of topping up, it is not just for emergencies. It would be a good idea to apply at the start of the year for general help and then again if a crisis arises.
I also thought that as I would only have a few hours of classes that I would not have to go to uni every day for my MA. Unfortunately, there will be lots of other seminars, events etc that you will be ´strongly encouraged´ to attend and, if you want to go on to do a PhD then it really helps if you can show dedication by attending these. i.e. research methodology seminars, workshops, talks relevant to your subject, presentations by other students, conferences in your department or uni etc etc, (the list is endless)

I would say definately go for it. If you are worried about the financial side - Don´t go to London!!! It is SO expensive. Just stepping out the door is likely to cost you a tener! Good luck with your AHRC application. If you haven´t submitted it yet, make sure you get the people in the department you are applying to look over it and make suggestions etc. They are bound to be able to help you a lot with it.

PS I just wanted to edit this to add that the fee waiver isn´t actually as helpful as it sounds. I got this the year before I actually started my MA and it made it really difficult as I was trying to write papers without full library access etc. You wouldn´t be a proper registered student and so you wouldn´t have all the benefits that students get (young person´s railcard is vital in London) I would say, on balance, it is better just to go for it, work hard to pay the fees and apply to trusts etc for help.