Funding for masters degree

Frankie.

Hi,

I graduated last year and have since been a jobseeker. A year is a long time to be a jobseeker and it really makes me feel worthless and depressed.
Tonight I was re-considering taking a masters degree. Not necessarily to increase chances of getting a job (which I doubt it would right now), but more for something to do and achieve. I guess I realised being at university was a better time than being a jobseeker.

How realistic is this for me? I know there's hardly any financial help for people wanting to do a masters. Does anyone know where I could apply for any... anywhere? Because I really can't afford to pay for it by myself.

Thanks.

sleepless_saver

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/apr/13/funding-postgrad-studies

Racheldevon

What area os study are you hoping to do your MSc/MA in?

It very much depends really, for example, you could apply to be a hall warden voluntarily, which in exchange you receive free accomodation for the year.

Or if you're living at home with your parents, then perhaps accomodation costs aren't an issue.

I had the option of the first point above, but turned it down for a work oppotunity that came up. However, a couple of years down the road, my new employer funded my Masters fully. You never know what's round the corner, but think carefully about it in terms of where it might lead to, particularly if you can't get it funded.

What do you want to do career wise?

Katexx

You can choose to pay by installments with the OU (info here) which might be more manageable. Otherwise it depends on what subject area, and if you would like to do a taught or research Masters! There are various grants/bursaries/scholarships available for research Masters (less for taught), but they have many applicants so are pretty difficult to get hold of.

I believe there is also funding available for teacher training and some NHS courses.