Case study
Jessica Bayley - Masters - Public Service Management - University of Birmingham
If your application for funding is unsuccessful and you do not like the idea of taking out a loan, you can always work while you study. According to figures for 2006/7 released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), most postgraduates (316,320 out of 559,390) study part time, which means that they are able to hold down a part-time or even a full-time job while they study.
Finding part-time work on campus should not be difficult and your first stop should be the Student Job Shop. There will be plenty of opportunities to get a job whether it is in the student bar or the university library, and you may even be able to secure work as a teaching assistant. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are a popular option, and are dealt with in more detail in the ‘Institutional Funding and Employment’ chapter.
Academic departments may offer work such as data inputting and other administrative tasks.
You will already be aware of the different types of part-time work available off-campus. There are obvious sources of information on these opportunities such as the local press, job centres, university careers services and student unions.
Recruitment agencies, too, are a good source for part-time and temporary contracts. Most temporary employment agencies offer short-term contract work, which gives you the opportunity to work in short bursts so as not to jeopardise the time you need to spend on intensive study at key points in the course.
There is also the option of studying part-time, which you can fit in around a full-time job and or other commitments. Having family responsibilities and a full-time job working for her husband’s business, the part-time study option made was perfect for Kathryn Carr.
Kathryn studied Agricultural Zoology at Newcastle University but is now undertaking an MSc in Environmental Management at Northampton. ‘It linked to my previous study in land and countryside management and it sounded current and interesting,’ she says.
‘I want to restart my working career and find work that is mentally stimulating and satisfying. I hope to use contacts made in the university to find job opportunities.’
Universities have a lot of support for part-time students to help them manage their work and other commitments. Students have all the resources of full-time students available to them and universities offer a lot of flexibility with part-time students in mind. Online resources and journals mean you don’t even have to visit the library to tap into a lot of information. Most courses have supervisors and tutors available throughout the course to support students and offer advice.
Part-time study is often financially beneficial as studying over a longer period of time allows you to spread the cost of your study. However, as Michelle Gyimah found, extra help may still be needed.
‘As I hadn’t secured any funding I had no choice but to do the course part time as I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford the full-time fees,’ she says. ‘As I had a part-time job, I was confident I would be able to pay my fees and my rent, and still be comfortable. Towards the end of my first year, however, I began to struggle.’
After explaining the situation to staff at the graduate office, the university allowed Michelle to restructure her payments. But according Simon Felton, General Secretary of the National Postgraduate Committee, postgraduates do not realise they can get help from their university.
‘Students are often not aware of the resources available through their universities and unions. The resources and support available to students is integral to enhancing the student experience.’
Earning a living, looking after a family or other essential activities can be combined with study if you do it part time. But it is by no means a soft option. Whilst part-time work can be the most practical option for many students, it is important that you are realistic about how you are going to fit your study in around other commitments.
‘Don’t fool yourself that it is easy, it is hard work and the standards are high,’ admits Kathryn, ‘It is challenging, but ultimately satisfying. You have to self-motivated and learn from your mistakes.’
Even studied part-time, postgraduate courses are intensive and it can be difficult to ensure a balance between study, work and relaxation. Universities are aware of this, though, and there are support facilities available to help.
The very real need to earn money, however, should never compromise your ability to devote your best attention to your studies. You must ensure a balance between study, work and relaxation.
