Working 20+ hours during full time masters?

I recently got offered my dream MRes in London but cannot afford to live there without working. I am wondering if anyone had any experience with working during studying a full time masters e.g. in hospitality? Is it worth it to complete the MRes instead?

Hey!
I understand the challenges that come with pursuing a full-time master's degree while also needing to work to support yourself financially. While I am not a hospitality student, I can still provide some general advice based on my experience and observations.

Firstly, congratulations on being offered your dream MRes in London! It's an exciting opportunity that can greatly enhance your career prospects. However, the high cost of living in London can be a significant hurdle for many students. Working alongside your studies can certainly help alleviate some of the financial burden, but it's important to consider the potential impact on your academic performance and overall experience.

One key factor to make working and studying manageable is effective time management. It's crucial to plan and prioritize your commitments wisely. Balancing coursework, research, and part-time work requires discipline and organization. I would recommend creating a schedule that allows you to allocate sufficient time for both your academic responsibilities and work commitments.

Consider your course, it's important to understand the demands of your program. Assess the workload and the expectations from your professors to determine the amount of time and effort required for your studies. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to work without compromising the quality of your academic work. Remember, your primary focus should be on successfully completing your masters.

When it comes to choosing a job, hospitality can be a viable option for some students. It often offers flexible working hours that can be tailored around your academic schedule. However, keep in mind that hospitality jobs can sometimes involve evening or weekend shifts, which may clash with your study requirements or limit your availability for extracurricular activities.

In terms of the number of hours you should work, I would advise not exceeding 15 hour rs per week. This allows you to maintain a balance between work and studies. Taking on too many work hours could lead to exhaustion, reduced focus, and increased stress, which can ultimately hinder your academic progress. Remember, your primary goal is to excel in your MRes program.

Lastly, don't forget to consider the support services available to you at your university. They can provide guidance on managing your workload, offer financial advice, and help you explore any available scholarships, grants, or bursaries that could alleviate your financial situation.

Overall, while working alongside your full-time MRes can be challenging, with accurate time management and a realistic approach to work hours, it is possible to strike a balance. Ultimately, the decision to pursue your dream MRes while working will depend on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and your ability to manage your time effectively.

Best Wishes
Priya
Postgraduate Ambassador
University of Southampton

Hi Priya,

Thank you so much for replying! All of your advice is great. I have spoken to the university and they said they can put me on the part time version of the course. The MRes is at UCL in a STEM discipline, so I think it will be a lot of hours. Do you think it is more worth it to do an MRes at Newcastle University (where I live and get alumni discount) or do the part time UCL (much better university and prospects)? I just couldn't afford London on 15 hours a week, and when I look online there doesn't seem to be any scholarships available. I really appreciate your response