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Postgraduate

I’m 53 and have been accepted to do an MA in English Literature. I’m worried though, I have been on benefits for a long time due to chronic illness and also caring for my autistic son who is now 25. I haven’t worked for a long time. I don’t know if doing this course would be beneficial for me, it’s a subject I’m passionate about, however, I don’t know if I’d be able to cope with the workload physically and would I even get some kind of decent employment afterwards? My biggest worry is loosing my benefits if I go to university, this would probably also include my housing benefit, mobility car and pip. I’m not being a lazy scrounger here at all, it’s just that it’s such a lot to loose especially if I can’t cope. I would not be able to look after myself and my son. I just don’t know what to do or who to talk to about this. I have accepted the offer of a place but I’m just not sure?

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by Vax15

You aren't going to get a job based on just an MA in English Lit, but it may add to your current skills base, and add evidence of a whole load of useful skills. But consider carefully how you are going to use it and what you really want to do. A Masters isn't a degree jobs tend to require, but it makes an application more interesting.

There's nothing physical about the course, so long as you can get to the uni and move between lectures and the library. But if this is a concern, then why no consider an OU degree? They are well reputed and can still help employment after.

I'd speak to Citizen's Advice to get the detail on your benefits, it can get complicated. You can also speak with the university's Disability Resource Centre (the name may vary) and they can help with suggesting any specific help you might need to complete the course.

Intellectually, there is rarely any issue with mature students taking a Masters degree. They have thought about it very carefully, are very invested, and understand how to organise and prioritise. If you've been managing your own conditions and being a carer, then organising yourself around lectures, libraries, reading and essay deadlines will be a doddle.

I'd be cautious about getting an MA if you haven't got any other academic background/employment to rest it on, and your entire focus is on employment. But it can also be an enormous morale/confidence booster and can have benefits beyond the pure academic qualification.