Graduate scheme plus masters. Feasible or not?

I've been offered a place studying part time MSc Archaeology and Classics at Edinburgh University (via distance learning), which I am over the moon about...

BUT...

I've also found out I'm through to the second stage for a Chartered Accountants graduate scheme that I applied to. It's located less than 30 minutes drive from my house.

Being an accountant is obviously a much more financially secure future than studying Classics, but I love Classics with a passion.

I have no burning desire to be an accountant, but at my age (40) and with a family to support, I need to think about what's the most sensible thing to do financially. Especially as I currently only have state pension to look forward to in my retirement.

I'm going to be devastated if I turn down Edinburgh though.

I'm aware I'm only through to round 2 for the graduate scheme. I may not get any further, but on the off chance I AM offered the accountancy position...

how feasible would it be to do both? At the moment I'm signed up to do the MSc with Edinburgh over 2 years, but there is a 2-4 year intermittent study option. I'm thinking if I did it over 4 years, MAYBE I can do both simultaneously?

I'd love some opinions here please.

Reply 1

Little pecker

Absolutely not especially when you are studying for an ACA/CA you’d be completely insane

Reply 2

sophieee789

so you'll be working full time and studying a masters part time. and potentially studying accountancy qualifications at the same time.
you'll be working 9-5, and studying 5-when you sleep, and doing that on weekends.
How many hours does the intermittent study option recommend you to do every day?
you're at the 2nd stage of the process, i wouldn't worry about this now .

Reply 3

PinkMobilePhone

Original post by Little pecker

Absolutely not especially when you are studying for an ACA/CA you’d be completely insane

I was afraid of that. I was stupidly hoping someone would say "sure, if your Masters is over 4 years you'll be able to manage" but I guess it was just wishful thinking.

Reply 4

PinkMobilePhone

Original post by sophieee789

The intermittent study option doesn't actually seem to say, but I'm assuming if the 2 year option is 20 hours a week, then realistically it should be 10 hours a week over 4 years. That's just an educated guess anyway.

Reply 5

sophieee789

Original post by PinkMobilePhone

fair enough. i would speak to a careers advisor about it if you know anyone, or ask someone who did the intermittent study option over 4 years if they think they could've done a full time job on top of it etc. you can try to find them on linkedin. and bear in mind they will say x hours but often you might need to do more... just like with jobs

Reply 6

Little pecker

Original post by PinkMobilePhone

I was afraid of that. I was stupidly hoping someone would say "sure, if your Masters is over 4 years you'll be able to manage" but I guess it was just wishful thinking.

Yh honestly I work in a big 4 and know ACA/CAs losing their jobs because they failed an exam. I couldn’t fathom someone doing a masters on top.

Each to their own but I really feel you would be taking a huge risk which is unlikely to work out.