Working while studying part time

A part-time Masters course is a viable option for those hoping to continue working full time but with concerns about the costs and commitment required by postgraduate study

Can I successfully balance a job with part-time study?

Working while studying can be financially and professionally beneficial, but balancing earning and learning is difficult.

Getting the most from postgraduate study requires:

• access to a good support network
• dedication to see it through to its conclusion
• discipline
• genuine enthusiasm for your course
• good time management
• resilience.

To succeed, you must implement routines and plan each day in advance.

Most importantly, you must have open and honest conversations with your employer and potential course leader before applying for a Masters degree. This will make the arrangement run more smoothly.

Why should I choose a part-time Masters?

• The option to study part time is invaluable to postgraduates who need to balance their studies with work or family commitments.
• Many others choose to study for a part-time Masters degree to reduce the strain on their finances.
• Part-time postgraduate course fees are typically cheaper than full-time programmes, and they make self-funding more realistic, as you can continue working, either on a full or part-time basis.
• For those already in employment, you can continue receiving your salary while studying. If you aim to self-fund your degree, your wages could help pay your fees upfront (avoiding the need to take out a loan) or put them towards your living costs.
• It opens up the possibility of employer sponsorship for postgraduate study. Your employer would pay some or all of your tuition fees and course expenses, as long as the qualification is relevant to your job and benefits the company in some way.

What are the other advantages of part-time study?

• Flexibility - lectures and seminars in many part-time courses are hosted at weekends or recorded for students to access online in their own time. Read more about online learning and choosing an online learning platform.
• Improving your career prospects - you can achieve this without having to take a break from work. Additionally, you'll make connections with other working professionals studying the same course. The networks you build with experts in your field can be helpful in terms of career advancement.
• Skill development - the skills you'll acquire during the course will look great on your CV, especially if your job is related to your study area. At work, you'll develop organisation and time management skills, especially as you'll be prioritising multiple workloads. Recruiters will admire your commitment to progression and lack of employment gaps. Discover the skills employers want.

To explore what's available, search part-time postgraduate courses.

How much study will a part-time Masters involve?

A part-time Masters course will take at least two years to complete, which is twice the length of studying a full-time postgraduate degree.

However, you'll still need to dedicate around 20 hours per week to study, which requires:

• attending lectures, seminars and tutorials
• completing coursework, assignments, dissertations and projects
• independent study, including researching, reading and exam revision.

This isn't much lower than the 25 hours per week expected of a full-time taught Masters, but it would be less intense.

To put it into perspective with undergraduate study, a typical Bachelors degree demands 1,200 study hours per year, working out at about 32 to 36 hours per week.

Most full-time jobs expect you to work 35 to 40 hours per week, which would likely strain your work/life balance unless you can negotiate an arrangement with your employer.

This is why it's important to discuss study timetables and working hours, and be clear that you'll need to constantly change each accordingly.

Can I work while studying part time as an international student?

No, international students enrolled on a part-time Masters course in the UK are not able to work at all while studying. This applies to both term time and the holidays.

Student visas only allow you to work if you're studying a full-time degree.

Read more about living, working and studying in the UK.

What are the disadvantages of studying part time?

If you're considering studying and working full time you need to be aware that part-time study is intense, stressful and requires great discipline.

Distractions and conflicting priorities

With few lectures to attend, you'll be prone to concentrating on work and leaving your assignments until the last minute. Distracting work commitments may even result in occasional deadline extensions or module deferrals. Ultimately, your job could take precedence in terms of quality and time, which is not ideal.

A tough balancing act

Balancing work, study and family life without it having a negative impact on your academic output is extremely difficult. Both employers and academics may not appreciate the conflicting demands on your time. Employers in particular may need careful handling to ensure that your academic work isn't neglected.

Additional living expenses

While annual part-time tuition fees are lower, a longer course may actually mean that you pay more in terms of your living and travel expenses.

Access to resources

You might not have time to access resources that could enhance the university experience and, more importantly, your future career. These include:

• societies
• academic staff
• guest lectures
• networking events
• library
• careers service.

Harder to maintain connections

Getting to know your coursemates in the same way as you would if you were studying full time may also be a challenge.

What's more, time pressures can leave you feeling isolated during tough times. Close support from the following groups and networks is therefore vital:

• friends
• family
• peers
• tutors
• colleagues
• employers.

Consider these 5 ways to manage student stress.

Maintaining a work/life balance

Many people now have the option of working from home more regularly, and hybrid working (time split between the home and office) is becoming the norm.

Therefore, choosing to study in the same environment as work may adversely affect your wellbeing, due to the amount of time you spend looking at your computer screen.

Read our advice on looking after your mental health at university.

How can I find part-time work while I study?

Even if you choose to study full time, you may still be able to help fund your studies by taking on a part-time job.

Many students without a full-time job choose this method, as they can fit work around their studies and work longer hours during the holidays.

When looking for a job, you may be able to find work both on and off campus.

For example, you could take on casual work, such as:

• bar/restaurant
• retail
• promotions.

Alternatively, your university may be looking for students to take on administration or customer service roles in the:

• campus library
• shop
• bar
• careers service
• students' union.

Explore student jobs at university.

Wages from any part-time work can contribute to your study or living costs, but they probably won't be enough to cover your expenses alone.

Find out more

• Discover other sources of postgraduate funding.
• Consider how to crowdfund your Masters.
• Read our guide to saving money as a student.