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Funding/living costs while doing postgrad course
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I'm in the process of applying to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism at the moment - it would be starting in September and would be a 9 month course (1 academic year). The thing is, I'm starting to wonder whether there is any point in me even going for it if I get offered a place. How am I supposed to afford my rent? I'm going to try and get a career development loan which will hopefully sort out the fees for the course, but if I'm not working (which I probably won't be as it's a full-time course) then I don't see how I can afford to live. My boyfriend's being very supportive, even saying we can move somewhere cheaper - which I really don't want to do because it seems unfair on him when he loves our flat and has worked really hard doing it up - but he won't be able to support us both financially no matter how cheap our rent is What should I do? Has anyone else had to deal with this and how did you manage?
Post edited by JustV on
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So that's how I'm gonna cope - with a full time job and part time education. I'm an undergrad at the moment and working two jobs to save up for tuition fees. It's a tight budget, but managable!
Also, remember you'll be a full-time student again, so eligible for the various discounts etc that brings with it (including 25% off Council Tax) and student bank accounts and overdrafts.
And yes, try and look for a part time job (I know...easier said than done in the current climate).
I did my MSc a few years back with a CDL, I think I managed through a combination of the CDL, support from my boyfriend when I needed it, my overdraft and the fact that we were living cheaply with his mum. Yes, it was tough and I did get into debt, but was able to pay most of it off not too long after, when I was doing my PhD and had a rather more generous studentship and a part time job. You'll muddle through somehow, I'm sure and will regret if forever if you don't go for it. Good luck
Hey,
Can I just ask which course it is, where etc? It may be that you can do a much shorter course that will get you the same qualification and be recognised just as well in the sector. It's good to think ahead and perhaps contact prospective employers to find out which courses they would recommend.
However, if you've already done thorough research on this kind of thing then just ignore me.
You need to factor in that your usually only required to be in university as it were for 20 - 24 weeks of the year for actual teaching so if you can find a job which has flexiable hours or takes allows people to take on extra shifts over holiday periods then it can really help as well.
My twopence is to do some research if you haven't to make sure that a post-grad qualification will definitely open doors for you that otherwise wouldn't have opened.
Personally, I'm not convinced about post-grad journalism courses. Several of my friends have done them, and yes they are in journalism jobs but then so am I, and I didn't. So it's difficult to work out whether they got their job because of their course or they would have got them anyway.
I'm very much of the opinion that journalism is a trade not a profession - it's a skill you develop not something you study. But, that's just my opinion and I know there are employers and organisations that won't even look at a CV if the person doesn't have a formal qualification.
Olly
Editorial Manager