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Hi I am seriously considering enrolling on the podiatry degree at Northampton University (not until 2013, providing my previous qualifications are enough) as a mature student, I'd be very interested to hear any feedback from mature students with a young family as to how it works for you. I understand that a degree is going to be hard work would just love to find out from others if it is possible to be a mum, housewife and full time student and stay sane at the same time.

 

Hi,
I'm a 2nd year mature student at Birmingham and I'm too a wife and mum of two. It is possible to do it all but it is hard work, the only advice I can give you is to get a good support network around you because you'll need it when the assignments start coming.

There is a group that is on Facebook called UK Podiatry, join we are a friendly bunch and there are others who have young children and they can tell you their experiences.

Good luck

R Buni

 

Hi R Buni,
Thank you for your reply, thats reasuring that it can be done. Hope you are enjoying your course. Will get myself on the uni open day, thank you for telling me about the group I will check it out.
Thanks again
k-mare

 

I just finished my MSc Podiatry programme at Queen Marageret University (Edinburgh) this year January. I'm running my one day a week private practice, 1 day a week diabetic Foot clinic, 3 days of working as teacher/researcher at the Artevelde University college in Belgium. I have two kids at home, my daughter Annabelle was born when I was in my first year. Next to this I was able to do the three year programme in about 4 years. The last two years I was registered as a full-time student.
One thing I learned during this time was TIME MANAGEMENT. and even so, you indeed need to be surrounded with family and friends who are happy to jump in from time to time. I have a wonderful wife who loves to give me the opportunity to develop further into my podiatric profession,
Looking back on this, I have to admit I wasn't all the time 'the best dad' for my kids. They probably refer to me as the 'i'll be there in a minute'-dad while working on papers and assignments or reading articles and forum-posts.
I can't deny it's difficult, but nothing is impossible when you really want it.

ps. Learn to say 'no'... -> this was the best tip I got!

 

Hi K-Mare,

I trained as a Podiatrist immediately after leaving school but went back to uni as a mature student, at age of 38, to pursue my interest in English Literature. I completed a full-time degree, MA and MPhil whilst still working part-time as a NHS Podiatrist. I was married at the time but had no children. I was warned by a tutor who interviewed me prior to starting the course that mature student marriages need to be resilient to withstand pressure that can occur not only during intense study, but also being part of a whole new student social life.

I had the time of my life. I loved being a mature student far more than my first experience of study and would recommend it wholeheartedly but don't underestimate the effect it might have upon your relationships.

I also think that pursuing Podiatry as a mature student, as a wife and mother, is a great idea: when you qualify you can adapt working hours to suit you. It really does allow you the freedom to work to live rather than live to work.

Best of luck, hope it all works out for you.

:drinks

 

Hi Joskin and Kenva
Thank you for your replies, yes your right there is so much to think about, I do have a very supportive husband but do have to consider he has his own bussiness so works alot of hours my main fear is the course taking over all of our lives! Well done to all of you for your determination, I would class myself as determined so fingers crossed I'd be able to cope, I'm sure if I don't give it a try I would regret it, I take it with the assignments there are tight deadlines to meet? I really appreciate all of the advice given.
k-marie

 

Hi K-marie,
I'm currently coming to the end of my second year at Northampton, I'm married and have a young family. It's definately true that you need a good support network, but provided you are good with your time management you'll be fine.
They usually give you 4 weeks to do assignments, which to be honest provided you start them early is plenty long enough, but to be honest there isn't all that many as the majority of grading comes with your exams. I think I have had 3 a year.....
I took years to finally take the plunge and get back into education & I can quite honestly say it's one of the best things I've ever done!

Best of luck.

 

Hello AussieDreamer,
Thank you for your reply it's very encouraging, I feel very excited about going on the open day on the 21st, would you recomend me taking a list of my qualifications with me on the day? I need to find out if mine are enough or if I need to take the access course if I definately want to go for it.

How are your placements? Do you get sent to places in Northamptonshire or do you have to travel further out?

Is there many on your course AussieDreamer? Alot of mature students?

Thank you for your time,
Take care
k-marie

 

Hi K-Marie,
When I was an 18 year old Pod student the amount of mature students on the course outnumbered those straight from sixth-form so you may be pleasantly surprised.

I remember feeling very nervous about returning to uni as a mature English Lit student. There were very few of us 'oldies', I was concerned about all sorts of stupid issues...would my brain be rusty? Did I look like a sad old fuddy-duddy? etc etc!! As it happened all these 'issues' never really existed except in my head and I ended up hanging out with the 'young ones' anyway...probably because although I may be well advanced in years I'm not that mature in manner!

I'm convinced there are many advantages of being a mature student, particularly in fields such as Podiatry, as you have more experience of dealing with people and that really is an invaluable tool in this profession.

Have fun!!:drinks

 

Hi K-Marie

I am a final year mature student at Huddersfield. My boys are teenagers so it's been a bit easier than having young children I think. When deliberating about whether to do the course, a friend of mine said that the 3 years would fly by and when you look at it, you're only in uni from the end of September until Easter and you do get lots of time off over the summer and Christmas.
Now that I'm nearly qualified, her words were spot on and really spurred me on.

My advice - Go for it! It'll be over before you know it and you'll be able to organise your work/life balance to spend as much time as you need with your children.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for replies, I feel really excited about going on the open day after hearing your possitive thoughts about the course, will let you all know what I decide to do.
Thanks again
k-marie