Pros and Cons of part-time study

A lot of Master’s students choose to study part-time for many reasons, including work or family commitments. There are a few key things to consider before you choose the part-time route.

Students walking to campus

Pro: Earning while you’re learning

Part-time study allows you the time to work full or part-time, which is really important if you have a family to look after, rent to pay or need some extra spending money.

Plus, working and studying allows you to develop your knowledge and skills at the same time, not to mention the time management skills you’ll gain!

Con: Having a busy schedule

Speaking of time management, you’ll need to be good at planning your time as a part-time student. If you’re planning on working and studying then you’ll need to find time to carry out independent study and complete assignments alongside work or other commitments. Ideally, you should be dedicating around 20 hours of study a week to your part-time degree.

Being a part-time postgraduate student means being disciplined and motivated but balancing this with taking time for yourself to avoid burnout. It can be challenging to find time for everything, but it can be done when you focus on your end goal.

Pro: Potentially securing employer funding

If you’re studying a part-time Master’s to climb the career ladder, your employer may contribute to your tuition fees if you study while working for them. Employers often want their staff to progress within the company. So, if you think studying a Master’s can benefit your company, there’s no harm in asking.

Find out more about how your employer can support your university study

Postgraduate Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about our postgraduate courses in detail, explore our campus and chat with current postgraduate students.

Con: Finding time for student life

If you’re balancing work, study, family life and other commitments, it can be hard to make time to fully enjoy the university experience. Being a part of a vibrant, active university, like BCU, helps as you can get involved in lots of activities even if you are only on campus once a week.

Pro: Meeting like-minded people

Many people studying a part-time Master’s are there because they want to progress in their career, despite other commitments they have. Part-time study can be challenging, so it’s important to form a community of ambitious people to encourage and support you.

Find out more about what it’s like to study part-time

If you’re considering studying part-time then our Postgraduate Open Events are the perfect opportunity to talk to academics and current students about your chosen course and to see if the timetable will work for you.

What should you do next?

Come to a Postgraduate Open Event

Our campuses have a real buzz about them, at our Open Events, you’ll have the chance to experience it for yourself. See where you could be attending lectures, getting on with independent study and meeting fellow postgrads for a coffee.

Register for the next Open Event

Download our postgraduate guide

Our Postgraduate Guide provides details of all our postgraduate taught and research courses. It also provides information about the research environment at Birmingham City University

Download the guide

Apply for a course

So, you’re interested in applying for postgraduate study? Here’s a step-by-step guide covering all you need to know to apply. Unlike undergraduate degrees where you will apply via UCAS, you can apply straight to the University for a postgraduate degree.

Find out how to apply

Get advice on your personal statement

Not sure what's required of you in a postgraduate personal statement? Don't worry, our guide has top tips, examples from real students and all the guidance you'll need.

Download the guide