Sometimes one has to approach the longed for education for continuing personal development by “stealth” and cunning. If the course one would really like to enrol for doesn’t attract grants or bursaries and if there’s no way of self-financing the university degree, then perhaps it is time to take a fresh look at what else is on offer.
There are post graduate, professional qualifications which do not cost the earth but enable a person to aim for either better paid jobs in the job market or to starting their own business. The Institute of Linguists provides courses and diploma qualifications for those wishing to work in the field of either translation or interpreting; accountancy qualifications lead to a good income as a self-employed accountant; a part-time college course in holistic therapy with follow on master classes held over a number of weekend seminars allows a person to pursue a qualified, self-employed career.
If the university degree is so important, then see if there are other ways of taking a degree in a similar field that may be offered on a part-time basis, allowing you to work while studying for your career. There are evening classes for some humanities courses which are part of a “pathway” program making a university degree achievable for everyone, no matter what their previous educational qualifications are.
Some college qualifications like the HND programmes may allow students to have points accredited to their university degree because of overlap in subjects already covered at college. This equates to a shorter degree, making it less expensive both in terms of tuition fees and time out of work.
Other Forms of Degrees
Open Universities and main-stream universities already offer online tuition and distance courses for many disciplines. This enables students to work at their own pace and in their own time after work or at the weekend. Anyone wishing to go this route should be aware of the additional workload they are taking on, before enrolling. Discuss with your tutor or career’s advisor what time you have available for studying. Be realistic and don’t kid yourself, it’s going to be tough for several years.
If you already have a degree and are looking to post graduate qualifications, teacher training is one area one shouldn’t overlook. If you baulk at the idea of teaching kids which is what have we been discussing in this article, education for continuing professional development, that’s adult learning to you and me. Being a lecturer giving evening classes at colleges, adult education or lifelong learning centers or even starting out on your own and giving private tuition can be very lucrative. Courses take from one to two years and are available as full and part-time options.
Achieving one’s aspirations is within most people’s grasp. Sometimes we are just frightened of change or put off by the cost involved. Education for continuing personal development will make you a much happier person and give you confidence and a real sense of achievement. You will meet new people, broaden your horizon and it will quite possibly inspire you to run your own business, strive for promotion or even write a book or two.