Any Mature Audiology Students - with Children? - workload?

[Anonymous]

Hi!
I am new to this forum. I have been thinking about studying audiology for a while, and have just found this forum.

Are there any mature students with children out there who can give me an idea of the workload? I would like a change of career now that my children are in full time education, but want to know if I am being realistic! I would like to know: what are the hours like? the workload? is there loads of reading and essays or is it more practical? do you have the same sort of holidays as schools? (I'm not lazy and want lots of time off, I just don't want my children to forget who I am!)

I am thinking of applying to Swansea, as I live not far from there. I was wondering if I phoned a local hospital, whether I would be able to spend some time in the department to see what the work entails - or maybe follow an audiology student for a day or so - has anyone done this?

I would be very grateful for any help or advice!

[mancie]

Hi morris2000,

good questions.

I have a new baby, who was born about half way through my third year. The full time placement year. My wife is being a full time mum (mat leave) at the moment but of course things are very busy for me too.

The first year is not so bad, the second year there is loads of reading to do for most topics. The third year is full time work and lots of work to do on top of this.

So the answer is that you will probably be very busy. Having said all that there are two single parents on the course with children of school age and they have managed to get through up until now. So it is hard work but quite possible.

I am struggling to find the time for the academic work to be done in addition to the full time job in the third year but I expect I will get it all done. Students without children are find this very hard this year anyway.

I haven't done the forth year yet but I think there is less time in lectures but essays/project work to do, so the 4th year may be less of a stress.

I think from comments from the other students the course is more work and harder than a lot of degree programmes. But of course is has to be as there is a lot to do and we need to know it all quite well to be clinically compitent. There are a lot of practicals but also a great deal of theory, essays and a research project.

In terms of the job I would definitely recommend going to look at a dept. Most will be happy to arrange something. This will help when applying and being interviewed for a place etc. It is usally a 9-5 kind of job, and I suppose it would be possible to work flexible hours etc.

I would say it is hard work, but worth the effort so go for it if you think audiology is the profession for you.

[I@n]

Unfortunately I cannot comment on the course at Swansea. I'm on the course at Manchester.

I agree with Mancie's comments. Our first and second year involved half time study at home or library and half time in lectures.

Year 3 involves working full time, with a day release to be in university. There are assignments also to be done whilst working full time, so year 3 is quite involved.

Year 4 so far involves less lectures, but alot of group work. Our course involves a lot of work for problem based learning, which means meeting in groups alot. There is also a group work project, and meetings with tutors for the dissertation. There are 2 large clinical placements as well.

There are mature students on the course who have managed to accomodate studying and looking after children. Some have even considered going on to do phd's.

[cash @]

Hi there
I am a first year student at manchester, and have 2 young children, I must say i have found it difficult at times to juggle home commitments with the demands of the course, however it is very rewarding and well worth doing.
You will find a way of splitting your time between home and Uni, but you must remember not to get swallowed up with the small stuff......
Enjoy

[sharon @]

Hiya

I am currently on the 3rd yr at swansea. I have 3 children altogether. I too had the same dilema when I started. I am lucky in the fact that my husband finishes work no later than 2.30pm so this means he can pick the kids up from school everyday so this makes things slightly easier. If I give you the run down of timetable this might help you.

Each year is split into approx 50% uni lectures and 50% placement (except 3rd yr which is a 52 week placement)

Uni lectures can start as early as 9am and finish as late as 5pm some weeks their 5 days some maybe 2, your timetable will change every week, no 2 weeks will be the same times. placement will be five days a week 9-5 ranging from 2/3 week block to 8 weeks. Placement can be anywhere in Wales but in fairness to the uni they have always placed me within 50 miles of my home and my 3rd yr placement is in my home town.

some annual leave is over some school holidays however not much, xmas seems to always be the same as kids however not yet have I had any time off that is in the 6 weeks holiday.

I would never have managed if it hadn't been for a breakfast club at my children's school which means I drop them off at 7.45am!!! (I live in Cardiff so commute 100 miles a day) and a holiday club. all of my bursary and student loan have gone on childcare costs!

I don't want to lie to you, its been very hard. I miss my children and I'm broke! but my kids have been great and I have the support of a very understanding husband who takes the children out to enable me to study, without this support I could not have managed.

sorry if this sounds a little too much but at least you can sort out a plan of action!

Take care

Sharon

[Richv @]

Hi

I've just finished year 1 at Leeds and I'm married with two children. One is eight and the other is ust 18 months. My wife works full time ad juggling lectures, reading and essays has been complicated but here we are at the end of year 1. The course is brilliant and extremely rewarding. So far along with doing half the time in lectures/seminars and the other half reading/essays etc we have had two placements. The uni were superb about this and have placed me locally on both occasions. As far as I can tell year 2 will be similar to year 1 but with a hike in the workload and again 2 placements.

I have a very good support network with all grandparents living within 20 minutes of our house and our eldest daughters school which is immensely helpful. Next year should be a little eaier as far as the juggling goes. My youngest can start nursery when she is two and we will then have some definite days when she is there and life is a little less complicated.

As far as calling a local hospital is concerned I was asked to go for a day at a local audiology department when I was interviewed. They made it a condition of being accepted on the course as they wanted me to be certain what I was giving up to take up the course. The hospital had to confirm I had attended prior to me receiving the offer. It my be that Swansea can recommend someone to contact so I would call the uni first.

I would recommend the course highly. My background is in sales and marketing and I have no regrets. Yes its hard work and yes you have to plan
but the rewards are there to see and as far as your children are concerned I actually see more of mine now than I did when I was on the road all the time so they are unlikely to forget you.

Good Luck and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Richard.

[lol26]

Hi. I completed the postgraduate course in Manchester. I was a single parent to a 7 year old at the time. I found it quite difficult. I would not of completed the course if I did not have great parents who provided endless childcare for me. I went through a divorce just before the end of the first term, which caused more stress. I cannot praise the university too much for all the help given to me, both financial and help with course work and revision. This was, of course, available to all.

There is a generous amount of work involved in the postgraduate course - probably why its called "fast track." If you have a support system in place I believe it is well worth all the hard work. I can not imagine doing anything else (I work in Research before hand - which is more flexible, can book annual leave the day before you want it, leave when you want etc) there is a lot of benefit to be gained to our patients and what we do on a daily basis does increase the quality of someones life (well usually, there's always an exception tot he rule).

Going to one Audiology department is a good idea. I have found that different departments work in slightly different ways - so it maybe good to visit a few.

Maybe have a bit of a read to. I know Manchester have a list of books to read to start you off before you start the course.

Good luck.

[claire]

Hiya

I know this is an old thred but if there are still parents out there I'm a single parent in my second year at Bristol and at times it's been a struggle but very enjoyable and they have been great with sorting me out a local placement for the 3rd year etc

[ere]

If your children are in education now you should be ok (though it will still be hard). If you really want to succeed, you will adapt and achieve the goal. Organise your time so that you can study 11 hours each day.