I will do some ringing tomorrow. I have found 2 unis within an hour from here that offer it part time, so going to check whether I can enrol part time now (and do maybe 2 years p/t), but then change to full time to complete in a few years..
I could handle a few long days a week, but don't really want to be going 5 days a week for long periods IYKWIM. If I was to leave the kids all day Monday to Friday, I would go back to work in the field I am currently in.
With 'full-time' study the idea is that the classes + assessment requirements add up to full time. TAFE courses usually have more contact hours than Uni courses, and Uni courses usually require more out-of class reading. My last uni course was 2 contact hours per subject per week = 8 contact hours full time. It's the workload outside of the school hous that can be hard to manage.
Sometimes at uni you can be enrolled as 'full-time' but just select 3 subjects rather than 4 per semester, so it's a 3/4 workload.. I found that managable, but check with the uni if they allow it.
oh and as of 2010 TAFEs will be bringing in a FEE-HELP (HECS) scheme for the fees. Maybe it is that they'll join the current FEE-HELP scheme, I'm not sure.
When checking out the unis, check out the child care facilities on campus. They are often good prices and you can check on your kids if you have a break, and often they also accept shorter periods of care (if you only have one lecture).
Like the others said, full time uni does not have the contact hours that full time work does, but you have to be organised and prepared to put in the work at home.
It was the contact hours (just didn't know the words) that I was more concerned about. I have studied while working full time, so I have a bit of an idea what is required at home (although not with children )
DH now has better shifts that would allow me more time to commit to study but being at home would be less stressful on him and the children..
Will have a think over the weekend, then apply next week (already having to pay late enrolment fees so want to make sure we are both happy with it)..
Skeetaboat- thanks for that advice on Tafe with fee help. Will look into that before I make my final decision..
Kate - I enjoy studying too.. At least my time away from the kids will be helping do something to give me more flexible work when they are at school..
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