Funding Postgraduate Distance Learning

I have a request for information regarding possible funding of postgraduate MSc study through distance learning.

There are many sites offering guides on where possible funding may be available, and I am currently trawling through most seeing what’s relevant and what doesn't quite fit the situation, but there’s nothing like getting some honest human feedback on a question.

As my current work situation means I'd rather not take the timeout to study a masters full time or the traditional part time I've been looking into doing the study through distance learning. The particular course I'm interested in is MSc in Environmental Management from the University of Ulster (though if anyone has more general information I'm sure it would be of benefit to others in a similar situation).

While there are many sites offering help finding the appropriate institutions / government bodies/NGOs etc who may offer funding, I've already found that filtering these to figure out if a distance learning degree (especially one from a University in Northern Ireland) is applicable is an extremely onerous task.

If anyone has any guidance/suggestions/advise on where to go for information I'd be extremely grateful.

(I am hoping that the company I work with [large multi-national with a strong emphasis on training] may provide some assistance, but still nice to investigate all possible avenues)

~Sat~

Usually the university which offers the course you're interested in can give the best info as to the grant/scholarship/other assistance to which you may be entitled - give them a buzz and they'll probably be happy to help. It can be very confusing trying to gather schol and funding information.

Agreed! It seems to be one of the requirements for the qualification.... if you can figure out the funding you get the degree.

I had a look at the advice they have available online and the vast majority of those open to non-UK/NI students appear to be simply for the full time courses.
I certainly will get in contact with them. Something this baffling and economically important will get tackled from every possible angle.

I also know from friends experience that the advice offered by some universities on funding can be very poor. They may see it as an annoying phone call whereas someone wishing to do the course investigates this as a matter which may/will change their lives. (Not saying this is the case, I've yet to make contact with the University)

It is a very personal thing depending on the course and the proposed area of study (Water Framework Directive related so contact with the EPA, DoE, Some of the European bodies will certainly be needed), but thought I'd still investigate any possible advice others may have as I stumble along.

Setanta - in general there is no postgraduate funding for part time courses. There are some grants/bursaries/ESRC funds available for full-time postgraduate work but this is increasingly competitive (i.e. not everyone qualifies or is awarded). The assumption is that if you are employed and doing an MA or MSc part-time you are in a position to fund yourself and it is an investment in your career.

Hi Setanta,

I was in the same boat as yourself looking for funding for a distance learning MSc from the UK. I was unable to secure any funding even from my employer (and the degree was directly work related). I had to pay the fees myself, but you can get tax relief on the fees paid.

Good luck with the search.

Thanks a million for all the info.
I'll still have a chat with the University and see if they may provide any possible leads (I'll feed them back if they do..... [and if I've already secured mine ]).

Guess I have to hope my employer is slightly more giving than others seem to have been. Very surprising to hear they wouldn't offer support when it was in a relevant area. Then again, I may well be saying the same thing in a couple of months!

Cheers again for all the help.