Remote Work While In a 1-year Masters Program

[Jon Andrew Greig]

I've been contemplating continuing to do the remote programming work that I've been doing while I am studying (full time) for a 1-year Ancient Philosophy program in the University of Edinburgh for the next year. However I get mixed feelings about doing any work during then, and then if I should, I'm trying to figure out how much I can or should work. (And U of Edinburgh stipulates a maximum limit of 20 hours/week for outside work.) I also find financially very good reasons why I probably SHOULD work, considering the strong likelihood I will be getting student loans for the program.

As far as working in general goes with grad school, especially in potentially involved 1-year programs, what is everyone else's advice for whether or not to work? And if so, what's a reasonable amount of time to set aside for work while in the middle of graduate studies? Would it just be wiser for me to invest all of my time into this 1-year opportunity? Thanks.

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

Is the remote work in the US or UK? I assume you are American studying in the UK on a taught degree. That can make a difference if you are an American in an English postgraduate program. I would contact your academic department or the uni's "student registry" on the specific details about working jointly to the degree (knowing 20 hours is "allowed" is not enough information), and absolutely read up on the rules of your work visa. You do not want to do anything to violate the terms of your course or visa permit.

When you embark on a taught course in the UK you are supposed to be there primarily to study; also, you are supposed to have ALL your funding in place before you start your postgraduate studies. Nothing is supposed to interfere with your studies, and you are urged usually only to take on work related to the taught degree.

I am American, I did a UK master's, but I am no expert on UK immigration/student visa law; I would take my suggestions only as inspiring springboard, you should pursue a professional, and legal, opinion on your work plans.

This is not a matter of "can I handle it?" -- you may be able to "handle it", but legally, it can get ugly. Furthermore, I would suspect HIGHLY that Americans in one year programs in United States cannot speak to the British master's work load and the unique visa requirements, as in regards to American hopeful to work and study in English postgraduate programs.

I would definitely say make all the money you can now and have it in place before you start your taught program in the UK; I would recommend you focus on the one year program which you are supposed to do, and second, you are burdening yourself with a lot of loans for.