You've done your degree and probably finished an Honours along the way. You've decided you want to keep studying but have other commitments like full time work and children. Don't despair, getting your masters degree or PHD can be done, it just takes juggling and a lot of patience.

I undertook a Masters degree whilst at home with my children. I was already studying for a multimedia advanced diploma but also wanted to write a book. I noticed that one of the universities was offering a creative writing Masters degree and I decided that if I was ever to get my book written it would have to be in a structured way. The Masters seemed like a good idea because I'd be able to write my novel and get a higher research degree in the process. I thought I could manage my other studies and the children as well. Boy did I let myself in for a hard time. I struggled for two years with the Masters whilst I finished my multimedia diploma. Since I had to go into TAFE to do the multimedia and had lots of assignments this had to take priority. My supervisor for the Masters was pretty consistent though and kept pushing me to get the work done.

Also, to add to my woes I studied for a Graduate Diploma in Education so that I could go back to work the following year. Both my children would be in school by then and I needed to earn some money. I had to take a year off the Masters to complete my Dip Ed and then once I started working full time I had to also try and do my Masters. Suprisingly, seven years later I had finished. However, I'd done it al the hard way and not enough credit is given to women trying to juggle family, career and study.

Here are my tips for trying to stay sane and manage your degree:

• Only do a masters in something that you are interested in, otherwise it will be difficult to find enthusiasm.
• Aim to write close to a chapter each month to have it ready for your supervsor
• Take time off from your Masters, either a semester or a year so that it is not constantly on your mind
• Think about the end product, imagine it ready for assessment
• Read student theses that have passed and are bound for display in the library.  It is amazing how many tips you can pick up.
• Have a supervisor that you trust and get along with. My supervisor was a lovely lady who kept encouraging me through the process. Though she was relieved by the end and was happy I'd finally finished.
• Think hard about why you want a Masters degree. Do you want to do research or course work. I found research more rewarding and attracted a lower HECS debt.
• Think about how happy you'll be when you see your thesis professionally bound by a bookmaker. I chose green for my thesis and it looked beatiful.

Written by Sue Bell