Ok, so I've been trying to get round to finishing my degree ever since I quit uni after a year - that was 3.5 years ago! I did the fisrt year of a nursing course but decided it wasn't for me, however I am aware I could finish this through the OU - either as a Health & Social Care degree or as an Open Degree which would give me a wider choice of courses.

I've been working full time and never got round to it - but will be on maternity leave from end of Jan - which will give me at least 9 months away from work.....

Now, I'm not mad and I know that looking after a baby is going to be more tiring and time consuming that working full time! BUT, a little part of me is thinking - this could be the opportunity to get on with it - even if my baby is really hard work, I'm still going to be at home all day and not having to concentrate on my job. Plus if i do some child psychology courses it could come in really useful! Is it really such an unrealistic thing to think about...??

I'd really appreciate your views!

I did a module of my nursing degree when on mat leave was good enjoyed the adult company

I rewrote a 3000 word assignment while on ML and applied for a new job, all in the first few months.
Erm, that sounds boasty. Didn't mean that. I suppose what I'm asking is how much do you have left to do? WHta support do you have (I have mum who lives nearby and retired)

It depends how energetic you are (and how energetic your baby is too ).
I know someone who did an MBA just after her ML.

After the first few weeks, when you have a bit of a routine going, you might be able to snatch an hour here or there, it's getting long stretches of time that will probably be the problem.

How many hours/week would you need to dedicate to it, do you think?

at MBA

Wow, quick answers! I have the first year covered - I am aiming to have an OU Open degree (without honours) by the age of 30 - that has been my aim for ages! So would have to do complete second year and half the third year by October 2010.....

I am married so would have help in the evenings/weekends.

I've no idea about hours a week - I dod have a bit of a unique way of learning and I don't tend to have to dedicate as many hours as most courses suggest (in my experience) - is an hour a day unrealistic do you think?

I would have thought an hour a day would be possible after the initial period - kind of depends on how your baby sleeps thhough and how you cope with that, I think.

SMB, not only did she do an MBA, she came top in her year, and was a single mum .

I'd say it was possible IF your baby isn't a particularly demanding one, and IF you really want to do it. I worked (academic research, writing papers etc) in all 3 of my maternity leaves. Bits and pieces which coulnd't easily wait.

I did have easy babies (2 of the 3) who slept very well, and I had people who would take the babies away too for a while. And I could work an hour or two morning and afternoon while the baby napped.

Cool, thanks for the input. As my friend pointed out - if my baby is a particularly demanding one, fair enough - but if he/she isn't, I'll be kicking myself for not making use of the time!

Now I just have to apply for a career development loan and do the sums...

Just be aware how differently people experience those first few months. My first child was terribly easy, slept through the night from a ridiculously young age. With her I was actually a bit bored during maternity leave because she wasn't very demanding and I wasn't very tired. So I rather enjoyed doing a bit of academic work. But this isn't something you can expect.

However all the other mothers will hate you if you have one like that.

Well, I've bitten the bullet and registered on an Openings course to get me back in the habit.... It'll be over by the time LO is here so not too much pressure! I'm thinking of doing childhood/child development related courses after that so it'll be relevant to my situation which always helps. Wish me luck everyone!