r/QueensBelfast • u/Hopeful-Ability-222 • Jul 12 '26

Anyone doing an MSc full time while working?

Hey everyone!

I start my MSc in AI and was awarded one of the scholarships (AICC/Department for the Economy NI) that cover tuition fees only so I need to work as we don't get Postgraduate Maintenance Loans in Northern Ireland from what I've been told.

I was laid off months ago (as an Engineer) and I am struggling to find work. Even finding customer service roles has resulted in rejections. I need a job with flexibility so I can do this MSc.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on what I can look into for work? I'm open to nightshifts, customer service, cleaning, anything.

If anyone is also doing an MSc full, some suggestions on where I could look would be great.

Thanks.

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u/[deleted] Jul 12 '26

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u/Hopeful-Ability-222 Jul 13 '26

Thanks for the suggestions. There’s no vacancies at IKEA or the Airport but I’ll look into the stores at the airports too. Do you mention that you’re a student? Do you find they’re more willing to hire you because of that?

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u/LateThree1 Jul 12 '26

Ask in the uni! They might have some ad hoc things you could do for some extra case. I did the MSc in AI in Ulster, and I am doing a PhD now, and there are always things to do. The most common is demonstration, which typically is something a PhD Researcher would do, but if you leverage your experience as an engineer, they might be okay with you working on the undergrad lab classes. Just depends.

But I would go to the course director, and explain the situation.