Can I afford a Cambridge Master’s?
It’s a question many professionals ask when considering part-time Master's study: can I realistically afford it? At University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), we believe learning should be accessible, regardless of your background, career stage, or financial situation. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new field, or invest in personal growth, there are funding options available to help make it possible.
This guide explores the key ways you can fund a part-time Master’s at Cambridge; from employer sponsorship to practical financial planning. We’ll also point you to official resources and support teams who can help you navigate your options.
Funding options for part-time study
Master's funding at Cambridge isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your circumstances, you might draw on one or more of the following:
Employer sponsorship
Many organisations see Master’s study as a strategic investment in their workforce. If your Master’s aligns with your current role or future responsibilities, your employer may be willing to contribute to your fees or offer paid study leave. This is especially common in sectors like education, healthcare, business, and public service.
Start by preparing a case for how your chosen course will benefit your team or organisation. Highlight the skills you’ll gain, the relevance to your role, and the prestige of studying at Cambridge.
Bursaries and financial support
Our enrolment team also provides guidance on application tips, deadlines, and financial planning.
We recommend exploring the Fees and Funding page early in your application process. You can also find information on additional funding options, on individual course pages.
Government loans
If you’re a UK resident, you may be eligible for a government Master’s loan. These loans can help cover tuition fees and living costs and are repaid gradually once your income reaches a certain threshold. While eligibility criteria apply, they’re a valuable option for many career changers and mid-career professionals.
You can learn more about postgraduate finance in the UK via the gov.uk postgraduate loan guidance.
Self-funding strategies
Many PACE learners fund their studies independently, often combining savings, income from work, and flexible payment plans. If you’re self-funding, it’s worth exploring:
- Employer study leave: Even if your employer can’t contribute financially, they may offer time off for study.
- Tax relief: In some cases, tuition fees may be tax-deductible if the course is directly related to your profession.
- Budgeting tools: Planning ahead can help you manage costs over the duration of your course.
Our part-time programmes are designed to fit around work and life, making it easier to balance study with earning.
Managing study costs alongside work
Balancing study with work is a hallmark of part-time Master's life. Here are a few strategies to help you manage costs and time effectively:
- Plan your budget: break down tuition fees, materials, and other expenses. Consider monthly costs and how they align with your income.
- Use payment plans: Cambridge offers flexible payment options for many courses.
- Tap into peer support: many learners form informal networks to share resources, travel tips, and study strategies.
One student who was awarded the Joy Brandon Bursary, shares with us:
“Through a fantastic faculty and a brilliant cohort that helped me challenge the way I think about my own work, I feel I have grown immensely as a writer.
Being able to study in all four areas of creative writing has had a huge benefit to my process, with each module influencing the other three.
I’ll be leaving the university with a deeper knowledge of craft, more discipline, more potential, and a supportive community of fellow writers. This journey would not have been possible without the Joy Brandon Bursary and I will forever be grateful.”
Aspiring Black British Caribbean writers are eligible to apply for the MSt in Creative Writing and the MSt in Writing for Performance.
Where to find detailed information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting:
- Fees and funding: sponsorship, and financial advice
- Postgraduate and Master’s admissions: application guidance
- Master’s degrees overview: course formats and options
- Individual course pages
You can also contact the enrolment team for personalised advice.
Make part-time study at Cambridge a reality
For those looking to build skills or explore a subject before committing to a full degree, our short online courses offer a flexible, low-cost way to experience Cambridge learning.
You can also sign up to our newsletter for updates on new courses, funding opportunities, and tips for balancing study with work.
Explore funding options and discover how Cambridge can support your postgraduate journey. Whether you’re self-funding, seeking employer sponsorship, or applying for a bursary, there’s a path forward, and we’re here to help you find it.