My first degree, full-time, was an effort as I didn't really enjoyed it. However, it was a means to an end, which was to enter a profession, which surprisingly, I managed to do. During the early stages of my working career, I started to look as studying something not just as a means to an end, but for my knowledge and self-satisfaction.

I read for my first Masters on a part-time basis, and was quite happy with it. Thereafter, I went on to read for a Phd on a part-time basis at University Malaya. I still remember that to my surprise, my Dean, Supervisor and even the librarian who assisted with my Phd research, actually queried me as to why I did not read for my Phd on a full-time basis overseas. As my degree and masters were obtained in the UK, they said that it made better sense to read for it in the UK as the research facilities and supervisors in the UK were far better than what I could get in Malaysia, especially at Malaya University.

I told them that as I just started my own business, I was loathed to take time off to go back to the UK to read for a Phd on a full-time basis. By reading for it on a part-time basis, I could both run my business as well as scratch my intellectual itch. Unfortunately, due to my business, I was unable to do the research that I wanted to. After about a year or so, I dropped my Phd.

If you want to read for your Phd on a part-time basis, be sure that you have sufficient time every day to concentrate for a few hours on your research. If not, it is only too easy to slip and fall behind in your research. After completing a second Masters in another field, I can say that at the Masters level, it is easier. At the Phd level, it is a different kettle of fish altogether. So be prepared for that.

However, in many ways, reading for a Phd now is probably much easier than it was when I did it. I find that Phds now have compulsory classes to learn about research, statistics and other topics which helps you to prepare and research a topic. In those days, it was still the old-fashioned method, whereby you were expected to do everything yourself. There were no mandatory classes as described, and you only saw your supervisor once every few months or when you wanted to for advice. You were expected to learn and do everything yourself. The university only helped in providing research facilities and access to a supervisor who monitored your research and whom you could query for information and guidance.

I hope that my experience helps. I did regret dropping my Phd all those years ago. I am considering reading for a Phd again on a part-time basis in a year or so. I find that I have more time now, which is the main consideration.