The Godiva coat was Mrs O'Connell's first commission after qualifying from a five-year part-time textile degree at Coventry University in 2008.

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Of those who are staying, Low's options were the most unusual, as he has completed a law degree, has a part-time summer job with a firm of solicitors and has had an offer of more work.

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He gained an economics degree in his 50s, studying part-time.

ECONOMIST: Alec Campbell | The

"We are seeing greater numbers securing permanent jobs across a variety of sectors, but progress is slow and employment figures are masked, to some degree, by the high numbers employed in part-time roles, " she said.

BBC: UK unemployment falls to 2.51 million, ONS says

Matt Smith, 23, attended the University of Manchester where he gained a degree in International Management with American Studies while playing part-time amateur football.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

That month, another restriction will kick in for part-time students: First-time borrowers pursuing a bachelor's degree won't be able to sign up for the subsidized loans for more than six years.

WSJ: Does the New Student-Loan Legislation Go Far Enough?

The elder Martin cosigned, and Jessica began working toward her psychology degree at nearby California State University, San Bernardino, where she is now studying part-time.

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