Job Discussion Forums

[Aurelia]

How is the Open University degree in England acceptable as a basic degree for Japan etc.

[Ludwig]

'Aurelia', it is far from clear what, exactly, you mean by 'how'. Do you mean 'why' is it accepted? Or do you mean 'to what extent' is it accepted?

Either way, I doubt very much that an Open University degree will suffice for Japan; they are certainly not exactly considered to be excellent qualifications here in HK for example. You will have to keep in mind at all times that you will be competing against those that have a proper (viz., on campus, full-time) degree.

[stillnosheep]

[stillnosheep]

also, if you tighten up the question and repost it in the Japan forum you may get more more specific replies, and if you've achieved, or are in the process of achieving an OU degree whilst working full time or bringing up kids then you have my full and total respect.

OU degrees versus "proper, full time campus based degrees" my arsh. Wake up and smell the coffee elitist boy ..."

(stillnosheep shambles off into the distance, still mumbling away to himself until the mutterings under his breath slowly drift into inaudibility .... )

[Aurelia]

Thanks Ludwig and Still No Sheep. Sorry, don't know how that how got there. I actually meant to say IS the OU degree an acceptable degree for teaching especially when it comes to visa requirements. I really wanted to hear that yes stillnosheep a degree is a degree is a degree. Of course if there is competition so be it, but at least for visa purposes it is acceptable

[stillnosheep]

Personably I'd argue that for Japanese hiring purposes it is preferable.

It demonstrates maturity, self-motivation, the ability to work alone and the dedication and perserverance to complete a set task over a period of many years in a situation with little or no immediate support network. All of which are far more relevant to working in a Japanese conversation school than the ability to intersperse a three year drink, drug and sex crazed fog with the occasional lecture, assuming the ability to wake up before 5.30 pm (or was that just me ...?).

That's how I'd argue it at interview anyhow.

Good luck.

[Aramas]

I don't know how the UK Open Uni system works, but the OLA here in Australia results in a degree from the relevent uni that is indistinguishable from an on-campus one. I'm thinking about continuing my degree next year at Macquarie uni through OLA, but I still haven't heard back about whether I can defer the fees while residing overseas.

It's got to be better than the archaic lectures-and-notes system - I usually reach my boredom threshold before the lecturer even arrives.

[stillnosheep]

[murman]

Hi Aurelia,

I don't know which country Ludwig is from, but I totally agree with stillnosheep, a degree is a degree whether it's from the OU or any other UK university. With the OU, you will follow a degree-level sylabus of course, the same as any other uni. You are still entitled to use BA after your name.

When you apply for a job in Japan, it depends on the individual school etc as to who they take on. If you have a degree and an EFL certificate you have as good a chance as anyone else.

My advice is don't worry about having an OU degree, it's a degree-level qualification in its own right.

By the way, I'm from the UK.

[gugelhupf]

It is worth noting that OU students on degree courses with a practical/laboratory component don't miss out either. These units are taught at residential summer schools held at first division UK universities. From what I've seen of the OU teaching provided on contract by my own university these course units are well resourced and of a very high standard.

A very high proportion of MBA degrees awarded in the UK are also gained through the OU.

[mb2086]

Of course an OU degree is perfectly valid. How dare anyone imply that it's not! The OU is internationally recognised and is known to be one of the best University's in Britain for achievemnet. Most grads of the OU have given an arm and a leg to achieve their degree and so don't anyone dare say it's not an 'ordinary' degree. It is probably BETTER than most degrees with rigorous standards and some of the best quality teaching - don't take my word for it, ask the validating bodies.

[Taiping04]

Aramas, you are eligible for a PELS loan whilst you are O/S. You don't start to repay it until you are back in the Australian tax system. I've just completed some Macquarie Uni. post grad. coursework. It was a mix of on-line and distance ed. PM me if you want to know more.

[Ludwig]

'Mb2086', I take it then that you have never attempted to gain university employment in either Japan or Hong Kong, then.

[Taiping04]

I didn't think the original poster - or any one else on this thread up until now - had even mentioned university teaching. "I take it then......then." Great English.

[Ludwig]