Job Discussion Forums

burgess29 · Joined: 25 Nov 2011 Posts: 26 Location: Saudi Arabia

Hi Folks,

A couple of queries regarding this MA program.

I started my MA App. Ling. at The University of Nottingham through
distance learning in Feb 2012. My question is this,

Who in the Gulf recognizes part-time distance learning MA's?

There has been a lot of discussion about this and the consensus seems
to be that decent employers in Saudi/Kuwait don't, but the MOHE in
the UAE does. I don't know about Oman, Bahrain or Qatar.

Your thoughts about this would be most welcome...

burgess29 Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If the course is a "blended" degree where you spend some time in Uk, it MAY be recognised in KSA. No guarantee. The catch is that experince is onlky counted A|FTER you finish yourt highest degree. So if it IS redcognised you will be deemed to have ZERO years experience for the purpose of salary increments in KSA.

lynnknows · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 7:52 am Post subject:

I know of about 7 people that have done 100% online MA programs and work in KSA. IF the school is not listed as an online school but a brick and mortar University then you SHOULd be ok. Most times the transcripts and the diploma do not state they are online degrees, If this is the case with your school I would think you will be ok.

johnslat · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:32 pm Post subject:

Dear lynnknows,

Unless, of course, the time period for the degree coincides with a time of ESL/EFL employment on the resume.

Of course, that also makes the huge assumption that anyone in HR in Saudi would actually notice that. Very Happy

Regards,
John

redeyes · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 254

Lynn, I just sent you a PM.

Thanks,

Redeyes.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Not all Saudi universities reject (relevant) MA degrees that were completed via distance learning. My understanding is that private institutions are okay with them, but you'd have to look at each university's specific requirements. Be aware that you may get asked about your degree program's delivery mode during an interview or when filling out an employment application. Otherwise, as others have stated, your situation might not pose any problems if there 1) isn't an indication of "online" or "distance" on your transcript or diploma; and 2) isn't any obvious conflict or confusion with your employment and degree-study dates and location.