Job Discussion Forums

[Cleopatra]

I've heard some places will grant a distance MA in just 18 months, whereas others take a couple of years.
Realistically - assuming you're working at least part-time -how long do Distance MAs take from enrolment to conferral?

[guty]

I started mine by distance and finished it in person.
I did 3 1/2modules (out of 6)in an academic year by distance and finished the other 2 1/2 in one term (3 months) full time face to face.
The dissertation depends on you, but no less than 6-8 weeks and possibly much longer.
I wasnt working too much while doing the distance part, and could have easily completed 4 modules, possibly, obviously it depends on your job and how much time you have, but all together 18 months sounds possible 24 more realistic, the more you put in to it the more you get out of it.

[Corey]

It also may depend on whether or not you do a coursewrok MA or thesis.

[Cleopatra]

Thanks for your answers.

Isn't it true, in any case, that even if you do finish the modules quickly you will still have to wait for conferral of the degree, which is only done on set dates?

[biffinbridge]

i think it depends on how far away you are......if u r on the sun i think it taes about 8 minutes

[shmooj]

Mine took three years with 6 modules including a 20,000 word thesis. I had strict deadlines to work to and though I could postpone any one particular module for even up to a year, I chose not to (though tempted a couple of times). Found out that almost everyone who does this finds coming back into the program really tough.

I got my degree on the day they held graduation in the UK (though I couldn't go) and they sent the certification by post a month or so later.

Very glad I did it.

[Wolf]

Mine is going to take 2 years 3 months, barring disasters. I'll be starting in a few days when my materials arrive.

It aslo took every dollar, yen, yuan, and pound to my name.

[shmooj]

Whose that with then Wolf and, just out of interest, how much?

[Gordon]

I too am researching a Distance Masters (I think I've looked at over 20 programs and frankly very sick and tired of it). Anyhow, most take 2-3 years depending on how hard and fast you work.

[Wolf]

[shmooj]

Hmmmm that is almost double mine from Leicester... mind you I started it in 2000 so prices will have changed. And Leicester is further north after all so things are cheaper there...

Is there an attendance requirement for it? Leicester didn't have one so that's what swung it for me really.

[Wolf]

No attendance requirement . . . .

Drat. I had to make this life shattering decision in the dark (nothing but a web browser between me and ignorance.) Even after a great deal of searching I didn't find rates like that anywhere in England.

Ah, well. What's done is done. If I can get the degree it'll be worth it.

[Gordon]

Hey shmooj,
What was the program like at Leicester? I saw it online at it looks good. You paid an EU rate, the rest of us schmucks pay a whoooooole lot more. 5700 pounds is not unreasonable Wolf. I looked at University in Calgary and it was $18000 CDN. MBA's are cheaper than that in Canada!!!!

[shmooj]

Arrrggghhhh sorry to spoil that for you Wolf... I'm sure prices are higher now. In fact one of my staff is about to apply for the Leicester course so I'll let you know.

Yeah, the Leicester course was good but then, hey, who's going to do TWO courses just to compare

Pros:
*good tutorial support including replacing one tutor I just didn't find helpful.
*free photocopying service with an allowance per academic year
*good materials
*no attendance needed
*option to defer a module if life gets too tough
*first module is a stand alone Advanced Cert in TESOL if you find you can't hack it after starting out (nice to have something if you have to withdraw)
*one module comprises two options you choose from a set of ten or so which I liked as it meant I could specialise
*low on price

Cons:
*can't really think of any in all truth

I think I'll post my pearls of wisdom in a separate thread regarding actually doing the thing.

[Wolf]

[quote="Gordon"]Hey shmooj,
What was the program like at Leicester? I saw it online at it looks good. You paid an EU rate, the rest of us schmucks pay a whoooooole lot more. 5700 pounds is not unreasonable Wolf. [quote]

Yay!

That's what I figured from shopping around (as best I could.)