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]