Job Discussion Forums

[silverdolls]

[Kootvela]

I don't think it matters a lot if it's distance or not as long as it is a reckognised degree. What matters here is if you can afford to dedicate enough time to study or you have to work to support yourself.

[spiral78]

I did Bham's distance program and appreciated the fact that I could apply theory to practice throughout. I think there are advantages either way - I was sometimes working in a vacuum, without other students to share thoughts with, but the application aspect was really useful for me.

[tedkarma]

If you can - do it full time - in residence.

Educators, particularly the older ones who often oversee hiring, frequently have trouble thinking "outside the box".

While many/most schools, countries, Ministries of Education (we discussed this in drawn out detail here before) approve of and allow distance education and degrees, it is not uncommon for hiring authorities to disallow them - whether they are technically recognized or not.

Now . . . I think that is changing and distance education is becoming much more accepted - I am only suggesting that given the choice, an in-residence degree might prove to be less problematic in terms of landing THE job that you want.

The days of prejudice against distance education are coming to an end - but they are not here yet. I applaud the end of that prejudice as I have several certifications via distance education - once of which was specifically ruled out by an employer - though I was hired due to other qualifications anyway. That in a country where, I was informed on this forum, degrees/certifications via distance education are allowed. But - it wasn't in my case, by the hiring authority that I met with.

So . . . if you are 100% free and able to take either path - give slightly more weight to the in-residence option IMO and IME.

Many will not agree with what I have said - but is and was my experience - and that is what shapes my recommendation to you.

Some people will say that the decision makers will have no way of knowing if it is not marked on the degree - but if your resume lists teaching experience (for example) in Taiwan while you were earning a UK-based qualification - they know. Tain't hard to figure out. (That was my situation)

Conversely - there is no better way to learn than to study while you are actually doing what you are studying. IMO it makes a huge difference. But - again - try avoid putting yourself in a position where decision makers may feel that your qualification is not up to snuff. And some will.

[coledavis]

Well, for what it's worth, I was in contact with PhD tutors at prestigious universities (admittedly British). They recommended Birmingham's distance course as a good foundation.

[Anda]

What type of MA do you intend to do and for what use.

For instance you can probally do it by distance from Australia for half the cost and have all the paperwork without mention of the fact that you have done things by distance education.

[tedkarma]

[Anda]

Just put that you were studying for that period instead of teaching on your resume which is still the truth. Most places are wanting to see two years teaching experience however as you probably know. If you want to be on the safe side then just apply and get a new passport after you finish your studies as the requirements are from immigration usually.

In Australia we have the University of Southern Queensland that is recognized for distance but is poorly accepted here in Asia because of it.

I did my grad dip with a university in Oz that is well known, but not for distance education; so no problem.

[Dudess]

Hiya

If you study full-time you'll gain the benefit of networking and creating publishing and conference opportunities, as well as easy access to resources. Distance MAs, course, are a bit isolating, but you'll gain the same theoretical knowledge from both FT and Distance MAs.

[Sadebugo]

I did my MATEFL by distance through the U. of Reading, Reading UK. At the time, I had no other choice but to take it by distance. If you DO have a choice, I would recommend studying on site. Then, you don't have to worry about prospective employers/countries telling you they don't accept that qualification. I've heard that Taiwan does not accept anything done by distance.

Also, although I had a good learning experience, nothing can beat being on campus and having face to face interaction with your tutors.

Good Luck!

Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[Anda]

Well I did mine by distance but stayed in the same small city as the University I was studying from and used the Uni library and annoyed the professors etc. I would go distance every time.