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Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

This was posted onto the end of the thread 'Distance MA within 12 Months' That thread saw me looking for my ideal MA,finding it but then losing it! Now it seems that all is well again but as I fear the thread may no longer be viewed regularly, I thought to open another thread in an attempt to get the the under mentioned answered! Thanks!

Well, after all but giving up on a MA in 1 year without a BA I then had some discussions with USQ in Australia and it seems that there is a good chance of enrolling. I may have to complete a post grad cert first before officially joining the MA but all in all the modules you can select are very interesting and offer a wide variety of flexibility! Pretty well priced as well!

MA can be completed in 12 months but if I have to do the cert first then 15 months in total.....

So now I need the feedback on the Uni..I have to say that the response times from the admin have been fantastic and extremely helpful.....now as usual I await the torrent of bad news to rain down on me and wash away the dreams!

Feedback on this Uni is really appreciated!

Deborann · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:54 pm Post subject:

USQ was supportive and reasonable with my course. Let me enrol in distance stuff that was normally only for internal students. Go for it.

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

Deborann:
Thank you. Did you complete the MA with USQ?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Jim
I also like the program at USQ and am seriously looking at starting it. It's a toss up between them and UNE. I think the courses at USQ sound more interesting though. I'd also like to hear from current students at USQ or someone who has completed it.

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

Hi Gordon,

Something I found interesting with USQ... At first I had looked at the MA in Applied Linguistics. After that I saw that they have an MA in TESOL. It seems that there is no difference (as you still choose form the same list of modules) except there is a module of assessed teacher practise. Possibly a better bet for those that would like to be able to mention this to potential employees?
Actually the MA that I found most interesting was the MA in ELT Management. Really interesting covering many modules from the MA TESOL list plus modules relating strictly to ELT Management....however don't really think it will help me to get the type of packages I'm after and my years of managing EFL centres I'd much prefer the cosy life of a teacher!

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Hi Jim,
The MA in Applied linguistics and MA in TESOL are identical programs at USQ. You choose what you want to the degree to say.

I think the assessed teaching practice is an option for people with no or very little teaching practice (not for us then).

I think the Applied linguistics route is best for me as it will open far more doors than one done in ELT management.

The feedback from Bronwen is also great and she has been very upfront about any info.

Have you applied yet?

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

I did my undergraduate degree at USQ. It is a good university and has an excellent distance education reputation. Go for it.

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

Thanks Donfan, good to here!

Hi Gordon,

I'm hoping to start in March but still haven't managed to get the papers off to them yet Confused

I've contacted about thirty Uni's in the last 6 months and none of them have even come close to the level of helpfulness and professionalism of Bronwen at USQ! That has really encouraged me and given me allot of confidence in USQ.

I'm taking a year out to devote myself to the MA and hope to complete in February 2005.

What about you Gordon? Have you applied yet? Feel free to PM!

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Hi Jim,
Good to hear you will start soon. Isn't it too late to start in March? I thought it started in late Feb. I am thinking of starting in July and do it part time.

I haven't applied yet. I'll PM you if it is a personal note, but I think it may be helpful if others hear about USQ too. Maybe no one else is reading this but us though.

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

Hi Gordon,

Certainly hope some people will benefit from this info. I know that it has taken me a good 6 months of reserach to get to this stage now!

The Uni told me that I can join in March as long as my papers reach them by mid Feb at the latest....in fact I should get on the case today and make sure everything is sent tonight!

Bronwen gave me a great link for issues related to the MA as well as links for help on academic writing/study etc:

http://www.usq.edu.au/opacs/cllt/help/references.htm#Others