Job Discussion Forums

[valley_girl]

Yes, Gordon, I believe "ouch" was what I said as well. Or something like that. Actually, I was in and out of consciousness, so who knows what I said?

So no one has had any experience with Leicester?

I'm still leaning towards UNE, even though it may take me more than two years. My father says to stop putting so much pressure on myself and to give myself three years to complete my MA. Perhaps he's right.

[mlomker]

[sojourner]

Valley Girl,

Further to my posting on the subject of UNE's MA (AL) programme, why don't you do a search on that university's M.Ed programme ? In that programme, it's possible to specialise in TESOL. I'm pretty sure that they would allow you to include a couple of Applied Linguistics units into your schedule. There would be a lot of employers who might consider a MEd (TESOL) to be a far more "practically-oriented" qualification than one in Applied Linguistics - something to think about. Do you want to stick with basic EFL/ESL work, or do you want to eventually branch out into EAP or some other area of ESP ? If so, an MA (AL) might be your best option - but, here, you might want to consider pertinent units, such as Discourse Analysis, Language for Specific Purposes, etc. Unfortunately, the number of units offered by UNE is a bit limited - but, as I have already indicated, UNE will sometimes allow to do units being offered by other unis (eg Macaquarie Uni).

Incidently, why don't you do a search on Macquarie's own Applied Linguistics programme ? That institution is regarded as Aust's main centre for Applied Linguistics research. During the past, it has had some of the world's top people in the field teaching there, eg David Nunan.

You mentioned something about Leicester Uni, in the UK. Over the past few years, a number of postings to Dave's Teacher Training Forum have referred to that institution - but, apart from mentioning that it has high standards, there doesn't seem to be too many details about workloads, subjects, assessment, etc. I did a search last night, but couldn't find much. Why don't you do a search for someone who has studied there, and send him/her a PM ? Alternately, post a query to that forum.

Still on the subject of UK unis, do a search on the University of London. For many years, they have been running external programmes in many disciplines. I wouldn't be surprised if they also have a programme in Applied Linguistics.

Regards,

Peter

[Gordon]

A good friend of mine did his masters at Leicester a few years back. He thinks highly of it. He is now with the British Council in Korea.

[valley_girl]

[valley_girl]

[Gordon]

Try a search on Dave's on Leicester, there is quite a bit about it. I looked into it a few years ago, it looked good but quite expensive, maybe close to double what many Australian MAs charge.

[Chris_Crossley]

[Gordon]

Chris, you may want to add that the tuition prices you are quoting are for UK citizens only or not. I remember when I was looking into UK masters degrees that there was a huge descepancy for those who are not UK citizens.

[Chris_Crossley]

[sojourner]

Valley Girl,

I vaguely recall a posting to Dave's Teacher Training Forum, of about four years, in which the poster was very critical of Leicester Uni's regulations regarding the crediting of subjects passed. I can't remember the exact details, but when I read that posting I was reminded of the time, many moons previously, when I was enrolled in the University of London's LLB External Programme. I'm not sure about the current situation, but when I was enrolled in that programme, if you sat for examinations in four subjects , in which you passed two and failed two, for the next year you would have to repeat ALL four subjects - INCLUDING the two that you had already obtained passes in ! Crazy system ! By comparison, with Aust/NZ unis, you would receive credit for the subjects that you had passed, and would be required to re-enrol only in those that you had failed in. Are all UK unis so draconian and inflexible ? Maybe, things have changed in recent years. Anyway, before enrolling in any UK uni, go over their assessment and crediting regulations with the proverbial fine tooth comb.

Besides the two Aust unis (UNE and Macquarie) that I mentioned in my previous two postings, do a search on those NZ unis that offer MA programmes in Applied Linguistics. For many years, only Massey Uni provided distance learning programmes - but, possibly, other institutions have now jumped onto that band waggon. Who knows, NZ degree programmes could even be a bit cheaper than their Australian equivalents ! But in any case, tuition fees for both countries would be well below those of the UK, Canada and the US

Also, do a search for the University of South Africa (Unisa).That institution was, reputedly, once the world's largest provider of distance education degree programmes. It once had a good reputation, re academic standards, etc - but I'm not sure of the current situation.

If you have any queries re distance education programmes, post them to Dave's Teacher Training Forum. Many of the posters to that forum are doing Masters' degrees in TESOL and Applied Linguistics.

Regards,

Peter

[valley_girl]

Actually, I'm leaning more towards unis in Australia and New Zealand, but it has been helpful to get all of this feedback. The three I am considering right now are U Vic (Wellington), UNE, and MacQuarrie (I've probably spelled that incorrectly). No decision yet. Perhaps tonight I will have a glass of wine and see what divine inspiration I have!

[Gordon]

Originally, I applied and was accepted into Macquarie, however, I have never come across such incompetence in a university before (yes, hard to believe) regarding their int'l admissions office. They were really rude and never returned emails or phone calls about clarifications. I thought that if they were this bad BEFORE they got my money, what will they be like afterwards. So I dropped them and went to USQ. Macquarie had a big name in Oz, no question, but I found them incompetent. In fact, when I searched a bit, I found many others who were treated similarly. This was 3 years ago, perhaps they have changed, perhaps not. This was very frustrating as it is a lot of work to put together an application to grad school when you are half way around the world.

[jillford64]

Great information everyone. I am also condsidering getting a Master�s degree by distance education. Eventually I will want to return to the US to teach, so my question is: Does anyone know how US employers regard distance degrees from foreign universities?

Jill

[Chancellor]

Here's a list of schools that offer online MA degrees in applied linguistics, many of these schools are accredited (e.g. University of Massachusetts). http://programs.gradschools.com/distance/linguistics.html