Job Discussion Forums

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I notice more and more posts refer to the need for a 4 year degree from a recognised university. Does distance learning via a provider like the Open University suffice and satisfy visa regulations (in any country)?

Im studying toward an Open BA with the Open University....have finished two courses, which are equivalent to one years full time study...and will be tackling a full academic year with them starting next month.

I realise things do vary from country to country...but just wondering how distance learning BA/Bsc's tend to be viewed...perhaps someone has experience of them, or those who have them?

I started studying with them in Feb 2007 purely to make my TEFL career path smoother in the future...and to give me options for more countries...I would be gutted to find out they arent going to be recognised!

Any thoughts appreciated!

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I would assume the Open Uinversity must be accredited as they are possibly the UKs biggest university....and their programs are recognised well enough in the UK.

I wont post in specific countries....but just hope people from other countries may drop into this general forum and notice the post and contribute.

I am returning to China...and I know its OK there....again I assume that on the basis of being able to work in China with nothing, so anything will be better than that!

I am in TEFL for the long haul now...and I wont complete the BA until 2011! But I am doing it with the idea of having more options in the future......

NYCESOL11211 · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 75

There are some fairly well though of American universities that don't make a distinction on their diploma or transcripts for online vs. "in person". Of course, it may be difficult to explain how you graduated from, say, Penn State in 2011, yet you had spent the three previous years teaching in China.

seliwyma · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 3

Is it open university UK or Australia?

I know with the Open University Australia you receive your degree from the university directly and it doesn't state that you studied via open university. So it is the same as if you had studied the degree on campus.

So, in effect, it shouldn't make any difference.

I'm not sure about the UK Open Uni.

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Its the UK. Im guessing it should suffice for my needs but was kinda hoping someone out there might be an OU graduate and have first hand experience.

It is enough for me to get onto a UK PGCE program...so sure it should be OK for visa purposes in other countries.

Chancellor · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject:

The phenomenon of accredited universities offering distance learning programs (including entire degrees) is increasing. For example, the program in the State University of New York system (http://sln.suny.edu/index.html).

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

UK OU degrees are recognised as the equivalent of full time UK 3 yr degrees just about anywhere.

UK (non-Scottish - I know!) graduates, with their 3 yr UK BAs, have to tick the 'Yes' box if asked whether they have a full 4 yr degree anyway. The question is really about whether you have a full BA/BSc degree or its equivalent, and you will have.

So if you tick the box you save the person dealing with your application a headache. If they've heard of the OU degree they'll know it is of equal value to any other UK degree; and if they haven't they won't be aware that it is a distance degree anyway.