Job Discussion Forums

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I am considering getting an online MA in Applied Linguistics starting next fall. While looking over the web site for UNISA (South Africa), I was left a bit confused about what is required to apply.
I have a BA in English from an American university. UNISA says that I need an Honours degree in order to apply for the Master's program.
My question: Is an American BA generally considered to be the same as an Honours degree, or would I be expected to take Honours first?
I'm loathe to admit my pathetic lack of knowledge about the British/South African/et al system of higher education, but here I am.
Input greatly appreciated!

[Justin Trullinger]

I'm currently doing a distance masters through a British University that required an Honours degree- but like you, I'm just a yank.


Nobody ever raised the issue, and I'd be surprised if they do for you. Best way to go about it, I'd think, is to go ahead and apply, and see what they say.


Best,
Justin

[fluffyhamster]

Honours degrees may be a stated general requirement on MA courses, but if there isn't competition from people with honours for places, the admissions people may well just "take your money" no questions asked ('cos they probably could do with the revenue).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honour_(disambiguation)
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor%27s_degree

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Justin,
Thanks, I kind of thought so. I'm just going to apply then, and they can let me know!

Fluffy,
I take it to mean, by your response, that the British Honours degree is considered a higher level than an American Bachelor's? We don't have Honours degrees in the States as far as I know (although you can graduate with honors--*beep* laude, etc, but that's a different animal...I think?!), so I was looking for an equivalence.

Thanks, all!

[jpvanderwerf2001]

They beeped c u m laude!

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

An honours degree is a four-year degree (either a specialist degree: four year major of English lit for example, or a double major: three year degree in English, three year degree in Music, remove electives until it's twenty courses- 4 years times 5 courses a year, it can also be made of a major and two minors etc). It means you've taken 4 years times five courses (or the equivalent) in order to get the qualification.

An 'ordinary' bachelor's degree in some areas is a three year degree. It's fifteen courses (five courses times three years), and usually you only have to do one full course credit at the 4th year level (thesis level). It's possible to actually do twenty courses at a university and walk away with only a three year degree if you didn't manage to get your act together and focus on fulfilling the school's requirements. I had to be very careful of that during my undergraduate degree because I switched schools after second year and did a double major.

They are asking for a four-year degree.

Some universities (ones in Australia, at least) have two seperate rules for applicants to their masters degrees in TESOL or Applied Lingusitics for three-year degree holders and four-year degree holders. You take more courses if you have a three year degree than if you have a four year degree.

[Marcoregano]

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Phew, because my GPA is very ordinary!