Job Discussion Forums

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

Ok...I've been accepted onto a number of full time MA programs despite not having a BA. My problem is to pack up and go back to the UK will be a very expensive operation and one that I really don't think I can afford to do...

So what Universities seem to allow people onto the courses despite not having a BA? I know there are some because I was accepted onto the Aston MA a few years back although I think they've have also really tightened up as well.

Hoping to hear.

Many thanks!

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

Well, when I was shopping for my eventual Leicester MA, a BA was a prerequisite for all the UK based courses I looked at unless, and here's the key, you could show you had years of experience to match graduate level academia. I didn't so I didn't dwell on it at the time. But then, I had a BA instead.

Just a thought: have you tried asking any? Posting their responses here would be helpful.

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

Shmooj:

Thanks for that , I am aware that the way to overcome the BA issue is with experience and that's why I have been accepted onto a couple of full time MAs back in the UK...but only some Uni's will accept the exp. instead of the BA when ito comes to distance...but it would be helpful to know which Uni's allow this? I am writing of to a few but it's a slow process!

Another point....they are kind of expensive, distance MAs!!! Seems the average is 5000 sterling! The MA I've been accepted onto is only 2000!

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

Jim, which MA is 2,000 pounds? If it's Sheffield Hallam, then be prepared that you need to do a pre-course year of studies beforehand if you don't already have a Diploma. For most MA programs, a diploma is part of the course, but there.

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

Gordon:
Thanks:
Luton University have a fantastic MA for around that price. It is a full time residency course.
Yes I'm aware of the situation with Sheffield but in terms of full time courses I haven't found a more stimulating curriculum than that one!
Each to their own!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am puzzled that Jim B got a job teaching in Saudi without a degree.

My understanding of the regulations was that a degree was a requirement for any teaching job here. Maybe his sponsor had big influence ("wasta" in saudispeak)

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

Scot:
There are a number of teachers here in the Kingdom that have been allowed into the Kingdom with a CELTA or DELTA plus umpteen years of experience...

The procedure for the Private Sector (at least at present) is that the decision as to whom can enter Saudi as a teacher is left to the cultural office of the Saudi Embassy. In fact when I last spoke to them in London I was told that even an on line TEFL is sufficient! Confused

Bottom line is that if a private company issues a visa to Joe Bloggs then he will be given the stamp in his visa..so long as he has some kind of cert!The cultural office then verify that the cert. you have is legit and that's as far as it goes..then again, this is the Kingdom and all that could have changed in the last 24 hours!

When I was hiring teachers I was pleased to know that I could at least chose to bring over a teacher with a CELTA/DELTA than be forced to bring someone with just a BA in Biology or Political Science....

That's the Private sector for you!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Well in the government sector jobs I am sure that you need a degree.
And terms and conditions of employment are USUALLY better in the government sector.

Of course now there is a tendency from Aramco right down to farm out the teaching jobs to a private contractor. Some of those guys really are cowboys - with black hats.