Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Francis-Pax]

Let's open the discussion on University of Birmingham's distance MA TESOL and/or Applied Linguistics Degree.

~I would like to hear from people who currently in the program or people who have graduated from the program.

~I would like to hear about people's impresson of the university. Input from british teachers would be very appreciated.

Thanks.

University of Birmingham (School Website): www.bham.ac.uk
MA TESOL Program at the University of Birmingham website: http://www.cels.bham.ac.uk/prospectus/ODL/

[HapKi]

I graduated last July, and attended the ceremony in Birmingham. I was the only person from Korea who represented, and got to meet my thesis advisor, as well as many professors in the program. The program has grown from when I started.

I highly recommend the program. The in-Korea administration center is a plus, though I did not receive (nor ask for) much help from my tutor during my 6 modules.

Was really proud of my thesis. It is considered published work, and I got it bound in book form for submission, which impressed the graders.

[HapKi]

As for the campus, it is old and prestigious, as it should be. Plenty of commons, stones and ivy. The ceremony in the Great Hall was very impressive.

The school is highly ranked in the British university system, and the diploma I received is identical to those who studied on-campus.

[Francis-Pax]

Hapki,

Did you do Applied Linguistics or TEFL? They have two distinct but similar programs.

~Which do you recommend? Why?
~How did it help you?

[HapKi]

I took the TEFL/TESL program. I don't know much about the Applied Linguistics course, though I seem to remember them having a Translation program. I would, of course, recommend the TEFL/TESL course for you if you plan to take your teaching in Korea seriously for a long time.

The program taught me how to better defend my teaching methods, as well as be more aware of both teaching and learning theories. Six modules (each covering 2 courses), at about 4 months each. A six month thesis, as well.

Helped me get Assistant Professor status in the English Department of my college.

Are you in Korea now? Teaching? How did you hear about the Birmingham course in particular?

[Francis-Pax]

I currently teach at a public school in Kyounggido. My goal is to work with college students at a university.

I heard about University of Birmingham's MA TESOL/Applied Linguistiics courses through the Internet; however, I have also met some students in person through conferences and other venues.

I am actually finishing my application materials for University of Birmingham and a couple of other programs. My concerns is how the "distance learning" is percieved. I believe that it is 100% valid. Any comments?

[HapKi]

There has been alot of discussion about distance learning and its 'validity" in several posts here at Dave's. I suggest you do a search on "distance learning", "masters programs", etc.

Like I said, my diploma is identical to those who studied AT Birmingham. I checked at the ceremony!! They also allow you to attend to the final couple modules and thesis on campus, if you like.

Regardless, there is a mandatory one week seminar for in-Korea students, in which two Birmingham professors come and run lectures and workshops.

[HapKi]

More concerning validity- My school fully recognized the diploma. To my knowledge (what I've read here), all Korean schools do. Other countries, however, may not.

[teachmeenglish]

I'm just writing my disertation for the Bham programme right now. A very good programme and very helpful. 100% recommend it. The hardest thing to do is actually finish it. I think it is only about 30% who actually keep up with it. One bit of advice - DONT take extentions. I met one guy in the programme who was still on his first module after two years of extentions. Working distance is hard and not for many studnts, but if youhave the disipline go for it.

[stumptown]

Wow! A 3.5 GPA? I'm short by a couple of points. Too bad for me.