Korean Job Discussion Forums

[anbrainblasta]

deleted

[BS.Dos.]

I do actually. Well, I'm 90% sure they're doing it through Nottingham and I'm pretty sure it's in linguistics. They're an English couple who were teaching in Korea until last year, but they've since moved to Spain to teach.

I'll drop them an email and get back to you. It may take a day or two so bump the thread later in the week.

[anbrainblasta]

1333

[BS.Dos.]

Just sent them an email and a link to this thread. They may reply themselves or they may get back to me, in which case, I'll let you know what they say.

[Thiuda]

In the thread What is the highest rated MA A.L/TESOL Online degrees??, Spongebob Squarepants indicates s/he studies AppLing at Nottingham University. PM him/her.

[anbrainblasta]

will do and much appreciated Thiunda,
hav a nice day

[Spongebob Squarepants]

I am one of 3 other (I guess 4 now, congrats) Nottingham MA students in Korea. It seems that it is not very well-known here, but in places like Japan, China, and in mainland Europe there are many more students.

You'll start out with the 6-month DLA (core module), which is mind boggling at first, but it's a good warm-up for what the whole MA will be like, and which any decent program is usually like: hard work. The whole idea of web-based distance learning is that you are studying independently. That can either be a great thing (if you are motivated and can set realistic goals) or a terrible thing (if you need the face-to-face classroom interaction to motivate you and keep you on-task). I personally thrive on being left to go it alone and think by and for myself. Other students voice their concerns that they feel slightly isolated as they are not physically in contact with each other.

Don't worry about the workload at first, take DLA one unit at a time (just like they say) and tune out everything else. If you are focusing on the Phonology unit don't worry about Grice's maxims or IRF exchanges. Take it a step at a time and it'll all come together in the end.

The choice of optional modules is broad; don't be surprised if your interests change several times as you progress through the MA. You will essentially badge your MA yourself depending on your overall choice of modules and your dissertation, so be aware of which modules count for an MA App. Ling. or an MA in MEL, etc.

The fabulous thing about the Nottingham MA is its flexibility. It is not semester based, but module based. Meaning you study individual, stand-alone modules and pay as you go. The 6 and 3 month guide is just that, a recommendation. Go as slow (almost), or as fast as you feel comfortable with. I would caution you, however, against trying to pull off two 15-credit modules at the same time (finishing DLA will make you think you can). Those who do attempt it seem to progress even slower than they otherwise would have if they had resisted the urge to rush it. The optional, yearly summer school on-campus in Nottingham seems to be popular, but I've never made it as my months off work are never at the right time.

There are set texts to buy for each module, but a lot of your own personal development depends on the extra reading you do on your own. And of course, having access to a classroom is a must for implementing the new skills you will gain in a practical context. The professors, each of whom teach the modules they have written and developed (identical to the on-campus MA), all have different styles. Some will not contact you unless you do so first with a question, while others offer lots of help regardless.

Distinctions on this MA course are notoriously hard to get; expect to work your tail off and then some just to pass. I study 2 hours each weekday evening, and around 5-6 hours Saturday and Sunday (about 20 intensive study hours per week). Graduate study, as anyone on Dave's who is doing or has done some sort of graduate degree while working full-time will tell you, is not an easy undertaking but is ultimately very rewarding.

Feel free to PM or email me for more info as you progress through it.

[anbrainblasta]

Cheers for all that spongbob squarepants,
having gone through your post im now comfortable with taking this one on. im probably of a similar mindset as yourself when it comes to getting stuck in and working alone. im well up for the challenge after nearly a year out since i finished my degree last april.
i would have pm'ed you but im new to this forum and a minimum of 25 comments must first be posted before the private service is available. no doubt ill hit this 25 mark in the coming weeks so if i need your thoughts on anything ill be sure to get in touch.
thanks again spongbob,
nottingham owes u