Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

I've accepted a place on an MA in TESOL at an English university in September. True to form, I'm thinking ahead of myself.

I'm looking for distance learning PhDs in Applied Linguistics/TEFL/TESOL from a real western university.

Aston University do one, but it has a viva voce (oral defense in America), so that's a definite no-no. I've emailed Birmingham University in England, they appear to do a sandwich route, I hope they'll say there is no viva.

Other institutions I've come across tend to have a mix of face-to-face and distance learning.

I'm looking for a course which is all online and has no viva. If Birmingham confirm there is no viva, I'll consider it.

In short, anybody know of any distance learning PhDs from a real, western university, that is totally online without any viva voce/oral defense?

I'll probably never do one anyway, but there's no harm in thinking about it. Realistically, the masters will be it.

[ren546]

Word of advice:

There is a reason why reputable universities do not have online PhD programs. The in-service requirement is an essential part of the program.

Go back to a Western country, finish your two years of coursework and TAing (provided you get a TAship), and then return overseas to complete your dissertation while you work.

Or, you can get a PhD at some online university, impress a few ignorant people overseas, and then get scoffed at back home when you try to apply for a decent job after your Asian sojourn is over. Your pick.

[fromtheuk]

Thank you for the 'dose of reality.'

I think Lancaster University in England state there are face-to-face classes in the first 2 years of the course, they are intensive and short.

I've emailed them to clarify that. It also comes down to finance, that's another reason I'd prefer a distance learning programme.

I take your point about worthless qualifications. The universities that do an online PhD still have a viva voce (via skype). I need a viva-less distance learning PhD from a real university.

Does anybody know if such a programme exists?

I've sent emails to various universities, I suppose I'll have to wait for their response. If anybody knows about the kind of programme I'm looking for, do let me know.

The MA in TESOL I'm going to do, is a face-to-face course at a university independently-ranked in the top 1% of all higher education institutions on planet earth. That'll look good on the cv/resume.

[hondaicivic]

[jinteh]

I've only heard of a few online places offering phd's: Northcentral, Walden and Capella University. They're regionally accredited too (same as your standard b&m school).

Whether you'll actually be laughed at for having a real phd degree from a real regionally accredited school, I'm not sure. Depends what your future employer thinks about distance learning schools. It's not like the diploma has a big "online" stamp on it.

Even Harvard has an extension school for getting your degree online, though they do have some small residency requirements.

[TECO]

Do yourself a favor and spend some time on campus working with your advisor(s), taking seminars and using the library resources. The words "online" and "Doctorate" used in the same sentence signal alarm bells with most people. But first you need to finish your M.A. And by the time you complete that you might be totally burned out on TESOL and studying and not want to spend the time or money to do a doctoral degree. It's good to think ahead, though.

On that note, aren't there programs that are blended M.A. / Ph.D degrees? You start your M.A. which is a spring board for your doctoral research. I've only heard people talk about such programs and have no specific info for you. It might be in your interest to research this.

[Swampfox10mm]

In all honesty, you should head home and do a Phd.

Heck, I know Phd's are having a hell of a time finding jobs back home. As my coworker, who has one, said, "They're a dime a dozen now."

[fromtheuk]

Thank you for your comments. I actually like it when people say things I don't want to hear, it helps me to be objective.

Anyway, the distance learning PhDs from regular British universities provide certificates which are identical to those who obtain them through the face-to-face route.

It doesn't sound good I know...........but I am thinking about getting a PhD just to increase my salary. I can make serious money in the Middle East with an MA, but with a PhD the sky's the limit (well, sort of).

I will wait and see what the universities have to say about these courses.

In short, I will not do a PhD if I am not 100% sure I can pass it.

I've done some online research, there are real stories of PhD students that fail due to poor supervision. Some fail and wrestle with the university to overturn the decision. Basically, sometimes people fail due to their own fault, while some fail due to poor supervision.

It's not a sure thing. One could argue no course is, but if you have a 70,000 word thesis, an examiner is free to ask you anything about it in a viva/oral defense. Sadly, one cannot bluff their way through it.

In contrast, this MA is all assignments, a dissertation, and no exams at all. I like the MA.

[Sneaks]

Where are you doing your TESOL master's, if you don't mind me asking?

Thinking of doing one myself in a year or 2. Looking at Bristol Uni (got my BA there and know the city well) or Manchester Uni (close to home, probably wouldn't have to pay rent).

As for doing a PhD, what does that do to your employment prospects back home? How likely would is it you'd go on to secure a position teaching at a British university?

[fromtheuk]

The University of Nottingham. It has been independently ranked in the top 1% of all higher education institutions, worldwide. I'm mildly excited about that fact and this is the second time I've mentioned it on this forum.

I am very fortunate, because Mummykins and Daddykins live within walking distance of the university campus.

I will be saving alot of money by living at home.

I'm not too sure about how a PhD can help with finding employment in Britain. I suppose it could get you a job at a university.

My thoughts are of doing an online PhD from a British university. Mainly, to secure better paying jobs in the Middle East. That's why I'm not bothered if it's all online, so long as it's from an actual British university.

Having said all that, if I cannot find an online PhD without a viva voce/oral defense, then I will never do one. An MA should be more than enough to get a high-end job in the Middle East.

In other words, if I can't find a viva-less PhD through distance learning, I will never do one.

One thing is sure, after I complete an MA in TESOL from the University of Nottingham, I will emphasize its world ranking and face-to-face route on my cv/resume. Why?

Because I feel I've always been a bit of a loser. To gain a qualification from a genuinely world-class university is something to shout about. I fully intend to milk it for all it's worth.

[Skyblue]

University of Otago (ranked #2 in NZ) have an online Ed.D.

I think Uni of Edinburgh (highly ranked also) also have an online Ed.D.

Neither one is TESOL specific, but you could probably do one with an MA TESOL.

[fromtheuk]

Thank you. I've emailed them.

[young_clinton]

Assumption University in Bangkok has a PhD in Education that is accredited in the USA.

[Konglishman]

A PhD without an oral defense, is not a PhD at all. Now, supposing you could find a "university" that issues "PhD's" without the oral defense, then I think you should ask yourself how much such a "PhD" is really worth.

[NohopeSeriously]

Are PhD and MA necessary? Most of my friends who has MAs are freaking out that they are overqualified in the Canadian job market.