Korean Job Discussion Forums

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Now, before someone chimes in with the "search function is your friend" routine, let me preface this by saying I've spent the last day or so in the FAQ forum reading about online distance MAs. I would post this over there, but it's a bit of black hole. Smile

Also the information, while quite useful, is a bit dated.

I was about to start my MA in Linguistics through UNE in Aus, but am now having second thoughts after reading about the MANY cons to a distance degree. I am actually quite depressed about this, as I was looking forward to starting the degree only to find out that in some circles, a distance MA is seen as second rate.

I was wondering if anyone could provide a link to Canadian unis that offer distance MAs, preferably in ligusitics.

Thank you very much.

Shoon · Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Location: Gwangju

Most of the major universities offer some sort of distance programs. You might also want to try Athabasca University. www.athabascau.ca Its completely a distance learning university, although I'm not completely sure it offers MA programs. Good luck.

ersatzprofessor · Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2004 11:20 pm Post subject:

Yes, it does actually. It's called the Masters of Arts in Integrated Studies and it works a little differently than the traditional set up - read the MAIS website to see what I mean. . I'm actually taking a grad level course in Community Development right now through them and I assure you that it is the real thing. AU is considered to be one of the world leaders in distance education. As a matter of fact, I have a friend taking his masters here in Korea and AU was used as an example of excellence in distance ed. Here is the direct link to the program website: http://www.athabascau.ca/mais/

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Thanks for the replies so far.

I have contacted all the unis in Canada that offer MAs in Linguistics, but the responses I have received so far have not been too promising.

I have looked into the Univ of Birmingham (England), who conduct distance learning through a centre here in Korea, in Seongnam.

If anyone has first hand experience with them, any feedback would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me.

I think a revival of this discussion is in order, away from the nether-regions of the FAQ forum. Smile

Cheers.

Chillin' Villain · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: Goo Row

I'm in Bham, and it's decent, but massively expensive (so I'm kinda on leave of absence right now)... It's basically a whole bunch of reading, discussion on mailing lists, advice/consultation from your tutor, and a 4000 word paper every few months. At the end of six modules (= 12 courses, 6 4000-word papers), you have to write a 12,000- word dissertation, that you start prepping for in your second year... It's about a year and a half altogether.

I looked into nearly everything, and it seems to be the most recognized... Every graduate in Japan that I've been in contact with is in a rather decent gig... (Hiroshima was the admin. center last year)... ALSO, you can continue on to a PhD. with it (at least through Bham, you can).... Another plus is that you can attend the second year (last three modules) on campus in Bham, too. There's no separate certificate given for the on-campus or distance programs.

Of course I'd rather be on campus, but I'm not really from a wealthy background, and I gotta make cash.... I may still end up going there to write my dissertation or do my last three modules, though.... Anyways, of all the choices for distance app. ling. stuff, Bham is pretty decent. (I still think it's way too expensive, though)

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Chillan Villian,

Thanks for your feedback.

I got a reply to an email from the Korean head of the learning center here, and he mentioned the total cost for the programme was around 14 million won, payable in 6 installments. Not TOO expensive, IMO.

How strict were they in assessing your grades? It's my understanding that if your grades aren't quite up to snuff, you are first put into the diploma programme and after a successful year of that, you are moved into the MA programme.

Any knowledge of that?

Cheers.

peppermint · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 2:01 am Post subject:

I know Zed is in the middle of doing a MA in linguistics, partly through distance ed, and then he'll do a section on campus. Might be worth sending him a PM.

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

You may get screwed if you want to teach in China or a couple of other asian countries but if you do an online degree from a recognised university you will be fine...

The only thing is if you do it ensure your grades are top notch...don't screw around. If you take a degree from a school that has a decent reputation others will accept it because now every school offers some sort of on-line education and to deny another school is tricky because it reflects poorly on their program.

My GF is starting at the UNE in February and for her I think it is the right choice. I am doing a Masters of Technology from the University of British Columbia. The admission process is the same as "standard" Masters programs.

Stop listening to the hype. On-line education will be mainstream in a few years and your degree will be fine. The problem is there are so many illegitimate degrees and that is what is fueling the fire against online degrees.

Ironically enough the reason the problem exists..at least in part is because in the beginning traditional academia rejected online learning and the others slipped in to fill a necessary void.

Zed · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Shakedown Street

TECO's the expert on this. He's done his research. I've only just started and will complete my first two courses at the end of next week. But I'm doing them with Macquarie in Sydney. One next year and then 6 on-site in 2006 so I can count it as on site. That's 9. I also got a credit for a CELTA so I don't have to do the 10th one.

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Zed,

So how's it going? Is it better, worse or about what you expected?

Zed · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Shakedown Street

It's work. I don't think it's anything that was harder than any 3rd or 4th year BA course but since I don't have the background with some of the psych/stats courses I have to spend a lot more time considering some things. TECO said that his was a cakewalk at USQ I believe but I don't know either what his background was or whether what's expected is different from where I am. The easiest thing I think about it is that I don't have to prepare for finals. You can skip some things and still do rather well despite not acquiring all that was intended from the course. Embarassing admission. I could be gleaning so much more but it's not absolutely required. I have been living my life based on my assignments. It's certainly not simple.

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 4:18 pm Post subject:

Indy Trucks,

Well, if you've read the threads in the FAQ, then I am sure you know my stand point in distance ed. (for applied linguistics...I am sure you meant applied, not linguistics, right?)

I know you've looked into Canadian universities, but instead of fully off-line programmes, how about shooting for a univ. that offers several of the courses via the internet? That is how I started mine....I did a couple (though I could have done more) over the net, then finsihed the rest on campus. If you are going to be on the thesis track (ALL students should, but reality being reality....)

Look at the prog. web-site again, and see how many courses you can take over the net...then go back to Canada to finish the degree. Once finished, you can move on to greener pastures....

!shoosh

Ryst

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the constructive responses.

I think I've settled on trying my hand with the Univ. of Bham, it seems a little more what I'm looking for. They make no distinction b/t on-campus and distance learing if they are contacted, they have an actual centre here that provides support and tutoring, they require a dissertation, etc. etc.

The application process is no joke either, with three letters of reference required attesting to your academic and professional capabilities. The academic letter, good God, how am I gonna do that?? I left school nearly 10 years ago ...

Chillin' Villain · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: Goo Row

Yeah, the application process was poo.... I don't even know how I would've found my academic reference had I not been in Canada at the time.. But that, the dissertation, and the recognition of Bham are why I chose it... And yeah, the cost isn't THAT bad, considering what it can open up for you... Even colleges back home, I've heard from some graduates..

As for the marking standards you asked about earlier... Tougher than bachelor's level, but they're stil not expecting you to be a genius scholar after two graduate-level courses... That said, I had to work my ASS off to make sure that paper was perfect... I'm certainly no cunning linguist, but I did manage to pull off a distinction grade on my first paper... But if you severely pooch a couple papers, I believe it's grounds for rejection from the program..

Anyways, if you wanna take a look at course materials or the handbook or anything (and the guy at the admin center isn't hooking you up), just let me know.