I have just attended a distance education fair today and UOL-External Progamme Division is one of the participants. Just confirmed with one of their representatives that UOL has stopped offerring their MPhil /PhD programmes on an external basis about 3 years ago, For students who are keen to pursue a MPhil/PhD from UOL, he/she would have to apply directly to one of UOL's colleges (LSE,Imperial, SOAs etc) as an internal student (presumably pay the fees of an internal student too.) In the UOL guide which I obtained from the UOL rep. it appears that one could complete the MPhil/PhD on a part-time basis but most British programmes part-time do mean very heavy contact hours about a few evenings a week and certainly not DL. For info. Billy
Good morning, Billy! Thank you for the update on your experience at the distance learning fair. It's always good to get current information. I would appreciate it if you could elaborate on the MPhil/PhD residency issues you discussed with the UoL representative. I realize rules differ from university to university in the UK (and even from department to department within the same university), but I had received information from more than one school that an American could perform the work for a research degree stateside (assuming proper facilities, access to library, and appropriate communications) and visits to the university campus could be limited (e.g., one week a year, assuming one had the research tools coursework under his/her belt). If you don't mind, please let us know the source of the information on part-time programmes that you uncovered. Assuming this came from the U of L representative you met at the fair or one of their prospectus documents, then that would strike a blow against anyone attempting a limited residency doctorate. Thank you.
Hello, Billy! One point to take into account is when enough information is not available in English, and the prospective student has to literally "move" to some specific countries to undertake research. In my personal case, if I understake research on the economic history of particular Latin American countries, I have got to move there, search in local libraries, private collections, etc. Thus, in my case, either I take my research on an external basis, or I cannot take it (or change the subject which I wouldn't like). Of course, the first months or the first year can be done internally, but after that? Another instance in which moving to another country makes sense is when a resercher wants to study specific aspects of, for instance, Inca civilization. In this case, it is certainly advantageous to move to Peru. My best regards, Karlos Alberto Lacaye [email protected]
Hello J.Ayers The message I've got from the rep( which is from the UOL external dept.) were mainly these. Since UOL do not administer the UOL MPhil/ Phd programmes anymore. One has to approach directly with one of UOL's colleges for the exact requirements for entry into the MPhil/PhD degrees. Every UOL colleges have different requirements.( Actually UOL is like well California State Uni and its various campus-sorry folks, California is the only state I have visited long enough to know anything about the US education system...). However all UOL colleges only accept internal students for their research MPhil/Phd (he must be correct here if its not under the external dept. then its internal right?)and internal research students do have official minimum residency requirements-usually about 6-9 months for their full time PhD before they are let out on the "field" as a matter of speaking. Those without a relevant master will need to take relevant courses and additional units on research and methodology which is usually not part of a coursework master program. I have re-read your earlier e-mail, did Birkbeck actually confirmed that by completing the UOL external MSc (Organisational Behaviour) (developed by them anyway). They could waive the residency requirement for their PhD program totally except for the annual presentation of a paper session? Do you need to be there for a few months when you join the PhD program to complete courses on research, methodology and get to know your supervisor-that kind of stuff? Thanks and Best Regards Billy
Good morning, Billy! According to the UoL ordinances, your assessment of internal versus external students is correct. The articulation of an MSc Organizational Behaviour graduate to the MPhil/PhD programme is mentioned in the prospectus, and this would appear to fulfill the "relevant master" requirement. However, there is no guarantee of a place or standard residency requirements. In the MSc OB programme, the Group 5 coursework includes a research project, and I understand a prospective MPhil/PhD student would need to take this module. Please note that I sent a message to Dr. Dewberry at Birkbeck College to confirm the information gleaned from the prospectus, ordinances, and regulations. Also, I have asked for more information regarding residency requirements in general. As soon as a reply is received, I will let you know. Thank you.
Hello again, Billy! Dr. Dewberry at Birkbeck College responded rapidly to my inquiry regarding residency in the MPhil/PhD programme at the University of London. He does not feel that a three-month residency at the beginning of the programme coupled with annual visits will be sufficient to properly supervise a student. Although requirements may vary from department to department, this is the response from the Organizational Behaviour group. Dr. Dewberry was very helpful, and perhaps someone else could manage more residency in their programme. Unfortunately, a three-month sabbatical and annual visits would be the most I could manage. I guess it's time to go back to the drawing board...
Hello J.Ayers I could be leading you on a wide goose chase but if you are still looking at British PhD courses.... 1) One of my former classmate told me a few years back when we were in the Master of Accountancy course at Charles Sturt. He informed me that the University of Manchester (manchester business school) offered him a short residency Phd based on his existing qualification which was a MBA from Hull university. The MBA from Hull did ( I believe still do include a 20,000 word dissertation). He never did take up the offer but.... 2) One of my lectureres way back in my undergraduate days did manage to complete his PhD from the Univeristy of St Andrews, Scotand while lecturing full time but again he is in the teaching profession and the Uni do have pretty long summer breaks. Best Regards Billy
Thanks, Billy! Your leads sound interesting, and I will investigate further. A little information-gathering time on the front end is well worth it when I consider that the qualification I earn now will be on my CV for the rest of my life! Your time on my behalf is greatly appreciated. Regards, James
