Masters degree without exams ....

I would really appreciate some help with a few questions. I am not new to distance learning, infact I love it! but now I am not sure where to go next .... sorry if post is a little long, this is the first forum i've seen on thsi subject so thought it worth a try ...

U]My profile[/U]

1 year distance learning professional International Trade Specialist programme/qualification (authenticated by a UK institute) and which also also offered me a PGCert by a recognised university. I acheived the best grades of the year, and won an award for best dissitation.

2 year distance learning professional Diploma Logistics/supply chain management from a UK well recognised Chartered Institute (equivalent to an 'ordinary degree' - ie. first two years of a UK bachelor degree)

2 year distance learning foundation diploma in Logistics/supply chain management from a UK Chartered Institute (Only equivalent to 2 A levels in the UK and would not be worth anythig towards a degree. )

I also read a lot, broad enough to have worked through an honours degree reading materials!.

I have 11 years experience as an International trade/logistics Executive (lower to middle management level).

So my knowledge is based around International trade, logistics and supply chain mangement.

My questions / information

(1) My future studies must be international trade / business / management or supply chain management based - preferably from an international perspective - although this is not a 100% must.

(2) I feel that there is no point in me working for a Bachelor degree as my completed courses, self taught reading and experience means I would be cover too much old ground. With my profile do you think I am suitable to get straight onto a distance learning Masters level qualification? One thing that I have going for me is that my courses are RELATED to that which I wish to take my Masters in and that I feel accounts for a lot.

(3) I am used to, prefer, and work better on competence based programmes than those with exams. I just feel that projects and report writing is more realistic to the working environment. Therefore I would need to find a Masters degree that did not revolve around exams.

(4) So, does anyone know of any links/sources that offer Masters level programmes (pref in the UK but not a must by any means) by distance learning, and which mark students on reports and assignments rather than exams. I am open to qualifications in International trade, business or management, logistics, purchasing and supply chain management areas.

(5) Lastly, and importantly, is there such a thing as an awarding body that could combine all of my learning enabling me to study a little extra to gain a proper accredited Bachelor degree? Or is there such thing as (properly) being able to study more in my own areas and write a lot of reports and publishes that would lead to a tailor made degree? (ie I would love a dgeree in International Logistics but none exist). If this is possible I would only like to hear about 'proper' and fair ways of doing this.


Well - thats about it. Any ideas would be great. Mainly, looking for high level, flexible distance learning, that does not require examinations, and relates to business.

So much appreicate any help or advice in any of the above isues ..

Dystran

 

I'd suggest two things:
1) Go to BAin4weeks and read up on how you can use your current knowledge to earn a Bachelors degree. I know you said "without exams" but, after all, this is the real world where people actually expect you to demonstrate knowledge before giving you credit for having it. (except the mills, of course)
2) Go to the Heriot-Watt University website. They have an MBA program that does not require a BA for admission.
Jack

 

Um , given that the OP was not keen on exams, H-W is probably the wrong suggestion.

Angela

 

You may want to look into the LL.M. in international trade law offered by the University of Northumbria.

http://law.unn.ac.uk/courses.asp?pageID=17

It's designed to be completed in two years by distance learning. The total cost (excluding books and incidentals) is GBP 3200.

The program includes 6 modules (each assessed solely by written assignments) and a project of 16,000 to 20,000 words.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (any subject) or "a comparable professional qualification." I don't know if your credentials would meet that requirement or not.

I hope this is helpful.

 

quantify the BA first, then proceed....

I agree with Jack. Although I think you (Dystran) were referring to the Master's program when you mentioned not having any exams to deal with. But you have to prioritize what you want more:

start your master's degree vs quanitfying the bachelors.

I think you were leaning towards starting the masters as you priority. Unfortunately, it would probably be best to "convert" your qualifications from what you have now into an actual BA degree first. The 'big 3' DL schools here in the US would probably be your best (and quickest) shot. Particularly Thomas Edison or Charter Oak. You may have to take "exams" (clep, dsst, etc.) for some of the general ed courses, and have your Prior Learning Assessments done, but you'd be able to complete it in under a year if not sooner.

With your BA degree in hand, it will better open the door to your ultimate goal (the master's). You wouldn't be limited to the few schools that actually do accept master's admissions without the bachelors. And even then, those admissions couldn't be anything but highly competitive. You'd probably have to be a CEO or a son of a senator to get your foot in the door.

ctuonline.edu is one school that I know of personally that has no entrance testing requirement and offers an applied approach on the master's level in business and project management fields. Most of their assignments are powerpoint presentations, 1-4 page word docs, and discussion board assignments. Oh, and 1 group assignment per course that is basically a combination of the powerpoint, word, and discussion b.

There was a thread called "skipping the bachelors" that also mentioned some MBAs that were allowed entrance without a ba with significant work-related experience.