Leicester DocSocSci - what's the deal

Alrighty - I've searched, searched and searched this both wonderful and horrid forum with great results.

Now, what's the catch with Leicester's DocSocSci? Aside from being out of the UK, why are people shying away from it?

I am curious because it seems those posters who want to teach as a tenured prof are looking at NOVA, TUI, NCU because of RA, but others who are seeking enrichment are attending school out in Oz or South Africa. (Yes - HUGE paintbrush there, as that statement is terribly one sided, I realize that but wrote it for effect).

So then, in hopes of gleaning some opinions, those who concentrate in business - did you ever entertain Leicester? What were the cons? What made you go "sshhiivveerr" to their program?

This post will add to the "horrid" side of my forum experience because it is more rambling than not; however, I hope it illicits some comments on both Leicester and doctoral students (graduates) thought processes.

 

I never really took too much of a look at this program because it seemed to be highly HR oriented. Also, at a cost of well more than $24K, from my guesstimate, it seemed that Touro, NCU, and even UNISA were more of a bargain. Even Nova seemed a better deal from my recollection.

The degree itself seemed odd to me, too. It was DocSocSci. I think I would rather have the DBL or DAdmin degrees...less of a mouthful.

 

I've been leaning toward a South African doctrate for a while now and perhaps at some point I'll actually apply for admission (again). I've said before that because such a degree would not be likely to increase my income substantially I could not justify the expense of an American, British or (now) Australian degree program. This does not mean that I would pursue such a degree program purely for personal enrichment (I know that you didn't really say that). I am just not a person who is interested in becoming a full-time university professor. Beyond all that, I would really wonder how much difference it might make. What I mean is, if bing's estimate of the cost of a Leicester PhD is accurate (and I'll bet it costs a bit more than he guessed), is the product you're getting really worth that much more than a UNISA doctorate? Let's say that the Leicester degree would cost between $20K - $25K more that the UNISA degree. What are you getting for that extra dough? Better supervision of your dissertation? Better name recognition? A British degree instead of an African degree? Even if I wanted to switch fields and become a university professor, I'm not convinced that a Leicester degree would give me a big (enough) advantage. On the other hand, maybe that's just an example of "sour grapes" thinking.
Jack

 

Yes. I am sure that the Leicester degree is a good deal more than $24K. That's why I said even Nova was a better deal. I based that figure on their master's degree, actually. That's an expensive MS degree for DL.

I searched this evening for a cost on the DocSocSci and could not find it. Maybe if you have to ask what it costs you cannot afford it.

 

What would give you the impression that people are "shying away from it"?

If I was crazy enough to do a second doctorate, it would be on my short list.

The cost is pretty good at about $US20K (inclusive). The approach is straight-forward and very American-friendly. The work is extensive, 8 courses plus a 50K-word thesis. The title (Doctorate in Social Science) seems awkward, but that usually doesn't matter in practice.

 

The cost is 11,750 British pounds, plus 200 more per year for postage (if living outside the EU). That would make it 12,550 per year, which is, indeed right at $US24K at today's rates. But Touro, NCU and Nova Southeastern are much more. UNISA is in a different league financially, but it is also an entirely different process. One, I'm convinced, isn't set up for student success.

There are wonderful reasons for pursuing the Leicester CLMS doctorate. And there are solid reasons for not doing so.

 

No, it's right at UK12,550 (US$24K). That cost is inclusive. Books and materials are included. And that's for the doctorate, not the master's.

 

No, Jack. These are great points. But let me point out one thing: the process for earning a doctorate from Leicester is entirely different from one from UNISA. Leicester is a "taught" degree with a coursework component. Also, it seems friendly to Americans. It also is structured, unlike UNISA's dissertation-only format. The CLMS is designed to work with mid-career professionals--I'm not so sure UNISA really cares.

But, boy, is UNISA inexpensive! It seems worth the risk, as long as you don't mind the difficult pace and the murky potential for a positive outcome.

 

According to Leicester's website, the degree is DSocSci, which strikes me as about the same mouthful as DBL or DAdmin.

 

There are much worse "mouthfuls". At one (Australian) university there is a BMa&CompSc or "Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences" it used to be called the BSc(Ma&CompSc) or "Bachelor of Science in the Faculty of Mathematical and Computer Sciences". There is also a "Master of Science and Technology Commercialisation" (MSc&TechComm).

While they are more descriptive than just BSc or MSc, I think it is somewhat over the top.

 

Rich,

Did you find this cost information on their website? Can you share that URL, please? The only thing I found last night was their fee schedule and it listed through the master's programs only.

Your figure here takes leads me to believe that it would only take two years of work to earn their doctorate. To me, that seems pushing it for a doctoral program(even Union is at a minimum now of 3 years from my recollection). So, would that 12,550 be per year for part-time OR full-time study?

If Leicester's doctorate is $24K that would make it the same cost as their master's degree. Generally, I have seen master's degrees go for less than a doctorate at most schools. I get this figure from their fee payment guide which lists their MBA as being 12,750 pounds.

NCU tuition was right around the $25K mark...if one has a master's degree. So, they are not really more expensive(less than a grand based on the 12550 quote). Touro seemed to be right in there.

I would like to hear some of the thoughts you have on the solid reasons for pursuing their DocSocSci vs solid reasons not to. Since I have not chosen a school or program, this topic would interest me greatly.

Also, maybe they are not taking on students in this program. Their application form at their website pages has not been working for a while.

Bing

 

I understand your points. The Leicester degree is much more user-friendly. BUT, assuming the completion of the program, is one degree demonstrably more useful than the other?
Jack

 

The architecture department at MIT offers a Master of Visual Studies that's abbreviated SMVisS. It's arguably a little over the top, but I think it's the coolest degree name out there.

 

In the U.S., probably not. UNISA has the longer history as a university (Leicester used to be a polytechnic), and probably has greater prestige. But I would rank that factor far below the ones related to successfully graduating, as well as those related to research methods and topics.

 

Yes, well I certainly agree that a degree is not useful unless and until you can complete the program.
Jack

 

Eh? Leicester isn't an ex-poly. Far from it. It's been around since at least the 1930s and has had full degree-awarding powers fo half a century or so.

Angela

 

Do not confuse De Montfort University, Leicester (which used to be a Polytechnic) with the University of Leicester (founded 1921, Royal Charter 1957).

Malcolm S Jenner

 

Some excellent thoughts on the topic - first blush, it appears to me more of the "unknown" factor that is not too palatable with Leicester?

They are accepting applications for 10/05 matriculation.

The total fee for the course is £11,795* plus £600 postage ( DHL will be used on these occasions) payable in three instalments at the start of the first three years of the course. Further instalments may be possible and should be checked at time of application. (So £3,932 at year 1, £3,932 at year 2, £3,932 at year 3).

* rates may change.

 

My mistake. Perhaps I was confusing it with H-W and a few others. I pulled the trigger too quickly on that one. Thanks.