University of Leicester...How does this work?

Hey guys,

I've been looking at the information on www.degree.net regarding the Masters degree and ran into the University of Leicester. I have seen them before but was always a little leary of going to school over seas. So before I completely discount their program I thought I'd come here to see what the experts have to say.

They look like they have a very nice Criminal Justice program and I know of their reputation in the criminal justice community and the schools rich history, thus my curiosity.

Questions:

1.) They list their tuition on http://www.le.ac.uk/distancelearning/courselist.html as being 6300 English pounds which is about a little under $12,000 U.S. Is this per semester, per year or for the whole program?

2.) They obviously want a LOT of writing done, but what is the difference between their MSc and Diploma programs? In other words, what is the U.S. equivalent?

3.) Has anyone from here attended their school? What was your impressions, observations, etc.?

4.) Is it possible to receive a federally backed loan in the U.S. to attend a school over seas?

Thanks in advance.

 

After searching the U.S. Financial Aid site I found this:

"Found 1 matches on your search.

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
UNIVERSITY ROAD
LEICESTER
Federal School Code: G22291"

So I guess this school qualifies for federally backed loans...right?

 

Pretty much all of the UK universities are approved for Stafford loans, so you won't have a problem on the money side.

When you say "criminal justice" I assume you mean this: http://www.le.ac.uk/criminology/msccj.html

Thus, in answer to your questions:

1. http://www.le.ac.uk/gradschool/fees.html gives fees overall for the university, but it's always best to ask the department. £6,300 on the page you're listing is the UK fee for the whole course. Ignore that one, UK fees are rather like in-state or in-US fees for courses on your side of the pond.

2. A diploma is what you get if you bail out of the MSc after the taught courses but before the dissertation.

3. No, but Leicester is a pretty decent university.

4. Well, you've already answered this one.

I'd add two caveats. Master's level essays in the UK tend towards the analytical. And the Leicester emphasis is slightly more theoretical than the courses you'll find on Bruce's list http://www.le.ac.uk/criminology/msccj.html If you're not comfortable with lots of analytical writing, I'd steer clear of this course.

Angela

 

To be honest, I find analytical writing more comfortable than argumentative styles where you must present a point and defend it.

As for the cost...so the cost factor advertised on their site has nothing to do with the cost in the US?

 

The page you quoted http://www.le.ac.uk/distancelearning/courselist.html says "UK course fees", which means us over here. Overseas fees are always higher. I would expect the fees for somebody outside the EU to be at least £8,000, as listed on the university web site.

Angela

 

Thanks,

I emailed the school just to verify the costs.

Also, after some research it seems that you have to "sit" exams...are there only certain places you are able to do that or could you use a testing center at a local college?

 

Hmm. Didn't see exams anywhere on the course description. Check with them again, just in case, as the web page I'm reading says "your progress on the course is assessed by six essays".

Howsoever, most UK universities tend to use the local British Council office for exams. If you have to come to Leicester for exams as well as the three study schools, that's going to put an awful dent in your finances.

Angela

 

You've got that right. I'll try not to get over to England unless it's to graduate and on my way to Ireland.