A few weeks ago, I opened a thread asking about Troy University's reputation and quality. In this thread, Bill Dayson mentioned the MA in International Policy and Diplomacy from the University of Staffordshire. When my wife and I reviewed this program, we really liked it. Troy and Staffordshire are in the same price range, and are a bit different in structure, focus and electives, but seem to suit the needs of someone looking to enter this academic field. We are currently in Cuba, and plan to migrate to Toronto or Montreal in 2 years. Which degree would be best regarded in Canada? What program is, in your opinion, more prestigious, or of a better quality? Does someone have direct or indirect experience with any of these 2 programs? Does anyone know any other UK-based degree in this area, aside from Cambridge, which requires several residencies? Thank you very much for your advice
Is someone in this forum enrolled at one of Staffordshire's programs? Or perhaps a graduate? Any kind of input will be deeply appreciated.
I received an email from Staffordshire, confirming my admission. I am very happy for this. They have offered an excellent level of service up to the moment. I will wait until I receive confirmation of the University of Sheffield's decision on my application to the MSc. in Chinese Business and International Relations. I think I have very good chances of being admitted from an academic standpoint, but I applied officially as a late applicant, knowing that they reserve the right to reject my application on lateness grounds. If this happens to be the case, I'll enrol in the MA In International Policy and Diplomacy at Staffordshire, and reapply to Sheffield next year.
Enroled at Staffordshire I decided to enrol last Friday paid GBP 150 as a deposit for the study package which, amazingly, got here in 1 business day!!!! It consists of 3 books, 2 on IR Theory and one in 20th century international history, as well as a coursepack containing several articles from well established journals and also several chapters from various famous IR-related books, such as Robert Gilpin's Political Economy of International Relations and EH Carr's Twenty-year Crisis. Interestingly, they forgot to include the Registration Form. joi
Staffordshire I live in Canada (Ontario.) I have a BA Archaeology from Leicester in the UK and a MA from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. Both are recognized as legitimate in Canada. I have used both of these degrees (along with an Ontario BEd) to aquire teaching positions in Ontario. The Ontario College of Teachers the local school boards and the union recognize degrees from British universities that are listed on the registry of Commonwealth universities. They also recognize, regionally accredited universities from the USA. I believe that it is similar in Quebec. Roy Maybery
Re: Staffordshire Hi Roy: Thank you for your reply. My wife and I, both currently in Cuba, plan to move to Ontario(most likely to Toronto) through your goverment's Special Migrant Program. What kind of teaching position to you have? Is it at a university? What kind of pay does someone in your position receive, on average? I enjoy teaching, although I don't plan to do it on a full-time basis. Joi
teaching, Ontario I taught in a High School, grades 9 to 12 that is 14 to 17 year olds. My main subject is machine shop, this is because I was apprenticed in the UK at the age of fifteen to twenty. However, because I have a degree I was also allowed to teach academic subjects. The pay in Ontario schools is good: It starts (category one) at about $35.000 cdn per year for a teacher in the first year straight out of university. It rises each year for ten years topping out at about $65.000 per year. However one can move latterally on the pay grid by acquiring more teachable subjects ( one does this at night school or in the summer.) Top of the grid (category four at ten years Is $80.000. you can also get an extra $2.000 per year for having an MA or PhD. The grid is the same regardles of academic or craft discipline. The holidays are good; two months in the summer, one week at Christmas, One week March break, plus stat holidays and of course weekends. The work load is heavy during semester. However there is a good pension at the end of ones career. The job is unionized and therefore lay offs are very few and far between. Teaching in a college or university pays far less about $40.000 a year so I am told. Also one is required to have a PhD, especially university and more often than not for college. furthermore a permanant position is very difficult to get. Most university/college teachers are on yearly contract. The holidays are much the same, though I don't know about pensions. However at college and university one is less likely to encounter the somtimes abusive and often irritating behavior of adolecent students. If you move to Toronto, give me a call and we will go for a drink. Roy Maybery
Re: teaching, Ontario $80000 a year seems to be quite good for a teaching job!!! I'm mainly interested in business and management (PArticularly consulting) in the first stage. I'll let you know when we move to Toronto. Thanks a lot, Joi
teaching Buisiness Studies is a teachable subject in the Ontario curriculum and it may be one of those subjects like technology which give you prior standing on the grid. I started on category three with five years standing. Roy Maybery
