Hi, I'm a new poster and I had a question: I have been dragging my feet for the past couple of years while eyeing the LSE DL program. At first I was intimidated by the thought of the amount of work and how alone I'd be in taking the program. Although I live Ohio, my childhood education to the end of high school was the British education system. But the other reason I really kinda stopped thinking about the LSE program was beause I was told that the degree is printed and points out that it the 'External' LSE program. Now please understand that I am not a snob , but I was informed that some employers may not like that because they may somehow feel that an external program/DL program is inferior to the traditional degree. Does anyone have any info on this? I'm eager to get started with my next phase of education but have kids and work and must only consider the DL route.
LSE is in the same league with Harvard. I wouldn't care if the degree was written in crayon on a paper towel.
Yeah I know, lol. I think I have dreams about it opening doors to a world international NGOs, lol, while I I think up grassroot programs galore! lol. Anyway, I'm in Cleveland.
I say go for it, I think it's a good deal. But this isn't technically a LSE degree is it? I understand that the degree is under the direction of LSE. I could be wrong, I'm sure others in the know will chime in.
Technically, it is a degree granted by the University of London, with LSE as the lead college. This is the same whether you are studying on campus or DL. And the degree, with LSE as the lead college, is under the direction of LSE.
Does the London School of Economics offer any DL programs? I'm aware of some offerings through the U of external program, but I don't think that they are technically LSE degrees. I say that because external students don't go through the selective LSE admissions process. They aren't counted in LSE statistics. They don't interact with LSE students. If external students want to transfer to on-campus status, they have to apply to the LSE and go through the same competitive admissions process as students who aren't in the external program. As far as I know, the external classes aren't taught by LSE faculty, they simply distribute study guides and then administer examinations. Finally, the diplomas that graduates earn say 'External Programme' on them, not 'London School of Economics'. Nevertheless, the external program obviously does represent an excellent DL option in its own right.
1) Technically, LSE does not grant any degree to 'internal' and 'external' students. It is University of London granting the degrees. 2) I am not very sure about LSE. But AFAIK Imperial would perform admission process on their own. I believe there would be no exception for LSE. 3) Interaction with on-campus students, this is a good question. I wonder how many DL programmes can support DL students interact with on-campus students. I believe there should be some, but just not many of them can cater this. 4) Transfer to on-campus, the same as (3). Though many emphasize having the 'same' in many aspects (eg degree cert, curriculum, exam....), transfer between DL and on-campus seems to be some available to a few in the world. If I remember correctly, Warwick is one allowing such transfer. 5) Examination administration, it's done by UoL 6) The diploma says it is a degree granted by UoL, with LSE as the lead college.
Waht a deal! There are disadvantages to doing a London degree externally. Lack of support; lack of interaction, or at least lower quality of interaction. But look at the advantages: low cost; time shifting when needed; if you fail an exam, you can try again (and a third, I think, given a remit for special circumstances); and if you succeed, you get to list a first-rate credential on your resume, one just made for your career building wishes! Now, isn't that a deal? -Orson
Here's the External Programme's FAQ on the topic: http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/prospective_students/faqs/postgrad/pg_gradu.shtml
Very true, Orson, at this point the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Also I have a lot of family in England (Mom, lil brother, aunts, uncles, cousins etc.) so I know at some point the visits may turn into something more permanent.Orson
To get an idea about studying as an external student at U of L you might check out this site. http://p215.ezboard.com/buolexternal
