English/Creative Writing Master's from Foreign Schools

I decided to post this as a new thread:

Well, since I posted last, I've been in contact with some former students at National U. about time required online, and they told me that I would need to spend at least 3-4 hours every evening online during the week and 8-10 hours online on the weekend for the master's degree.

The problem is, I just don't have the time to spend that many hours online. So, I'm reconsidering my intentions to enroll in this program, although I haven't ruled it out yet because a professor is supposed to call me tonight about this.

In the meantime, I''ve found three other schools where I can get a master's in English/Creative Writing, all of them foreign schools; I have already been in touch with them. They are: the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Manchester Metropolitan University in England, and Southern Cross University in Australia.

Of those three, which would you choose, and why?

I very much need any feedback anyone can give.

Thanks in advance.

Michael

 

I don't know anything specifically about any of these programs although I know a little bit about each of the schools. I think it's safe to say that the South African university will be the least expensive, probably by a large margin. Assuming that all three programs will adequately meet your needs I don't see why you would pay more than is necessary. I've been pumping South African schools for some time now and so it shouldn't be a surprise that I'd continue in that direction. I'd be willing to bet that the other two programs are just fine and you couldn't be faulted for choosing one of them if it somehow is more suitable.
Jack

 

Thanks, Jack, for your reply. I wasn't sure if I'd get any responses since I've posted so much about this.

My only concern with a foreign degree is if an American school will accept it. I already have been told by one community college in the area that they wouldn't.

Another reason I preferred National is that I could finish by next August.

But I may not have a choice. And, as you said, the Univ. of Natal might be the best bet because of cost. I am, though, inquiring about the possibility of an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship at Southern Cross Univ., plus they are approved by the U.S. government for federal loans.

One thing I like about these foreign schools is the ability to do the degree by creative thesis plus critical analysis, without coursework, but I'm told this might be a disadvantage in the U.S. academic job market.

MMU in England's creative writing degree involves some coursework, but it's structured differently from American programs.

I don't like the idea of doing all those research papers for the different courses in an American program; I'd rather just do one long critical paper and a creative thesis as is possible at Natal and Southern Cross.

Still, the degree at National would have been almost the perfect program for me in terms of outcomes -- preparation for a teaching job in a U.S. college; that's why it's hard for me to give up on it.

 

You might want to consider giving the program at National a trial run. Can you sign up for any of the courses without having been enrolled in the full program? This would give you a sense of the time commitment required without obligating you in any way.
In any case, good luck.
Jack

 

I'll check into that.

Thanks, Jack!

 

University of KwaZulu-Natal

I may be a fan of SA schools, but this goes infinitely beyond that: UKZN is far and away the best of the three schools academically, longest history (used to be University of Natal), most prestige, best known outside of its own local area, etc.

Hands down your best choice.

And if some ignoramus asks you about the name, explain that the SA province of Natal is now known as KwaZulu Natal (historic Natal being roughly the south half and historic Zululand roughly the north half).

D--- fine school. And a bargain. In my experience SA universities are usually flexible about financial stuff. Go for the best. Because you're special. And you deserve it.*



*Sorry. Couldn't help it. UKZN is your best choice--no kidding about that.

 

Hi, unc; good to hear from you again -- and thanks for that valuable info; it's much appreciated!

I didn't know that much about the three schools, so your post is greatly welcomed.

I have another couple of questions: Do you think UKZN is a better school than National University? And, considering my situation and circumstances that I've detailed, would you choose UKZN over National?

 

Yes to both. It's not a good idea to set a deadline and choose a school that claims you can finish by that deadline. You don't know what will happen in your life, changes in demands and schedules, etc., etc. Maybe I'm being parochial but National isn't a well known school to me--had never heard of it before seeing mention of it here. I've known of UKZN since childhood. That's maybe meaningless but true. UKZN is a first-tier school in South Africa. Make no mistake: first tier SA schools are very good indeed. I would match rigor for rigor UKZN, Pretoria, Wits, Stellenbosch, and UCT against any reasonable comers. National is a reputable school and I am sure you can get a good education there, but it's a utility degree--and it'll cost you a pile more than UKZN will. Unless you are determined it must be a US degree (and your other choices indicate that's not the case), go with UKZN. Do a google search under "University of Natal" (the old name); you will be impressed, I think, with what you find. Just scan through the first 25 or 30 pages; select an occasional item that grabs your fancy, and check it out. Look at the history of the place. I think this will set your mind at ease. Good luck to you.

 

Thanks, unc, for the reply and additional info.

Do you think a degree from UKZN would serve as well as one from National for getting a college teaching job in a U.S. school? That's a big question for me.

 

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Michael,

I'm curious about their writing program. Would you post a link to the program page, or send me an email contact for someone in the department?

Thank you

John

 

John,

I just sent you a PM.

 

My hunch is that UKZN would serve you better. It's a much better school (which you can easily document) and a soupcon of multicultural cachet never hurt any academic job applicant in recent years.

Do this: google "Ph.D., National University" and "Ph.D., University of Natal". See what you get, worldwide. I know you want a master's, but this should show employed professors a bit better.

Let me know what you find. But even if you find more for one than the other, sheer quantity is only of some value in your choice-making. The quality of school should be paramount.

Nobody ever got shafted for going to a very good school instead of a good school.

 

What I found was a list overwhelmingly in favor of Univ. of Natal.

You've just about convinced me.

Anyone else have an opinion?

Thanks again, unc!