South African DL Graduates

Greetings all,

I am just curious. Are there many South African DL/by research graduates who are members of this forum, or who have used this forum to make their decision to pursue studies at South African universities?

I am one, of course. And, I am wondering who else is on here. I haven't been on this forum for quite some time until very recently. As I said, I am just curious.

Kenneth

 

Perhaps there should be a separate section or part of the forum for RSA DL graduates (and those who are continuing to study through the universities there), I think there are a lot in this forum. I know in Canada there are at least 500 Unisa students of all levels (Stats from IACI), though not all of them are using this forum.

Brad

 

I am a current DBL student at UNISA. I found this forum very helpful when I was debating where to pursue my studies. I am also very content with UNISA and the program I am in. Cheers..

 

Good to hear from you...

Hello Brad!

I remember talking with you some years ago about doing doctoral work via South Africa. What you propose is a good idea. I think having a section for RSA graduates is a good "community service" way to assist others who are interested in the same option we undertook.

I see you are doing another doctorate. Good for you. I am thinking of doing the same. How do you like the UFS?

Distancedoc2007,

Hello to you and I am very happy that Unisa is a good option that is working out for you.

Let's hope we hear more from fellow RSA DL graduates.

Kenneth

 

Hi Kenneth,

I'm in a PhD program (Church History) with Univ. of Pretoria. Set to defend in November. A few years ago, I tried Univ. Zulu but it did not work out.

Later this year I will enroll in a Journalism program (M.A.) through another SA school.


Roscoe

 

University of Pretoria

Hi Roscoe,

Glad to hear from you.

How do you like working on your degree through the UofP? How much are the fees asscoiated with your program? What were the issues with UniZul?

Where are you doing your MA in Journalism?

Kenneth

 

I'm curious about that myself. I've been looking for SA programs in journalism.

 

The experience with UoP has been great. When I began writing, I felt the need for two readers here in the U.S. who are experts on my topic. So I asked two professors (both PhDs) from two different U.S. universities to assist me. Whenver I finish a chapter, I'd forward a copy to the readers and to my supervisor.

PRETORIA: Publishing and fee:

The program I'm in requires at least one published peer-reviewed article (or one of publishable quality). So far, I've published two articles from my dissertation; I have a monograph due out later this; and I have two conference papers. A third article, based on my first conference paper, is now under review.

My supervisor said that Pretoria might consider publishing the full-length book on my research after graduation, and after I've made revisions.

Cost: under $3,000 for the entire program.

The Pretoria program may be completed in two to four years. I'm in my third year. Actually, I could have finished in two years, but I had commitments to several book publishers. Had to write two books in '06, two last year and three this year. BTW, these are mostly business/writing related, how-to books. I also work full-time as a journalist for a daily newspaper.

As you can imagine, it's been a challenge with the different types of writing.

MA IN JOURNALISM:

As for the MA, I mentioned Journalism, but technically, it's a Journalism focus. The degree is actually an M.A. in Media Studies (TCord I believe you are aware of this program) through the Uof Cape Town. More here: http://www.cfms.uct.ac.za

Still, I have to admit that I've been so pleased with Pretoria that I considered doing the MA through one of its school, but I would have to do it after graduation (PhD program). Since the MA programs are media related, my research would focus on Journalism.

I'm confident I can publish the work after completion. Later, I might do something in creative writing. Here's how I see it: Since I will do the creative "projects" anyway as a freelance writer, I figured I might as well get a degree AND book contract. Of course, the school would be informed of my intentions.

UNIZULU:

My experience with UniZulu started out great. At the time I was pursuing a PhD in Journalism. I waited a year for enrollment papers. Once received, my supervisor moved to another school. I got a new supervisor and she moved to another school. Persistent, I tried again. The current faculty would not answer emails, even after phone calls. I contacted the head of the depart and he referred me to another prof. Again, the prof would not respond to emails. I went back and forth for about three years or more. I was about to give up on my dream of earning a PhD. Then Corey (member here) mentioned Pretoria. And the rest is history.

Roscoe

 

I have to admit, I have a very difficult time navigating the web sites of the various South African (and for that matter, Australian) universities. They just aren't very user-friendly. I couldn't find a spot on the web sites of either Pretoria or Cape Town which are dedicated to open or distance learning. I'm interested in obtaining information about bachelor's or master's level programs in communication, journalism or public relations at South African schools.

On the other hand, I did find what is perhaps the cheapest BA in Journalism at some place called the University of Hargeisa, located in Somalia. It is $270 per academic year, and is available by distance learning. I do not know if it is open to international students.

 

Hey TCord,

Did you see this one at Univ.of Johannesburg:

http://www.uj.ac.za/comm/FieldsofStudy/Postgraduate/Masters/MAJournalism/tabid/6728/Default.aspx

They also have programs in corporate communication and marketing communication, etc.

BTW, are you interested in taught programs, or research?

Roscoe

 

In the post above, I meant "Cory" and not "Corey."

Sorry.

Roscoe

 

The undergrad programs look very interesting. Are these distance learning programs? Again, I didn't see any mention of DL.

For grad programs, I'm mainly interested in a taught program.

 

I believe you're right about DL not being mentioned. Keep in mind that the research degrees can be done at a distance even when they're not described as DL in the catalog (or on the site). Of course, this would depend on the school and the program studied. Some research degrees do require visits. Taught programs might be a different story.

I once called a couple of SA schools and asked about DL programs. Both said they did not have such programs. Yet, they both said I could do a research degree without campus visits.

Roscoe

 

Hi

Well, the welcome from UFS is great and when there was a slight problem with payments and registration all was quickly taken care of. And then I felt forgotten. I have written a number of times asking for required documents and guides but no answer has been given. I have prepared a written letter to send via the mail system to see if it takes a hard copy of a request to get a response. But I am working on the research and writing anyway. I won't let that slow me down.

Brad

 

I am planning on starting a doctorate in September, non distance learning, but I would be interested in having a second (or even third) reader. Did you find the profs were receptive to the idea, and were they very helpful? Is this common among research degree candidates?

My degree consists of one course plus a thesis, so getting some feedback from parties other than my supervisor would be great.

 

I agree, most of the foreign university websites are very difficult to navigate. This problem is pervasive throughout most UK, Aussie and SA university sites. They really need to learn about the concepts of usability and findability.

Tom

Tom

 

Hey Novemberdude,

Good luck on your program.

I'm using Social Cognitive Career Theory, so I contacted a prof who specializes in SCCT. Since my work is about a Pentecostal pioneer, I contacted a prof who specializes in Pentecostal history. Requesting help of these two experts was one of the smartest things I did.

Not sure how common this is. The idea occured to me while reading about Bill Grover's experience. He earned a doc through Unizul. Throughout the process, he had a grad of Dallas Theo Seminary read his work.

My supervisor is pleased with the idea and even seems delighted. The two readers accepted me with open arms. When I approached them, I was a bit nervous and even offered to pay them. They both said that payment was not necessary and that the "reading" was part of their academic duties.

They have been VERY helpful. They are tough and yet encouraging. Whenever I receive their feedback, I forward it to my supervisor. After he has reviewed everything, he offers personal advice, and then comments on the suggestions of my readers.

I really appreciate the contributions of my readers. They will certainly be acknowledged in my finished product, and any books related to my research.

Roscoe

 

Hi Roscoe,

Thanks for the feedback. This sounds like a great idea that could really improve the quality of the finished work, and not make me feel quite so isolated while doing it. It would also be nice to avoid relying on one person's feedback entirely. I am going to approach my supervisor about it and see what he says.

This whole thing gets a little daunting from time to time, and I haven't even started.

Thanks again.

 

Another thing I found helpful was attending a conference. It was great meeting other students and scholars from around the world. I was really pleased to meet the scholars I had cited in my research. I got to talk to them face to face about my work. There was one guy I had quoted a number of times. As he was leaving the room, a friend said, "You know who that is?"

I told him no, and he said, "That's Dr. Anderson."

Like a little kid, I ran up to him and introduced myself.

The conference also provided me the opportunity to meet editors and recruiters.

I joined the academic society that sponsored this particular conference. As a result, I keep in touch with a number of people doing research in my field.

This really helps with the isolation issue.

Roscoe

 

And we thought accreditation in the US was complicated - now comes DL from a university in a country without an operational central government!