Folks, Thanks to you, I'm beginning the process of registering for an LL.M. with Unisa. The process has apparenty grown more complex, with a two-stage application process at the start, followed up by more hurdles, such as having a research proposal accepted following a research module being completed. Right now, I'm being asked to fill in the title of my proposed thesis, and in the accompanying directions, it allows for up to five pages to be attached. I assume this is not a full research proposal, but rather an initial description of the idea. The point would be to see if it's saleable to the faculty and to see if there is a faculty advisor to take it on, I guess. My question: How much polish should this title and description have and do I need a faculty advisor at Unisa at this stage to help? If so, can one of you point me to a list of law faculty and their areas of research? I've googled and explored. No luck. Anyone out there gone through this hurdle at Unisa and have some advice? Thanks! Roger
hi roger - i'd make it as shiny as possible. a minimum of two pages and if you include any citations (advisable) then be sure to use the proper method. i believe that unisa uses the harvard method as opposed or apa or other alternatives. double check. http://www.nhgs.co.uk/technology/harvard.pdf
Hi Get your title as close to the final version as prossible. I wanted to change mine after a couple of years to better reflect the thesis and found it was an effort because it had to go before the Graduate Studies committee and be approved which seemed an effort on the part of all involved at the Pretoria end. Better to get things right up-front. In registering etc. have you been working through Dr Michael Esselen in Vancouver, the Unisa agent for North America? Brad
Thanks, Brad and Kizmet. I can see that nailing down the title is going to be key. Fortunately, the registration process (I'm using Dr. Essalen, who is quite helpful) is helping me narrow my focus. My only problem, of course, is trying to figure out how to get the maximum bang. I want someone out there to say, "That's a thesis I'd like to support." Ah, well, if Unisa won't have it, at least I'll be able to shop a polished product elsewhere. Brad, I note my application asks if I want a library card. I assume I should say yes? Does the Unisa card entitle me to access electronic databases over the 'net? Roger
Thanks Brad and Kizmet. I am using Dr. Esselen. He's been helpful so far. Waiting on a reply to the last email I sent him regarding the title, though. Roger
hey well i'm not brad but i have an answer. I'd say, "get the card." librarians are angels from god. they live to help students like us. there's a lot that a librarian can do beyond checking out your books. once upon a time a librarian obtained a dissertation for me through interlibrary loan. she then scanned the entire 200+ page document and emailed it to me in segments. all at no cost to me. she told me that she had nothing better to do that day. i didn't believe her and so she gets a Christmas card from me every year.
Thanks again everyone for their advice and input. So, a follow up: I'm told by the good doctor at IACI that the title at this stage will likely be re-written if/when a mentor is appointed. I'm still at the stage of trying to demonstrate my qualifications for entry and, I guess, hook an advisor with an interest in the idea. So, the good news is my title is not set in stone at this early stage. Of course, I'm still going to plough ahead with a polished concept. Cheers, Roger
