Help: PhD program (UNISA or Exeter ??)

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by filmguy, Jun 9, 2010.

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  1. filmguy

    filmguy New Member

    I am desperate to further my studies at the PhD level because my eventual goal is to work in the US. My question is if anyone can tell me more about the PhD program at the University of South Africa (Communications) versus the University of Exeter (Film Studies). Specifically, I am worried about the reputation and quality of UNISA because it seems almost too good to be true (short program and low cost). I am more or less interested in teaching film at the college level so I really want to make sure that I select the best school possible. Thanks and I eagerly await your replies...
     
  2. BrandeX

    BrandeX New Member

    Do you have a USA regionally accredited master's degree?
     
  3. Lukeness

    Lukeness Member

    If you are interested in SA schools then you should also look at top, prestigious, b&m unis like Rhodes for a media related PhD. Most SA PhDs are thesis based so you should be able to do it by DL except maybe a visit or two to defend it, maybe it's even possible to work around that. y.
     
  4. filmguy

    filmguy New Member

    thanks ... I am not too familiar with Rhodes but I will definitely check them out...
     
  5. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    I hate to say this because I'm also from a developing country, but a PHD from a respected (although kind of unknown here in the USA) UK University will be more respected than one from a developing country.

    I'd go for the Exeter one.

    I have no doubt that a UNISA degree must be a good one, but that doesn't help when people don't even know the difference between the country (South Africa) and the continent (Africa).

    And sadly, this is very common here in the US.

    But about Exeter program:

    What I like the most is that they have to tracks: one is a proper Film Studies (theory, history, etc...) and a practical one, where you shoot movies as part of your final dissertation (something that doesn't exist in the USA).

    If you're a filmmaker like me this program would be really good. A very good complement for a MFA.

    But if you're more academic oriented maybe you should try to get in a normal american PHD - if you get in a good school you'd probably get a full ride with a scholarship and a stipend.
     
  6. filmguy

    filmguy New Member

    Yes, my MA is from a regionally accredited American university... I guess I must decided between taking a quicker an cheaper PhD (UNISA) versus enrolling a longer but more respectable program (Exeter)... Has anyone here attended either institution...
     
  7. filmguy

    filmguy New Member

    Does anyone here have any experience dealing with either institution ??
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    You should not make the mistake of thinking that the UNISA program is short. For a PhD you can expect a minimum of four years.
     
  9. filmguy

    filmguy New Member

    Thanks K,

    I am somewhat confused as their website states that the PhD in Communications takes only 2 years ?? I have heard that one may have to take courses that are not listed as part of the program (prerequisites) which add to the length of the degree... Is this what you are referring to or am I missing something ??
     
  10. Lukeness

    Lukeness Member

    I'm sure that the two years are the minimum time allowed.
     
  11. Tireman 44444

    Tireman 44444 Well-Known Member

    It is. You have to be in the program for two years at the very least.
     

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