Another Open University (UK) Question

Greetings,

I hope that this message finds you all well. I've been an occasional visitor to this webpage for the last couple years, but this is my first post. My interest lies in the Open University in the UK. I have trolled through the previous posts I could find on the subject and there seems to be an almost universal understanding that the OU does not admit students resident in the USA to degree programs. Does anyone know if this is a matter of policy or just practicality? I ask because I've been corresponding with some folks in Milton Keynes regarding their PhD program in history. From these interactions, it seems that they would admit me as a student, but it would require bi-monthly visits to campus to go through standard thesis supervision processes. Are American residents not able to register for these programs, or is it just that it's too long of a commute? Thanks so much.

Peace,
db

 

Interesting question...

I am not familiar enough with the specifics to give you a solid answer, but since no one else has yet responded, I'll make an attempt.

I considered the UK doctorate option [was even accepted at Wales-Lampeter, at the time], but chose the South African doctorate mostly because of cost.

Some UK universities will allow part-time [not distance] enrollment for doctoral studies. Some only require about a two-week on-campus visit yearly -- but others much more time on-campus. I personally know Americans who have completed sociology and theology part-time doc's at UK universities and from what they have told me, this seems fairly typical.

I think it is largely a matter of making inquiries of schools that fit your interests to see if they are willing to work with you on your part-time doctoral studies.

The success rate in distance education [at any level] is traditionally low to begin with. Part-time doctoral studies also have a fairly low completion rate, which is why UK universities are apparently getting a bit more particular about supervising part-time candidates.

Good luck with your efforts!

 

Thanks a lot for, at least, making an effort on this one. I've actually been accepted to a brick and mortar school here in Chicago to study for a PhD in comparative education and the history of education. I'm just waiting for the funding to come through and thought I'd look at some other options while waiting.

Peace,
db

 

It's not practicality, it's against the rules.