MSc. Organizational Behaviour University of London

I am interested in the M Sc. in Organizational Behaviour at the University of London (Birkbeck College). I would appreciate any information someone may have on this degree and studying through U of L generally. Thank you.

 

I personally do not have any experience in MSc in Organisational Behaviour but the following information may be relevant.

This is one of the least expensive external UoL program and the cost for the whole program is GBP3,795 (equivalent to US$5,500 or A$10,500). The cost includes study guides, readings and articles, and textbooks. You don't need to pay additional cost except for the cost of postage, examinations (including local invigilation) and graduation.

As it is stated in its Prospectus, "The programme for External students is self-taught using the study materials provided. ........." and the assessment "is examined by one three-hour unseen written paper" for each group of modules. Furthermore, "If you fail an examination at the first sitting, you will be allowed one further attempt, after which your registration will cease". The registration period is from 2 years (minimum) to 5 years (maximum). You can access most of the relevant information at the http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/postgraduate/birkbeck/ob/index.shtml

However, you must note that the diploma for external studies include the words of "external" in it. Even though the diploma states that the quality of internal and external degrees from the UoL are the same, some people may don't like it. As the UK and Australian educational systems are very similar, I think that UoL qualification may be quite acceptable in Australia.

 

Re: Re: MSc. Organizational Behaviour University of London

At the bottom of the diploma, it states that [Statute 66(2) of the University of London states, "Candidates granted degrees and other awards shall have attained the same academic standard irrespective of mode or place of study or examination"].

 

Thank you Yan for your comments. I don't have a problem with the diploma stating it was completed from a distance, what is important to me is the quality of the program and the university. I don't know that much about UK universites, but I understand that UofL would be considered a top tier university and has an international reputation.

 

U OF L

U of L is a chartered UK University. It holds the equivalent of RA accreditation.

I have read and been a part of many U of L threads and have yet to hear a negative comment about them.

They are a great choice.

 

Agreed. I like their reputation; I like what I've heard about their level of rigor; I like their tuition rates; and I really, really like their exam-based approach.


Cheers,

 

The Royal Charter of a UK university if NOT the same as RA accreditation. There are Quality Assurance agencies in the UK that guarantee the quality of British education, the Royal Charter is granted by the Queen, through the Privy Council, to establish the university and its degree-granting power.

When you recieve a degree from a UK university (and, yes, they are ALL "accredited" , you recieve a document that carries a lot of prestige. Some of the older American universities, like Harvard, were established by virtue of Royal Charter (yes, from England) and still grant their degrees on that basis.

God Save the Queen

 

Thank you for everyone's feedback. I'm interested to know where U of L is ranked as a university. Can anyone point me to UK or even international rankings please?

 

The individual universities within the University of London umbrella will be ranked separately. UCL and Imperial, for example, will be ranked at the very top of the UK institutions (right below Oxbridge).

 

I have expressed reservations about some of their programs several times.

The reason concerns the examination-based format. What London does in effect, is send you a syllabus and some reading assignments. When you have completed your readings, you take examinations.

While I'm sure that this mode works well for many students, one has to be comfortable with the fact that it is an extremely minimalist model of higher education, largely doing away with teaching and with professors.

Some students will probably desire more interaction and instruction than these programs provide.

 

News that will come as quite a relief to Earlscroft University and its graduates, I'm sure.

Harvard College was established in 1636 by a vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Local establishment seems to have been the pattern followed in creating almost all of the colonial universities. The only American university with a British royal charter is the College of William and Mary.

That kind of "grass roots" quality of American higher education persists even today.