Philosophy and the University of London - Please Help!

Hello All -

I have been lurking for awhile and finally decided to register and post a question here. I really have two questions:

1. I have yet to find a good reputable U.S. University that offers a distance learning program for a MA in Philosophy (not a MA in something else with a concentration in Philosophy, but a traditional MA in Philosophy).

Does such a program exist anywhere in the US?


2. The next best thing I have found is a BA in Philosophy from the University of London. It is a prestigious school and fairly cheap. Is anyone out there doing the B.A. Philosophy Degree from U of L?

I've heard it is an independent study sort of degree (unlike my video-tapes at UMass, where lectures are taped and sent. This is for comp. sci).

From what I've read, I have to fly to the east coast somewhere (I'm in California) and take a 3 hour exam for each "unit" of philosophic study that I engage in.

Is it just me or is this a utterly ridiculous way to assess competency in philosophy - with a paper and pencil test? I have a Minor in Philosophy from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo CA, and almost every class that I took was comprised of a long written assignment (or several written assignments).

The nature of philosophic inquiry is writing, is it not? Is it true that there is no writing component to this BA degree? I hope I have wrong information on this because everything else about the U of L degree looks good.

Any advice appreciated,

 

Unless my memory fails me, you should not have to fly to the east coast to take your London exams; they have a relationship with Sylvan Prometric, which has thousands of locations in the U.S. (three or four in central Mississippi alone; I'm sure there must be one in your neck of the woods). Contact the University of London for more details.

No U.S.-based M.A. program in Philosophy comes to mind, but I think the University of Glasgow offers one, as do the University of South Africa and several Aussie schools. Other folks may have some recommendations along these lines. It might also be possible to do an individualized M.A. in Philosophy at Lesley University or Vermont College or somesuch.

Good luck.


Cheers,

 

Hi Blake - I have loaned my copy of "Bears Guide..." to a friend and so I can't readily answer your question about Masters programs (Help, Tom Head, Help!) My memory tells me that there are no programs that are 100% non-residential. Also, I would like to point out that if there is any degree in this world more useless than a PhD in Philosophy, it is a Masters degree in Philosophy Please note that I say this with all due affection as it is my own goal to someday earn a PhD in Philosophy. If I can reach my friend tomorrow I may be able to add more at that time. As for the University of London, it would seem to be a good degree which could qualify you for application to a GAAP research PhD program (UNISA/OLUSA is my current choice - once the dust settles). As for the University of London examination sites, if you go to the following url
http://testing.byu.edu
you will find information from the Consortium of College Testing Centers. This is the network of testing centers used by the U of L in the USA. Find the one closest to you and that's your ticket. My understanding is that most examinations are in the 2-4 hour range and are "essay" exams. My email correspondence with the person who runs the testing center nearest to me, indicates that while most people "pass" their exams, they've had to hire extra custodians to help in cleaning up the exam mess (pulled out hair, sweat/tear drenched tissues, etc.
Good luck in whatever choice you make,
Jack

 

OK, there's good news and bad news...
The good news is that you could definitely do the program at Lesley College (Massachusetts) although it is an interdisciplinary program and so they might like it better if you combined Philosophy with something else (basket weaving? ) The bad news is that the program in Glasgow is NOT up and running (despite the fact that the Glasgow GUIDE website say it is - go ahead and check - I haven't checked in the last 2-3 months). Also, you could do the UNISA program (at whatever level) The exam centers are described on their web site (if you dig a bit).
Jack

 

For acceptable testing, you might try the Bristish Consulates in San Francisco or Los Angeles or the Honorary Consulates in San Diego and Silicon Valley see: BritainUSA