Isn't 'research' the same as DL?

I think I read some place here that if a school offered research degrees, that would indicate the existence of a DL program. However, my recent experience with Univ. of the Western Cape suggests otherwise.

While their web site clearly shows offerings of research degrees on both the master's and doctorate level, a rep sent me an email saying the school does not have any kind of DL program.

Am I missing something here?

Roscoe

 

Hi Roscoe

UZ doesn't use the term "DL" either yet does not always mandate residency. A research degree may require some residence of course. So could a DL by coursework. Perhaps Western Cape does. Maybe WC means no classes by DL or that the thesis includes some time on campus or perchance both is meant.

CL who posts here is doing a degree thru Stellenbosch(sp? ) which includes a six month, I believe, residency.

 

I would essentially agree with Bill although I'd like to add a couple of my own findings. The first is that the research degrees I have looked into in Britain, Australia, South Africa and elsewhere are typically pursued by students who live "nearby" the university. Now nearby might mean a few city blocks or it might mean a few hundred miles/kilometers or it might mean the other side of the country but it usually means that the student shows up at the university periodically to meet with advisors, use the libraries, etc. Many, many DL programs also require some amount of face to face contact between the student and members of the university and this is handled variously by different schools. The problem is that many prospective students equate DL with 100% non-residential educational programming. These two things are NOT synonymous. If you approach these South African schools (even UNISA, at times) you need to inquire as to whether it is possible to pursue the XYZ research degree program in a totally external or non-residential manner. Using the term DL or whatever is synonymous will get you nowhere because, as you have discovered, they don't do DL. They may, however, be willing to to accomodate your need for a 100% non-residential program. You need to remember that if you are approaching any South African school with this request (except UNISA and a few other specific degree programs scattered around that country) then you are making an unusual request. I've been told on several occasions that I was the first to ever make such an inquiry. You need to keep this in mind when you approach them. Good luck,
Jack

 

A research degree does not equate to distance learning, but it can. These things tend to be negotiated individually with your faculty advisor. In some situations, the school will allow the student and the faculty advisor to be apart for all but a few meetings, and even those don't necessarily have to be on campus. In others, the student is expected to spend one or more semesters on or near campus.

 

Thanks to all of you. Now it's starting to make sense. You've given me some good ideas -- and questions to ask -- when approaching schools.

Regards,

Roscoe