Best Approach to UNISA / Question on D.Litt et Phil

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by defii, Apr 28, 2003.

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  1. defii

    defii New Member

    Hello Everyone. It has been some time since I posted to the board. I'm wondering if those of you acquainted with the University of South Africa (UNISA) can answer a couple questions for me.

    I understand UNISA has two North American representatives - one in Canada and the other in the U.S. Is it easier to go through these entities if one wishes to pursue a doctoral program at UNISA? I have heard some past posters complain that it is cumbersome at best to attempt to deal with UNISA officials directly.

    My area of interest is public administration. UNISA offers a D.P.A. (which is often seen in the U.S. as a practitioner's degree, and not very academically focused) and a D.Litt et Phil. Apparently this is their Ph.D. equivalent. Is my understanding of the equivalency accurate? Are you aware of non-South African schools offering such a degree? What about its potential for general acceptablility?

    Thanks for your time.
     
  2. roysavia

    roysavia New Member

    Hi defii,
    There's lots of information on UNISA. If you conduct a search you will find information and contact names for registering with UNISA.

    I'm a Dlitt et Phil candidate with department of Sociology at UNISA. The registration process is much easier if you contact either the U.S. or Canadian representative. Dr. Michael Esselen of ica-canada assisted me with every step of the application process. He will make sure that your application gets to the proper department.
     
  3. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    1) I believe you are correct in saying that the D.Litt et Phil. is the South African equivalent to the PhD (although there are other South African universities that offer the "PhD")
    2) I believe that the D.Litt et Phil degree is only offered in South Africa. There may be other African countries that offer this specific degree but because the language of instruction is something other than English I've never really explored their educational systems.
    3. While it is an internationally recognized school you may get some funny looks from some people. You should probably count on having to educate a few people regarding South Africa and DL. There are a number of people on this forum who are engaged in doctoral degree research at several different South African schools and so there are a lot of threads in the archives that you might want to read.
    Good luck,
    Jack
     
  4. vical

    vical New Member

    I wondered about the D.Litt et Phil myself. I notice that other UNISA departments offer a PhD. Makes me tend to believe there is a difference. I am interested in either the DBL or the D.Litt et Phil in Industrial Psy. Currently in contact with Dr. Michael Esselen. Has been a big help so far.
     
  5. defii

    defii New Member

    Thanks

    My Thanks to all of you. I'll make contact with the gentleman in Canada and see what I find out.
     
  6. roysavia

    roysavia New Member

    Re: Thanks

    Best of luck in your studies! :D
     
  7. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    John Craparo is the US representative for UNISA. He has been most helpful in working with my wife and I with enrollment, etc at UNISA.

    He is also a frequent poster here, so he should respond to you in this thread when he is able..

    clint
     
  8. Don Baines

    Don Baines New Member

    contacting the UNISA U.S. representive

    Hey,
    I was wondering how does one contact the U.S representative of UNISA .

    Thanks Don
     
  9. vical

    vical New Member

  10. DWCox

    DWCox member

    ----------------------------------------------

    Be very careful if you decide to utilize John Craparo in assisting you in terms of navigating Unisa. Mr. Craparo in the past has had a very bad reputation related to returning phone calls. Even John Bear has made reference to this fact in past Degreeinfo.com communication.

    I hope Mr. Craparo has corrected this behavior. Beware, that if you become dependent on this gentleman and he were to revert to this past behavior -- of not returning calls much less being EXTREMELY slow when he did return calls -- you might find your Unisa experience quite frustrating.

    I speak from experience.
     
  11. defii

    defii New Member

    Update on D.Litt et Phil etc...

    Hello,

    I sent a direct inquiry to UNISA. The response appears below:

    Dear Mr. Fraser

    Thank you for your message and the interest you have shown in our Doctoral programme in Public Administration. My apologies for the delay in responding to your message.

    The DPA and the D Litt et Phil are the two pathways to a doctorate in Public Administration at Unisa. The first is taught in the Faculty of Ecomomic and Management Sciences and the latter in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. To be admitted to the D Litt et Phil you need to have a MA degree in Public Administration and to the DPA you need to have a MPA degree. In your case you will have to register for the DPA. The curriculum for the two degrees are the same, i.e. the writing of a thesis on a topic of your choice in the field of Public Administration.

    Information on the costs involved, registration forms and -procedures etc. can be obtained from the office of the Registrar (Academic). The contact person is Mrs. Nella Geyser ([email protected]). The first step to set the process of registration in motion is to formally apply (in writing) for registration with the Registrar (Academic) at the following address: Department of Postgraduate Student Affairs University of South Africa P.O. Box 392 Pretoria, 0003 South Africa

    Please include an original copy of your academic record with your application.

    You will not have to visit South Africa as the degree can be completed by means of distance learning. We will, however have to appoint a joint promotor from the USA to assist the promotor at Unisa with the supervision of the thesis.

    Kind regards,

    Prof. DJ. Brynard
    Chairperson: Public Administration and Development Studies
    5 May 2003

    In short, I still don't know where the difference between the degrees lie. Whatever the case, since I have an MPA, I would not be allowed into the D.Litt et Phil program. I have to go the MPA route.

    Quite frankly, the school was quite responsive -- moreso than their Canadian rep.
     
  12. vical

    vical New Member

    Interesting info about the DPA. It seems that only the DBL requires trips to RSA and at least three at that. Makes me tend to believe that the School of Business Leadership at UNISA really does not want US students.
     
  13. Don Baines

    Don Baines New Member

    Cost of UNISA

    Hi,
    I would like any information that pertains to the cost per class at UNISA.

    Thanks, DON
     
  14. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    Re: Cost of UNISA

    Don, go to this website for pricing for UNISA

    UNISA Fees

    clint
     
  15. defii

    defii New Member

    Re: Cost of UNISA

    It all depends on your level of study. If you are doing a degree where the entire curriculum is comprised of a thesis, there is no "cost per class." There is an annual registration fee. It is approxmately US$1100 per year for American students doing the doctoral programs in public administration. I think the costs are about the same for other programs.

    Another factor you may want to consider is your access to a research library. As an alumnist of Cal State Hayward, I continue to have borrowing privileges and can go on to do doctoral research.

    Good luck!
     
  16. Don Baines

    Don Baines New Member

    Applying at UNISA

    Hey,
    I would like to begin by stating that this is a great website. I really need some help in applying to UNISA. I really want to start classes there but I am not sure how to proceed. I obtained a student number. In order to obtain this student number I had to list a city listed under "Exam Centre" . I live in the Southern United States and I did not see any cities close in relation to Georgia so I picked one so I could finish the application. They did grant me a student number but now what do i need to do. Do I send my transcripts and if yes to whom ETC...

    THanks DON
     

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