Indep. study (research) Master's via DL?

I am doing research for a book on e-commerce, e-business, e-learning etc. and would like to combine the research and writing efforts in a possible independent study program toward a Master's degree. I have an idea of what I need to research and the overall structure. Maybe this could be used in a "learning contract." I recently read about couple of U.K. schools have research Master's degrees but don't know how these programs run.

Have any of you had experiences with or know of suitable programs?

 

If you pursue a research master's at a UK-style school, you might find yourself rather restricted in your ability to pursue your learning your way. (This is not meant to dissuade you, of course. You might very well find the perfect situation.)

Consider, too, Vermont College, now a part of Union Institute and University. You might find your opportunities to shape your research and learning to be quite flexible there.

 

Rinri, I have contacted several British universities regarding MRes, Master by independent study, MPhil and so on. In my experience, they don't seem to be very inclined to recruit off campus students for those programs. It is an additional headache, and probably they prefer to stick to more traditional learners. But, hey, you might be luckier than me.

 

There are "research Masters" degree programs offered through various universities in Australia and South Africa as well.
Jack

 

Thanks for the comments so far. Programs allowing a certain amount of individualized study that I have found until now include:

1. De Montfort University (FT, PT and distance learning)
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study_options/independent_study/opportunities.jsp

2. Athabasca University - Master of Arts in Integrated Study; option to choose a concentration. or go the independent track
http://www.athabascau.ca/mais/

3. Excelsior College - Master of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies
3-Tier program with approx half in individualized study.
http://www.excelsior.edu/mls_desc.htm

4. Prescott College
Master of Arts Program
http://www.prescott.edu/map/graduate.html

5. Sussex University
The Executive MBA by Self Managed Learning
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Units/publications/pgrad2003/aeah.shtml#MBA

Any experiences with these? Are there others?

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Rich Douglas - looks interesting, except for the residential requirement

JLV - yes, the MRes (East London U.?) program I saw was residential.

Jack Tracey - do have a name and/or links?

 

Syracuse has several independent study program, note they all have a residency component normally 6 days 3 times a year (Aujust-January-June).

 

There are MBA programs at:
Central Queensland U
Charles Sturt U
Edith Cowan U
Southern Cross U
U of New England
U of South Australia and
U of Southern Queensland
Their SA equivalents are also offered through
UNISA and
U of the Free State
Good luck,
Jack

 

I don't recall all the details but you might want to check out Middlesex University MProf (I think it might be listed on "degreein4weeks" under masters degrees)

 

Have a look at this:
http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2003/contentMEBU.html

http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2003/contentMPHL.html

 

MProf/DProf

The Middlesex University program does indeed look interesting and correspondence with staff has been easy. Can anyone here share their experiences with the MProf/DProf?

 

The University of Oklahoma also has an online self-designed Master of Liberal Studies: http://www.ou.edu/cls/

and

The McGregor School of Antioch University also offers an individualized Master of Arts. The program used to be completely non-residential but now requires two very short residencies (one residency is at the start of the program and the other at the mid-way point): http://www.mcgregor.edu/

John

 

Application

Hi All,

Need your advice:

Currently I am preparing my application materials for a couple universities offering combined Masters/Doctorate research degrees (via DL with a short, regular residency) and have written my Personal Statement of more than 1000 words.

In the statement, I describe how I became interest in the topic of my studies and reveal the unique concept I have been working on for over a year. How protected, if at all, is any information I provide in an academic application documentation? A copyright would be useless because it is an IDEA (a new perspective or business concept) that could be described in different ways without infringing on copyright. It would not merit a patent because it does not involve a new process or method, as such. How can I can best protect my IDEA and still give the Personal Statement enough substance to lead to my acceptance into the Masters/Doctorate program?

Many thanks,