Could someone post the links to the threads about this topic? I have searched but cannot find it. I am considering a dissertation only PhD in History. There is a topic that interests me and I am in the position to do research. Thanks.
Hi Misty - Over the years there have been lots of threads on the topic of dissertation-only Doctoral programs. They are offered by British, Australian and South African Universities. With just a few exceptions these are not DL degrees (at least not strictly speaking) as there tends to be requirements or at least expectations that you visit the campus periodically to meet with your advisor, attend seminars, etc. The degrees offered by UNISA are DL degrees and so you might want to check out the History Department there. I would also suggest that you look at the offerings at Charles Sturt University as many of their degrees are available through DL. As for History programs, you might take a look at this thread http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19182 It's primarily concerned with Masters degree programs but you might get some clues to help you on your way. Jack
Hello, again! http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22815 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21143 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20449 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19020 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18275 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18092 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13421 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13367 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13260 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12965 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12360 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3965 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3828
The dissertation-only doctorate is considered the way they do things in the UK and other countries that have been influenced by the UK system (Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, etc.); it is not non-traditional to them. Thus, when contacting them, do not ask about "dissertation-only" doctorates or "distance-learning" doctorates; rather, ask about "part-time" doctorates. It's just a matter of ettiquette to show that you "speak their lingo," so to speak. Also, expect to have to make some in-person visits to campus to see your advisor. BTW- What aspect of history interests you the most?
By the way, the threadlinks posted above are about the doctorate in history by distance. Below are some threadlinks on the dissertation-only doctorate. http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21809 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18727 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18442 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16717 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15732 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11780 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11001 http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10848
UNISA Doctorate Is there any up-to-date information on the timeliness of UNISA's responses and length to complete a doctorate? I am considering UNISA but I am put off by the absence of timely responses to simple questions experienced thus far. (I am making reasonable allowances for the World Cup.)
It is possible to study a Ph.D at some of the Australian universities by distance . As has been said already, there would probably be a requirement to attend some seminars or meetings. The University of New England (UNE)certainly allows off campus students into Ph.Ds. I am studying for a Master of History by distance education from there. I will post a link which might be useful in a few minutes.
There are 2 broad phases to the UNISA doctoral experience: when you are still on the outside, and when you are admitted to a specific doctorate. They are very different. In the first phase, you are one of 300,000+ students that a fairly thin admin staff is trying to handle - and generally doing a good job. For this stage, I recommend patience and using services like IACI. Shouting louder and more frequently at this stage doesn't help. Once you are admitted, you then belong to a much smaller department with a smaller pool of students, and a more responsive admin staff. Once you are rolling on your dissertation, all the correspondence will be with your supervisor(s). In my case, I can't think of a time I didn't hear back by email within days, hours even. So in the end it's worth waiting out the long admission process; the journey from there on is quite exhilarating!