University of London Internation/External Admission Clarification Question

I've lurked for some time, thanks for the useful information so far! I'm mid-30s, and have bounced around a bit academically (and not always with academic success). The underlying medical issue is resolved, but my transcripts are overall nightmarish.

I've reviewed the UoL website, and I understand 30 US credits meets their entrance requirements for the BA History. What I'm not clear on is whether or not admission is competitive. Is it as simple as checking a box that say I do, in fact, have 30 credits, or is prior performance (or lack of) taken into account?

Thanks

 

You wont have any problems getting accepted for an undergraduate degree at the UOL International Programmes. They basically accept everybody for non-technical degrees that may require some background courses. Be aware that this doesnt mean that the quality of education is low, UOL is one of the most difficult distance learning undergraduate programs that you can find. On the plus side, it has great reputation around the world.

Regards, JFOSJ

 

Thank you, that is exactly what I was looking for. The lengthy paper required for the double course is actually what really sold me on the program, I want to dedicate the time and actually learn worthwhile things. My understanding of most of the courses is that they send you reading, there may be some discussion, but you're basically on your own until that unseen final paper - is that a fair estimation?

 

I did the Development Economics Graduate Entry BS with them, but that degree is coordinated by the London School of Economics while the history degree is coordinated by Royal Holloway. I say this because the way these two universities approach the teaching of their courses might be a little bit different. I can tell you that theere was a great difference between taking economics and taking development and both tracks were coordinated by the same school.

The way it worked for me was the following:
1. You receive a course guide, which provides you with all the topics that you will need to learn during the course. This guide will include a list of required texts that you need to buy and also recommendations of other readings that may complement your studies.
2. Prior to reading a new section of the study guide, you will be provided with the readings that are for that chapter. Usually, you need to make the readings before reading the study guide chapter.
3. It is always recommended that for every chapter you do 3-4 of the recommended readings (the whole list of recommended readings may go over 50! It includes scholarly articles as well as books).
4. The number of texts and recommended readings would vary per subject. For example, for economics you get one required reading text and as recommended reading a couple of books of exercises. On the other hand, for introduction to development I had two required texts and over 300 recommended readings in my list.

My approach was to read the required readings, then the chapter (as told by UOL) and then go back and browse the required readings once more to make sure that I understood how they related with the study guide chapter. Once I completed this, I would look into the recommended readings and select those that ignited some interest in me based on what I already read about the subject.

UOL (at least those courses coordinated by the LSE) provides you for support with the following:
• Access to their online library (amazing number of scholarly journals that you can access);
• Copies of exams from previous years;
• Some courses provide video sessions of study guide chapters;
• Course forums where you can communicate with people taking the same course that you are taking. It was very common for study groups to be formed and have interaction with other students via social media or other meetings.

In other words, there are a lot of resources that you can use but you will need to be proactive about it.

If you have any further questions, please let me know.

Regards, JFOSJ

 

That is all useful, thanks. Your approach makes sense, especially from a standpoint of making sure to know the specific points they want you to know on the exam. The lack of graded feedback along the way might mess with my head initially, but I don't think that the one exam is insurmountable as long as I've actually learned the material along the way. Cramming for it would be out of the question, which I suppose is the whole idea. Between the subject material, the price, and the reputation of the degree, it's calling to me strongly.

 

It's worth mentioning that you used to be able to access tutoring services (for an additional fee) for the various courses. I think it's still true.

 

That is true. But the tutoring services is done by third parties, not by the University of London. As mentioned before, every school and degree is different so you would need to ask what's available for history. For example, for thos doing the LLB there's a video collection that takes you chapter by chapter of each study guide explaining concepts and has an online companion for students to exchange concepts, etc. Many people consider that very helpful, however for development economics it just doesnt exist yet. Only some online courses from UoL alumni based in Singapore, but I heard mixed reactions to their product.

Regards, jfosj