Hello all... I just completed my Bachelors degree at a German university and now I am strongly interested in the “International Management” postgraduate course at the University of London External. Unfortunately I do not find any good resources of other students, which already study this course (or at least a similar one at the UoL). May be you can help with the following questions: 1) How good is the material? Is it necessary to use other sources (like internet, textbooks), too? 2) How hard are the exams? I know this question is not easy to answer, but perhaps you can give me a feeling…. 3) How much time is typically needed per week for study-related stuff? Generally I am looking for some experienced students and their opinions about the program. Especially taking into account that I completed my first degree in Germany and therefore I am not very common to the British educational system.
I don't know much about the "International Management" program (so I don't know if I can help you at all) but I have experience with the University of London both externally and internally. The learning materials varies with different modules. Quite a lot of them are top-notch (with a lot of notes, readings and summaries). But with that said, some of them could be more helpful (with very few notes and expect you to go to the textbooks yourself). And yes, you WILL NEED the internet and textbooks for assignments and essays. They are absolutely essential. I don't know what it is like in Germany...but the exams of London External are generally tough. Much tougher than the US counterpart. In UK, anything above the mark 70 (out of 100) is considered a 1st (above 60, a 2:1). To get anything above 70...you need to work your pants off. Examiners are generally strict and tough...you will need a 'perfect' answer to get a very good mark (70 or above). A 'very good' answer would get you 60 to 65. A 'not bad' or 'quite good' answer would only get you 50 to 60. Generally, 12 to 15 hours per module would be a safe bet.
Hi Magister, thanks a lot for your answer. Due to the fact, that you have some general experience I would like to ask you some further questions. Do you know how accurate the applications office examines the reference letters. In Germany it is absolutely uncommon to hand in reference letters if you like to study a particular programme. So at the moment I (and especially my old professors and my boss) somehow struggle to write them. It really sounds like a puff piece.... thanks a lot in advance
Reference letters...yes, they take it quite seriously. I suppose that they won't check every single one of them (cause there are too many applications). But you simply cannot take such a risk. You WILL NEED reference letters. But if you are having real difficulties in getting them, discuss it with the admissions office. If you are lucky, maybe something can be worked out.