MPhil or PhD at the University of London, Cambridge or Oxford

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JLV, Dec 1, 2001.

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  1. JLV

    JLV Active Member

    I would like to know if any of the three institutions mentioned in the subject or any top American University (not only Ivy League)offer research degrees by distance education with little or no residence (maximum one semester).

    The field of interest is Political Science and includes Comtemporary History, Conflict Resolution,International Relations, etc..

    Thank you in advance for your help on this matter.
     
  2. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    I have heard some unconfirmed (but promising) rumors that the University of London may well offer programs under such an arrangement through its specific lead colleges, particularly the business college (which may also handle the fields listed above). Oxford and Cambridge likely require at least a year of total residency, but it can probably be broken down and, when you're talking about what probably averages out to be a 6-year program, that's not bad.


    Cheers,

    ------------------
    Tom Head
    www.tomhead.net

    co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press)
    co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)
     
  3. HJLogan

    HJLogan New Member

    When I had enquired about the possibility of pursuing a research doctorate through the U of London I was told that the regulations required research students to be in residence during their first year. I'm not sure if that is across the board or a department-specific regulation.

    Jeff

    PS I don't remember if it was the theology or religious studies department I wrote to - I believe it was a Dr. Price that responded to my questions.
     
  4. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    Given my experience with research offices, it could very well have just been the opinion of the individual you were talking to at the time. I called the relevant department chair at one Australian school to ask if it would be possible to negotiate a research doctorate and was told it had never been done, five minutes after receiving an e-mail from someone who told me he was doing one.


    Cheers,

    ------------------
    Tom Head
    www.tomhead.net

    co-author, Bears' Guide to the Best Education Degrees by Distance Learning (Ten Speed Press)
    co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)
     
  5. CLSeibel

    CLSeibel Member

    In my research of British research doctorates, I have been lead to the conclusion that Cambridge and Oxford, undoubtably the two most reputable institutions in the UK, are also the two most inflexible institutions where research doctorate residency requirements are concerned. I have a sneaking suspicion that you would be required to spend a significant period of time in residence, perhaps as much as two years.
     
  6. welshboy

    welshboy New Member

    Very true, in the sense that they are above the top recognised schools in the UK, and they are very inflexible. Thing is though, they have a right to be. It's sad that they don't offer such courses, but I don't think that it's something that they will worry about too much and be on their minds about it harming their reputation.

    If you can do it through London, go for it. My personal experience with any of those aforementioned, there will ALWAYS be some residency at some point.

    Best solution, if you can't do any residency AT ALL, go somewhere else.

    But negotiate it, as Tom said - you never know until you try.
     
  7. CLSeibel

    CLSeibel Member

    I agree that some residency commonly is expected by UK institutions. I'd be surprised if any British institution would allow you to get away with less than two weeks in residence per year (with some campuses of the University of Wales being the only potential exceptions that I could even suggest). Most schools may require as much as 6 weeks in residence per year. Others will expect a total of 6 months or a year in residence spread out over the course of your entire enrollment. Of course, these sorts of residency requirements are pretty stiff, and out of reach, to many students desiring to pursue distance-based programs.
     
  8. JLV

    JLV Active Member

    Thank you very much to all for oyur opinions. It seems from what I read here that there is no opportunities to study a PhD in politics from a prestigious university. That's too bad!!
     
  9. Yan

    Yan New Member

  10. BillDayson

    BillDayson New Member

    Here's the results of the new 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, by institution, broken down by subject.
    http://www.rae.ac.uk/results/byinst.asp
     

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