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Online and Distance Doctoral Programs, Part 1: The UK

8/23/2013

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One of the major trends we've seen at this website in the last several years has been the increase in questions about distance education, specifically doctoral degrees (Ph.D./D.Phil, Th.D., D.Min., etc.).  There are actually some good options out there.  This post will cover some basic information about UK schools that offer distance options and what they would entail.  This list isn't exhaustive, but should help you start your search.

The first thing you should know about doctoral programs in the U.K. concerns the format of the degree.  The U.K. usually offers research-based doctorate programs.  This means that there is no classwork, like in the U.S., and you undertake your dissertation after the completion of a research proposal.  Because of this, you should have an idea of what you want to research topic to be and, because of this, you should have one or two professors in mind at the institution you're applying at that would be suitable mentors during this process.  That's what they're supposed to be - mentors.  They are helping you through these hoops you have to jump through.  A professor/adviser that is distant, too busy, and/or a jerk will not aide you in your quest for a doctoral degree, so, if possible, meet with your potential adviser before or during the application process or, at the least, schedule a time to call them and discuss your possible research.

The other thing you need to be aware of is the cost.  In the next two parts we'll discuss doctoral programs in the U.S. and in other parts of the world. Some UK universities will be much more expensive than many of those other programs that we'll discuss.  That being said, The British Council has information for U.S. citizens on financial aid options (as well as some great top-notch information on studying in the UK in general).  I've included an estimated cost for each of the UK universities listed below.  The estimate is based on figures in The Complete University Guide and at the university websites.  Always contact the university directly for the most up-to-date figures and keep in mind that prices can be greatly reduced through financial aid options.

Concerning online or distance options, there are a number of universities that you can either fly to a couple of times a year (for research and to participate in seminars) or that you can do completely from where you are in the world.  Whatever school you're looking into, make certain they still offer the option that you're looking for and if you don't see it on the website, call and ask someone about it.  I've noticed several institutions that sometimes have a distance option or don't advertise that they have a distance option.  Below are some key institutions that have theological education of one kind or another, along with an estimate of the cost per year.   

Bristol Baptist College (UK/EU Students - £8000, unclear on their website) (Non-UK/EU Students - £8000)
Highland Theological College
(UK/EU Students - £3900) (Non-UK/EU Students - £11042)
University of Aberdeen (UK/EU Students - £3400) (Non-UK/EU Students - £12000)
University of Birmingham (UK/EU Students - £5135) (Non-UK/EU Students - £13200)
University of Bristol (UK/EU Students - £7200) (Non-UK/EU Students - £14000)
University of Cambridge (UK/EU Students - £6065) (Non-UK/EU Students - £13662)
University of Durham (UK/EU Students - £5400) (Non-UK/EU Students - £13300)
University of Kent (UK/EU Students - £4950) (Non-UK/EU Students - £12030)
University of Leicester (UK/EU Students - £2078) (Non-UK/EU Students - £5083)
University of Oxford (UK/EU Students - £5900) (Non-UK/EU Students - £15900)
University of St. Andrews (UK/EU Students - £3900-8900) (Non-UK/EU Students - £14000)
University of Wales, Trinity Saint David (UK/EU Students - £3750) (Non-UK/EU Students - £11000)
Wales Evangelical School of Theology (UK/EU Students - £4900) (Non-UK/EU Students - £9455)
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3 Considerations for Students Wanting to Study Overseas - Part II

2/29/2012

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In Part I of this article I briefly discussed why it was important to both research online and talk to an actual person.  I also gave some examples of how to do both.  In Part II of this article I will discuss some of the differences in terminology between American and British Commonwealth Universities.  As with most subjects, there are exceptions to these, with some schools using their own grading scales or terms, but what I present here should be applicable in nearly every case. 

GPA Conversion: One of the most needed resources for students when applying cross-culturally between American and British universities is a reliable GPA conversion chart.  Another common misunderstanding concerns degree terminology.  Many American universities use the Latin terms summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude to denote exceptional graduates (usually based on their GPA).  Summa cum laude is the highest and usually requires a near perfect GPA.  The next down is magna cum laude and the last being cum laude.  The actual GPA requirements for these honors conveyed upon graduation will change from institution to institution.  In the British system, however, these designations are not generally used.  Instead there are "classes" that your degree will fall into - 1st class, 2nd class (upper division), 2nd class (lower division), 3rd class, and Pass.  
Well, I didn't invent this, but this is what World Education Services recommends for converting grades and degrees between the British and American education systems.  Note that you only want to put this on an application when they ask you to convert it.  If they don't ask you to, then usually it's best if you put "N/A"or something similar.  You'll be wanting to go to a school that has experience with international students, so this really shouldn't be a problem for them.  In any case, here is the standard conversion chart:


British Scale

70-100
65-69
60-64
50-59
45-49
40-44
0-39


Degree Classification

1st Class Honours
2nd Class Honours, Upper Division
2nd Class Honours, Lower Division
3rd Class Honours
Pass

U.S. Grade Equivalent

A
A-
B+
B
C+
C
F


U.S. Grade Equivalent

A
A-/B+
B
B-
C


Degree Names and Study Method: After the GPA conversion questions, probably the next most asked question about international higher education is concerning the names/abbreviation of degrees and the study method used to obtain them.  The Baptist Resource has a list of popular degrees in theological education that will help those looking for which program is right for them.  However, there are some things that are particular to international education that can be tricky and isn't covered on that page.  Here is a chart that will help decipher some of the terms you may be unfamiliar with:
  • Course: In the U.S. "course" generally means a class found in an institution's catalog.  By contrast, a "class" is an actual occurance of that course.  For example History 101 is a course that you can take at ABC University and the class History 101 meets at 8AM on Thursdays.  In the British Commonwealth universities, "course" usually refers to your entire degree program.
  • D.Phil.: This is just a different way to write Ph.D.  You'll also see Phil.D. and in the theological realm the Doctor of Theology is sometimes Th.D., D.Th., or D.Theol.
  • M.Litt.: - The Master of Letters (M.Litt.) is a research-based masters degree offered by some universities in the U.K.  Generally, the M.Litt. is considered "higher" than a Master of Arts, which is generally a "taught degree." (See below for research and taught degrees) 
  • M.Phil.: This is a standard masters degree in the U.K. and is often a stepping stone to a Ph.D./D.Phil.  This is usually a two year endeavor.
  • Prospectus: The U.S. equivalent would be a catalog.  Usually the prospectus is a bit more focused on a particular department or degree program than a university's catalog, though.
  • Qualification: This term just means "degree."  For example, you may find out that the prerequisite for admissions into a masters program at a British University is a 2nd class, upper division qualification.  That just means that you need to have an undergrad degree that has about a 3.25 or higher GPA (that's a rough estimate).  
  • Research Degree: This just means that the degree is completed by significant research as opposed to class work.  I love to write, so I'm a big fan of research degrees.  Many masters programs and nearly every doctoral program will be research-based with no classwork.  This doesn't make it easy - just different.
  • Taught Degree:  By contrast, a taught degree is one that is done primarily through classwork.  These are generally undergrad and some masters-level programs. 
  • Scheme: Most British Commonwealth schools will use the term "scheme" to refer to either the way you will pay for your education or some type of initiative.  There may be a "scheme" that helps international students have lodging while studying at the university or a "scheme" that is in place to attract local students.  In the U.S., the term "scheme" usually has a negative connotation.  To scheme generally conjures up the images of bank robbers planning a heist or some such thing.  So if you're heading from Britain to the U.S. for education, don't tell your new university that you have a great scheme to pay for it.  They might call the cops.     
Hopefully this two part article will provide you with at least some of the tools to navigate through cross-cultural, higher education.  If any additional questions arise feel free to comment below.     
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3 Considerations for Students Wanting to Study Overseas - Part I

2/24/2012

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Making the decision to study in another country will no doubt lead you down a sometimes frustrating, sometimes expensive road.  To help bridge the gap between how your country does education and how your university's country operates you have to do a bit of translation.  This is especially true for those traversing between a British model of higher education and the American model.  Here are three things to consider when looking into overseas education.

1. Research Online: You will waste a lot of time getting on the internet and randomly searching websites to help you.  To better focus your search, consider these things:
  • What do you want to study?  I always suggest starting here.  If you start with the school first, you're more likely to end up "settling" for something other than the degree you really wanted.  You should also look at the curriculum - are the classes relevant to my situation?  I've seen a lot of biblical studies curriculum that have very little actual coursework in the Bible.  For those that are going into academia (teaching theology, Biblical studies, church history, etc.), I would suggest getting an undergrad degree that would allow you to get some good electives in the humanities, including languages (particularly Greek, Hebrew, Latin, German, and/or French).  Your masters-level degree should be in the field you want to teach in.  If you do a Master of Divinity degree, then you'll be teaching practical ministry courses unless you have at least 18 credit hours in another particular field.  On the other hand, if you do a M.A. in History you'll be set up to do history, but don't expect to be called on to do Bible or Theology.  I would even hesitate to assign a M.A. in History professor to a Church History/Historic Theology course.  This is because often a M.A. in History won't provide the theological context needed to properly analyze church history subjects.  It's much more about the theology and concepts than the dates and the political stuff (although that's in there as well).  Sorry . . . church history often sidetracks my conversations.  On to the next point!
  • Once you know what you want to study, then find a school that fits your own criterion.  For undergrads and those going into church-based ministry, I generally would suggest going to a more theologically conservative school.  While they don't have to agree with every bit of doctrine like you do, it would provide a place to collaborate with others in similar ministries.  If you plan to teach in a university or seminary setting, then I tend to recommend doing your undergrad in an academically rigorous, but theologically conservative institution.  For your masters, open it up a bit and go to a school that is a little broader.  For your doctoral level, it really depends on what you want to do.  In my field, Catholic universities are often the best - they have great church history programs.  I ended up going even broader though, into a secular university, but the department I'm in has Christian professors so we still have that same base to work off of.  Whatever you end up doing, I recommend learning your theology and biblical studies early on and getting grounded in that - knowing why you believe what you believe.  This will allow you to think more critically later on in more diverse settings.  I also understand that many (especially in the U.S.) don't start their theological training until their masters.  If you go this route, just stay grounded in a good church and perhaps a student ministry while you complete your undergrad. 

2.  Talk to a Person: It sounds so simple and yet so many just sit and research for days or weeks online and never reach out to any real person.  This is your education we're talking about!  Choosing where you will learn and who you will learn from is going to affect the rest of your life.  If I'm considering buying a used Honda Accord, I would want to see which of my friends drive one and ask them about the car.  Most people would do the same and yet many wouldn't seek out a student or impartial representative to ask about a masters program in London or a doctoral program in Aberdeen.  One reason may be that it is just hard to connect with current students overseas or you may not know where to go to find impartial advice.  Ok - here are a couple of spots:
  • The British Council - this is the first stop for any considering education in the U.K.  They gear it for people from many countries, but if you're American you probably qualify for some special benefits, such as the Fulbright Scholarship.   
  • Education UK - Really a part of the British Council, this website houses some easy to navigate information.  It's a bit more user-friendly than the main BC site.
  • World Education Services - this group specializes in international education.  Their services include a database on education in various countries (which can help you understand an institution's terminology) and transcript evaluation services (which you'll probably want to employ about completion of your program).
  • You can also find forums and such for students.  One forum I suggest for doctoral students is PhinisheD.  Not only can you find some frank advice on programs, the main purpose of the forum is to get people through their doctoral dissertation or masters thesis.  If you've got the funds, I'd also suggest flying over to check out a couple of schools.  Many of the UK universities (especially in southern England) will pick you up at the airport if they know you're coming. 
3.  Understand the Lingo- I will be covering this in the next blog.  It will go over GPA/grading questions, degree types, and the differences in terminology between the U.S. and British Commonwealth institutions. 
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    Authors

    Mark Stevens is a former seminary student himself and currently researches and teaches in the area of theological studies.
      
    Greg Moore teaches courses in church history, religion, and the humanities.  He also is a former college Registrar.

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