British Expatriate Network

Right.. feel a bit weird about posting this but...

I am thinking of getting my Masters degree. If I go to a uni over here and do an online course it will cost about $35,000.

If I go to a UK University and do an online course as an International student it will cost about $18,000. If I go to a UK university and do an online course as a UK student it will be about $10,000.

I have an address in the UK, I have a British passport, a British driving license, bank accounts, an undergraduate degree from a British university and so on.

What's to stop me from applying as a UK resident in order to save some money? How would they ever find out that I didn't live there?

Any ideas? The terribly honest part of me is struggling against the terribly poor part of me in this scenario...

Stel.

If you have resident of another country for more than a year or two you will be considered as a international student. Alsi I'd really think before you do an online course/degree before you start handing over your cash.

They are quite strict with this issue, but you should still apply as an at home student, they will send you a fees status enquiry form and you fill that out and based on your responses and provided documents, information, etc. they will decide whether you are at home or international.

My colleagues daughter, who has been over the past 7 years too, is set on going to university in the UK. One University would allow her to register as home student, one wouldn't.

I know the SUNY network of colleges do online MA courses and degrees but they don't advertise them. Have you looked into the NJ state universities to see if they do the same thing? Sometimes you have to actually enquire rather than just navigate their websites.

You may find that is the cheapest option of all.

Can't help with the UK universities. Sorry.

I have looked through the professional body which accredits the courses and there are not many places in this area which offer the course, and even less where I would not have to attend actual classes.

The few places where I could do online/distance learning the cost is around $30,000 PLUS I would have to do the GRE which I really, really, really don't want to do. And I'd have to get my UK BA hons degree assessed because they don't provide a transcript.

The course is a Masters in Information and Library Science. It's to become a librarian. The American Library Association recognises MLS or MLIS from UK universities if they are accredited by Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) which is the UK organisation. I could go to Aberysthwyth, Aberdeen or Newcastle who all offer the degree via distance learning. It's seriously cheaper than doing an online degree at Rutgers which is the NJ state university.

Moo, what's the problem with an online course?

Stel.

I've been on numerous admission committees and the two variables we give most weight, (80%) are; GRE and which undergraduate institution you attended. Recommendation letters (unless its from a very accomplished academic, we're a smug bunch aren't we?) and grades aren't worth much to us in reality, even though we say they are. But that said, the GRE is a piece of piss, a Year 5 could get a good pass with a bit of preparation.