Distance Learning

[guardian]

My education qualification is only a Bachelors in Commerce. I regret not having studied further. Now, I would like to further my qualification, but don't have time to fully devote to studies as my business is very demanding and uses most part of my day time. Distance learning is the only option for me now.

My query is whether there are reputed/recognized institute which allow such type of learning? Or all such distance-learning institutions to be avoided?

Thank you

PS: I cannot delegate the running of my business to other as dealings are on a more personalized style and a substitute cannot fill in for me in my absence.

[jbsears]

A lot of universities in the US are starting to offer online degrees. My alma mater, Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, has a few options for online master degrees. It states on their site (www.kelley.iu.edu) that it is the only top 20 MBA school to offer a complete online degree. Another option would be Phoenix University. I'm not sure how well recognized or accepted their degrees are there. But if you do some research on the internet, you'll probably find a few online degrees. The problem may be finding ones that are totally online and doable while in Thailand.

[oooooo]

My education qualification is only a Bachelors in Commerce. I regret not having studied further. Now, I would like to further my qualification, but don't have time to fully devote to studies as my business is very demanding and uses most part of my day time. Distance learning is the only option for me now.

My query is whether there are reputed/recognized institute which allow such type of learning? Or all such distance-learning institutions to be avoided?

Thank you

PS: I cannot delegate the running of my business to other as dealings are on a more personalized style and a substitute cannot fill in for me in my absence.

i heartily recommend the university of life, otherwise known as the internet. no term fees apply, no degrees awarded, the only thing that counts is what u can make of it.

[simon43]

You havn't mentioned what subject you wish to study.

There are many reputable institutions who now offer degree or post-grad courses via distance learning. Clearly, some subjects (such as practical Chemistry), might be rather difficult to conduct via the internet. But other subjects are every well suited for this type of instruction. However, the onus is on you to have the strength of character and will-power etc to dedicate yourself to this type of study.

My understanding (from discussions about distance learning with some universities), is that your award certificate makes no mention of the fact that you have studied via DL. As far as the university is concerned, the standard of your qualification is equal to that issued had you been studying on campus. (This has to be the case, otherwise the university would not be able to issue an accredited degree).

One factor to bear in mind, (and this certainly applies if you're lving in LoS but following a UK course). You will have to pay much higher course fees since you will be classed as an overseas student....

Simon

[Casanundra]

The UK has a plethora of University degree / diploma programs offered as distance learning.

Here are some of the better ones off the top of my head.

Cambridge University (mainly History and asian studies type subjects)

Oxford University (Software and some Law courses)

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) - Law and Business studies

University of Warwick - MBA

Liverpool University - MBA

The London School of Economics - MBA

Edinburgh University - Law

Strathclyde University - Law

Aberdeen University - Law

And these are just a mere scratch and yes they are all universally recognised as well. As with all education, it is about picking the right course and the best university that fufills your personal requirements.

[bkkmei]

Open University?

http://www.open.ac.uk/

[guardian]

Thanks everyone for replying.

Simon43 asked what subject I want to study. This is where my dilemma begins.

My business is concerning diamonds and jewelery. Though the returns is good, I am not much happy in this line of business. So, I proposed to one of my relatives who's doing very successfully in a completely different line of business about jointly starting something where both invest. His first and only advice was to first figure out where my passion lies and do something related to it. He insist that I should study in that related field for a minimum of at least 2 years to gain exposures.

I'm already 33 now and feel it's a bit late to spend time entirely in studying only. Also, I'm still confused with where my true passion lies.

Thinking back, while leaving high school and before entering college, we used to have aptitude tests which helped in suggesting which line of studies is more suitable to pursue. Now is there such an option available to help someone decide what to pursue in life? Right now, I can think of at least 3 - 4 different types of business I could try my hand in.

Sorry if my post seems confusing to you.

[Casanundra]

What subject I want to study. This is where my dilemma begins.

Blimey! If you don't know what excites you at 33 then you never will and attending a university degree course without knowing what direction you are likely to be going in is like driving a car forwards whilst looking through the rear view mirror.

Decide what it is you want, then get the degree to support that drive and vision because if you don't the chances are you won't finish the degree.

There are some books out there that help someone find themselves in terms of career and education so first port of call is to do a quick internet search and find some relevant books to read that may help you.

Edited January 30, 2007 by Casanundra

[bkkmei]

What Colour is Your Parachute????

Edited January 31, 2007 by bkkmei

[guardian]

That is exactly what I'm trying to do now. Try and find out where my passion lies. Could you enlighten me on any org or online site that helps you identify your own inner passion for confused individuals like me

[redwood13]

What Colour is Your Parachute????

An interview with the book's author:

http://www.fastcompany.com/online/27/bolles.html

-redwood

[bkkmei]

That is exactly what I'm trying to do now. Try and find out where my passion lies. Could you enlighten me on any org or online site that helps you identify your own inner passion for confused individuals like me

I think you could do a lot worse than looking at the book. It's not just about job searching, but about putting down on paper what you like to do, what you're good at, what are your priorities...

honestly, I think it's great you want to study further, but I agree with Casanundra - decide what you want. In fact, it may be that further study is not what you need after all

[westcoastnative]

My education qualification is only a Bachelors in Commerce. I regret not having studied further. Now, I would like to further my qualification, but don't have time to fully devote to studies as my business is very demanding and uses most part of my day time. Distance learning is the only option for me now.

My query is whether there are reputed/recognized institute which allow such type of learning? Or all such distance-learning institutions to be avoided?

Thank you

PS: I cannot delegate the running of my business to other as dealings are on a more personalized style and a substitute cannot fill in for me in my absence.

[girlx]

curious- does anyone know if there are any online university options for rural thais?

[Casanundra]

curious- does anyone know if there are any online university options for rural thais?

Assuming they have a PC, a phone line and can get access to the Internet as well as being able to qualify for the basic education requirements to get on the university program in the first place then ANY online university program is available to be studied regardless of where someone is on the earth.

[girlx]

hmm, anyone know of thai universities with online ed programs then?

[jingjingna]

For those interested in distance learning, check out www.icslearn.uk. They offer distance learning degrees in a wide range of subjects. However, you will be required to sit atleast one written examination in the U.K.

Another university that offers an open BA Award is Oxford Brookes, they can basically tailor a degree to your requirements. The website is www.oxford-brookes.ac.uk..or something to that effect.

Hope this helps!

[Casanundra]

hmm, anyone know of thai universities with online ed programs then?

The only Uni I am aware of with an online program is at ABAC but that was for a technology degree and not education