UNIVERSITY AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE SHARING

JAYAN

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Mod: I have transferred distance-learning degree program review posts from my previous thread of the same topic (credits will be given to the original contributors). The small-talks from the previous thread will be cleaned up, leaving just the relevant posts. Please don't be alarmed if you see that your post count has dropped.

Dear Fellow Forumers,

In recent years, there are increasing more choices for us in university-level degree courses offered by various local and overseas universities, be it part-time or full-time, distance-learning or on-campus. Many of us who are interest in pursuing a degree from overseas (or even local) universities are in a dilemma, because we are unsure of what we should choose.

Therefore, I suggest that we share our own experiences here to benefit those who wish to educate themselves further. Your contribution should include these information listed below:

1) Title of degree

2) Offering institute (if through distance-learning)

3) Awarding university

4) Length of course

5) Method of delivery:
-- a) Part-time / Full-time
-- b) Distance-learning / On-campus
-- c) Fully-taught / Tutorials only / Self-learning

6) Costs

And a review on the course undertaken, for example, on the assessment methods, syllabus, any hidden costs, accreditation status, frequency of classes, quality of trainers, and if possible, a scan of the certificate and transcipt. Your contributions will go a long way to help those who're interested in taking up higher education.

Thank you.

Note: Please post only reviews of the degree programs you have undertaken. Queries should be made using a new thread or through PM to keep this thread "clean". Thank you.
 
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JAYAN

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Originally posted by Jayan

1) Title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business and Management Studies

2) Offering institution: MDIS

3) Awarding university: University of Bradford, United Kingdom

4) Length of course: 2 years (with advance standing) or 3 years

5) Delivery method: Distance-learning, Part-time, Fully-taught

6) Costs: S$18K (2 years) or $20K (3 years), inluding 4% GST, but excluding registration fees and textbooks.

This is a franchised course whereby the course syllabus, selection of lecturers, examination content etc. are fully controlled by the university and not by a third party institution.

You need to complete 360 credits worth of studies in order to graduate; there're 33 modules (10 credits each) and 1 management project (30 credits) for the entire program, and it is divided into 3 stages (equivalent to 3 academic years).

Exemptions from stage 1 modules will be given to students with business diplomas from local poly, advanced diplomas in business from PSB Academy and MDIS and other relevant qualifications.

Stage 1: 11 modules (110 Credits)

1. Foundations of Accounting 1
2. Foundations of Accounting 2
3. Quantitative Methods in Information Management
4. The Digital Enterprise
5. Business Law
6. Work, Employment and Society
7. Organisational Psychology
8. Business Economics
9. Practice of Management
10. Foundations of Marketing
11. Foundations of Production & Operations Management

Stage 2: 12 modules (120 Credits)

12. Resource Planning
13. The Management of Service Operations
14. Marketing Management and Strategy
15. Marketing Research - Strategic Implications
16. Accounting and Corporate Governance
17. Financial Management
18. The Macroeconomic Environment of Business
19. Work Behaviour and Performance
20. Organisational Design
21. Economics of Industry
22. Quantitative Methods for Managers
23. Information and Management Systems

Stage 3: 10 modules and 1 management project (130 Credits)

24. HRM: Strategic Resourcing and Development
25. Electronic Commerce
26. Understanding Strategic Management
27. Applied Strategic Management
28. International Business Strategy
29. International Business Environment
30. Capital Markets, Investment and Finance
31. Strategic Accounting and Management Control
32. Corporate Identity and Brand Management
33. Retailing and Services Marketing
34. Management Project

Each stage is split into 3 terms (4 months each). The students can expect to do 4 modules and sit for 4 exams at the end of each term. There is 2 ~ 3 lessons per week, for lectures and tutorials.

The course coordinators are mostly efficient, though they do make mistakes in the notes once in a while, but these are rectified quickly.

Lecturers are mostly practicing professionals in their fields, a number of them are currently teaching in the local unis or polys. Most are very knowledgeable and can teach well....though there are a couple of duds along the way (got qualifications but dunno how to teach....their lessons boring till zzzz....).

Overall I am rather satisfied. :)

Note: The above is for the Generalist pathway only. Those who're taking the Marketing or Accounting and Finance specializations will have different contents in stage 2 and 3; content of stage 1 is the same for all specializations.

Further information:

1) The Bradford University School of Management is a Top 100 Business School in the World. The business school itself is accredited by EQUIS, and all its MBA degree programs are accredited by AMBA. According to the Financial Times worldwide Top 100 MBA 2005, its full-time MBA is ranked #76 (#10 among UK business schools); in the Economist Intelligence Unit's Top 100 full-time MBA 2005, it's ranked #84, while Bradford's Associate Institute, NIMBAS, is ranked #57.

Source: Bradford University School of Management

2) The University of Bradford received its Royal Charter in 1966 but can trace early its root back to 1832, with the formation of the Mechanics Institute.

3) The weightage of each stage's results for determining Honours Classification are:

Stage 1 -> 0%, but need to pass all papers for progression to stage 2.
Stage 2 -> 30%
Stage 3 -> 70%

4) Honours classification will be determined according to the following method, based on overall weighted average:

Grade A: 70% ~ 100% -> 1st Class Honours Degree
Grade B: 60% ~ 69% -> 2nd Class Honours, 1st Division Degree
Grade C: 50% ~ 59% -> 2nd Class Honours, 2nd Division Degree
Grade D: 40% ~ 49% -> 3rd Class Honours Degree
Grade F: 37% ~ 39% -> Pass at Honours Degree
Grade F: 0% ~ 36% -> Fail or Pass Degree (on a case-by-case basis)

5) Students also have the option of doing an Pass Degree, which drops 80 credits out of the 360 credits from stages 2 and 3, requiring the student to complete only 280 credits, but this is not encouraged.

6) Those who had completed the Honours Degree requirements but failed to achieve at least a Pass at Honours Degree may be conferred a Ordinary Pass Degree, provided that the Ordinary Pass Degree requirements are met.
 
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JAYAN

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Originally posted by arips

1) Offering institute: SIM
2) Validating university: RMIT
3) Length of course: 3.5 yrs
4) Course structure: 1st yr Fulltime 2.5yrs Part-time
5) Area of study : Bachelor of Business in Accountancy.

has teabreaks in the middle of class with hot tea and coffe provided and some snacks :)
 
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JAYAN

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Originally posted by Jayan

This programme is no longer available through MDIS.


1) Title: Master of Business Administration in International Business (with concentration in Marketing)

2) Offering institute: MDIS

3) Awarding university: Oklahoma City University, USA

4) Length of course: 1.5 to 2 yrs, depending on the schedules of the Professors

5) Delivery method: Part-time, Distance-learning, Fully-taught

6) Costs:Reg fees S$ 41.20, course fees $24,514 (incl. GST). Textbooks and notes incl. in course fees.

Ranking:

OCU is ranked #23 in the Top Tier Schools in the America's Best Colleges 2007, Universities–Master's (West) category. See America's Best Colleges 2007 - USNews.

Accreditation:

The university is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission and its business programs is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Admission Requirements:

Entry requirements needed include a Bachelor degree or an equivalent professional qualification, and at least 3 years of relevant working experience in a supervisory or management level (GMAT may be required in some cases).

Delivery and Assessment:

Before the intensive block lectures, students are required to read the entire textbook (or two) and do a pre-course assignment (summaries of all chapter in textbk, multiple short essays etc.).

The lectures consists of 10 consecutives lessons of 4 hrs each, taught personally by OCU's professors flown into S'pore from USA.

During weekdays, the classes are from 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m, weekends are either 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The lessons are usually a mix of taught materials, class/group discussions, and case studies.

The lecturers have vast practical knowledge in their respective fields and all are PhD....though they're rather stingy when giving out exams tips (either none at all, or when given covers almost the entire textbook....faintzzzz....) :eek:. Maybe it's an uniquely Angmoh thing on not giving tips..... =p

There's a mid-term test on the 5th or 6th day of the lectures, and another final exam 3 weeks after the end of the lectures. A post-course assignment (written project) is given at the end of the lectures and is due on or before the day of the final exams.

Typically, students of the OCU-MBA programme operate on a very hectic 6-weeks cycle. :angel:

Week 1 -> Pre-course readings and assignment
Week 2 & 3 -> Lectures and mid-term test
Week 4 to 6 -> Post-course assignment and final exam.

So 13 modules x 6 weeks = 78 weeks (1.5 yrs).

But do take note that this schedule is very tight and not always possible due to the schedule of the professors. 20 months to 22 months is more likely, though it may stretch up till 24 months.

Curriculum:

The OCU MBA's curriculum is as follows (total 39 Credit Hours):

Environmental Block (9 Credit Hours)

1. Managerial Economics
2. Accounting Information Planning & Control
3. The World Economy and International Business

Functional Block (12 Credit Hours)

4. Strategic Marketing Decisions
5. Production Operations & Quantitative Analysis
6. Financial Policy for Managers
7. Organisational & Managerial Processes

Specialisation Block (15 Credit Hours)

8. Special Topics in International Business
9. Multinational Marketing Management
10. Multinational Corporate Finance
11. Course chosen by OCU
12. Course chosen by OCU

Possible Courses:

a) Buyer Behaviour
b) Marketing Research & Analysis
c) Logistics & Distribution Strategy
d) Special Topics in Marketing

Capstone Block (3 Credit Hours)

13. Global Competitive Strategy & Administrative Policy

Conclusion: Very tough, physically and mentally draining due to the accelerated nature of the program. To get the MBA you need to completed all 39 Credit Hours worth of courses, and achieve a Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B average) out of a maximum CGPA of 4.00. But you can gain a lot out of this programme too. :)

Note:

There're 2 possible Graduation Honors for the MBA -> GPA of 3.75 to 3.99 for Honors (A- average), and GPA of 4.0 or more for High Honors (A average).

Oklahoma City University is affiliated to the United Methodist Church, but Christians from other denominations, and non-christians are wlecomed all the same.
 
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JAYAN

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Originally posted by mrkiasu

Just to add my 2 cents, hope it helps.

Doing grad school, u got to be prepared to read a lot and not expect a lot of help from your profs.

I don't know about local schools, its not the habit of an american prof to give out exam tips and hints. They tend to cover quite a number of things that they go through during the course work.

For an american grad degree, B grade which is a 3.0 is the min for a pass grade in grad. school. If you are getting anything below a 3.5 CPGA in any Grad program, you would be considered quite a poor/weak student. Most GLC's would consider only something above 3.70 CGPA even for bach. degrees.

Mostly you go in, try to extract as much information as you can from the profs. They are usually full of experience and can be very useful even when you are done with school. I still personally keep in contact with all my prof. Whenever I run into a roadblock in work, I will e-mail them for advise or the next step.

Be fully prepared to read a lot in grad. school and not to be spoon fed.
 
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JAYAN

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Originally posted by redsurfer

Left out the important information on cost though. Here's mine:

1) Offering institute: Self-Study
2) Validating university: UOL
3) Length of course: 3 yrs
4) Course structure: Part-time
5) Area of study : Bachelor Science in Computing and Information Systems
6) Cost : Ard SGD$11,000

Did the 1st year (pt) at Stansfield and continue with self-study for 2nd and final year. Only need to take 4 full modules in 1st year, 4 modules in 2nd year and 6 half modules plus one project for year 3.

Overall, the course is not quite tough for students doing full-time (at SIM, Informatics or Stansfield), but can be difficult for students doing part-time or self-study. If you intend to do this course, best institution is SIM but the cost will be very high. Those who really on budget can try self-study. I would recommend that you should start your first year at an institution and get to know some friends before doing self study. This way, you can have some access to materials from the institution even if you are not studying there :). If you want to buy books, you can try NTU or NUS bookshop to buy them at a lower price (student rates).

Recommendation : Unless cost is your main concern (if you want to spend around $11k only) there should be better choices out there.
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by Didjerama

hi everyone,havent been here for quite some time...anyway,this is a wonderful thread...

as for myself...me doing University of London Degree Programme at SIM and started i would say abt 2 months liaoz....me doing the Econs & Management degree (Hons)..well,this degree sounds peculiar cos this is the first time SIM is doing this degree...anyway,just to throw in some information,SIM Computing and information systems has a full-time programme,started this year....as for Econs & Management,it is only a part-time....what i intend to do is do part-time this year and switch to another degree and go full time next year..maybe intend to switch to Management or Biznes instead..

To be very frank,both part-time and full time are abt the same..its just that the part-time programme has lessons at night...but most full-time students tend to get better honours cos the lecturers can conduct tutorials unlike the part-timers....fyi,full time students attend lessons 3 times a week just like full time but the lessons tend to start in the morning and finishes at 3

Overall,SIM i would say provides really good lecture...the reasons being that firstly,all lecturers are trained in UOL itself...secondly,SIM is the only institution whic invites the examiners and even the LSE/UOL directors to conduct monthly lectures and do revision when our examination approaches in March...but i mean this all comes with a price...that is why SIM tends to be more expensive than other institutions .we cannot deny that this people will help a lot....

As for the mood in campus,its great...the place looks like a school...food is cheap and nice..lol...and the crowds is generally very young for the full-tme programme....the library i would say is even better than our public library though the sensor always make noise even if we never steal books..lol

one tip for you guys....for those who did A-levels and have taken MATH C or F MATHS..you will practically breeze your way in the first year.This is because for both Maths/Stats,it was all done back in JC...the diploma holders will tend to do better in computing and information system,so make sure you guys select your subjects and degree carefully....

Overall,UOL is tough...i'm in my first 2 mnths and i'm feeling the heat already....the LSE lady came down last week and when she said that only 75% passes the Sociology first year,i told myself iu have to buck up....
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by unissys

Good initiative Jayan, so here is my contribution.

School: SIM
University: UOL
Degree: Banking and Finance (economics)
Tenure: 3 yera full-time
Grade: 2nd lower.
Fees: about sgd$ 15,000

However, i will like to add something more.

After grad, i was not able to find a job for 10months (financial crisis - suay). Later wok in a futures firm for about 6 months and later went to my current job (banking) - first of doing MIS later in the front line doing sales.

For some of you whom have been crusing through the forum, you will see me asking for pointers regarding OU Maths degree and thankfully, one of the forum members are willing to call me on the phone to let me clear my doubts. So I have already applied for a place in OU Maths degree.
 

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Originally posted by hanneng

1) Offering institute: Auston Open Learning
2) Validating university: University of Western Sydney
3) Length of course: 1 year
4) Course structure: part-time classroom based
5) Area of study: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Data Comm)
6) Costs: Course fees = $9800 (cover exam fees, material etc.) No administration fees needed because I was an ex-Auston student (did my Advanced Dip there).

Completed the course in March 2002. Still waiting for final result.

My comments:
Lecturer / teaching method
Most tutor and lecturer are local (mostly part-timer from Poly and NUS/NTU). Some are good in the delivery of the course. They are willing to stay after class hours, and reply by email. Usually, part-timer don't response during office hours, because will disturb their full-time job.
There are also bad one as 'bo-chap' attitude and just 'read from the book' style.

Course Material
Usually the FOC course material is useless. Those are extracted and photocopy from somewhere. Some never use at all. The lecturer always said FOC material is for "extra reading". The school will recommend to buy some books, but not necessary.
Taking note and tape recording is very important because you could replay the lesson when you do revision later.

Computer Room / Classroom booking
Auston has few computer rooms with Internet access for student use. Usually, I don't use them often because I have better PC at home. Unless you're attending practical lesson (like programming), else you don't use much.
My study group used to book the classroom for group discussions or project meeting. But due to Auston expansion and popularity, we can't get often.

Library.
Auston has a small library in level 3. The collection is not big and resources are limited. This is a good place if you want to borrow book for photocopy.

Tea-break
Auston will provide hot beverage during lesson break. I like the balcony area in level 3. At least can have some fresh air during the break. It's also a smoking area.

Admin support / Exam Result
You can request for document from the school. for example, reservist deferment letter, letter of studies, etc. Sometimes, the support staff didn't do their job well.
Normally, provisional result will be out in one month, but the actual result (from the awarding university) is 3 months after exam.

Assessment Methods
Each subject is assessed by written assignments and an examination; standard percentage is about 50/50 or 40/60. The written assignment is to help you to pass the subject.
As long as your assignment is 'OK' and don't fail the exam, you will get at least a PASS. The failure rate is about 5% - 15%.

The minus point:
As the degree course can be completed within 12 months, therefore some quality of study would be compromised. It is impossible to cover 100% for each subject, in 3 hours per lesson per week in the period of 10 study weeks.
30 hours of academic lesson compare to minimum 60 hours by full-time student. On top of that, assignments must be submitted before exam.

Auston has no different from other commercial school, that the more student enrolled is better. Sometimes, the class is too big. There is no enough time to ask question or clarify any unclear topics.

Some lecturers would expect student to have some background and basic knowledge for the subject. This will be a challenge for student that does not have necessary experience or knowledge.

Personally, I would like to grade Auston 6 out of 10 point. The reasons I enrolled in Auston:
1) Fast – The program can be completed within 12 months.
2) Cost - A final year degree is just cost me below $10K.
3) Flexible Module / Semester system.
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by Noriko

Ok here's mine
Another one (my current course)

1) Offering institute: Ngee Ann-Adelaide
2) Validating university: The University of Adelaide, Australia
3) Length of course: 2.5 to3.5 yrs
4) Course structure: Off shore campus = Part-time
5) Area of study : Graduate Diploma in Computer Science.
6) Costs: Close to $25,000 (incl. GST).
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by nicedew

1) Offering institute: IGCOL
2) Validating university: University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Australia
3) Length of course: up to 8 years
4) Course structure: Part-time / Distance learning
5) Area of study : Bachelor of Information Technology Managment.
6) Costs: Still pursuing, thus haven't sum up.

- Study guide, selected readings are included.

- Knowledgeable and helpful local lecturers.

- Extremely active discussions boards/groups which is supported by USQ. Must check daily especially if assignments or exams are nearing, else you can hardly catch up with the discussions. SUPER duper active on-campus lecturers participating.

- Very efficient and prompt responses from on-campus lecturers.

- Usually 2 or 3 assignments, and 1 exams. So far, i haven't done any open-book exams, or any project-based exams.

- Assignments and exams are set by USQ and sent back to them to mark.

- Very strict on-campus profs, lecturers.

- IGCOL officers sometimes are really slow in replying our enquires. Thus, emailing the university directly will be better. Need not worry about USQ refusing to answer off-campus students, cause they encourage off-campus students to communicate directly with them.

- Intensive 3 hours lectures (Go comfort room already, better head back class soon... :) depending which lecturer and what unit. Some units you endure... :D )

- Less contact hours compared to other uni, but the discussion groups.... ... (as above).

- Emm... what else... I think that's about all so far... if i recall more, will add to it. ;)

Hope my input is useful. Those who need more info, i will try to answer you to my best knowledge.

All the best in your education. ;)
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by kolabong

Hi all, im from JB, here is mine:

1) University: University of Adealaide, Australia
2) Length of course: 1 (malaysia)+ 2 (Adelaide)
3) Course structure: Full time
4) Area of study : Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance)
5) Costs: Around S$40K

This is a twinning program. Similar to the NgeeAnn-Adelaide program. All materials are from Adelaide.
Exam times is also same. Just like a "mirror" but difference place only.

It is quite tough, esp final year. but i have graduated successfully. phew..

But the problem now is that i cant find a finance related job nowadays. Planning to study the futures/derivatives trader course in singapore but worry that it will not accept foreigner. even it does accept, will I be accepted by the singaporean firms? oh..headache..anybody can help me to solve my puzzle??

The other option for me is to study a diploma in computing or IT. but im from commerce stream, do u guys recommend me to do this? I just want to have another career path. how????

cheers.
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by joepaul

Here's some info on AEC/ Uni of Birmingham's MBA programme:

1) Course Duration: 2 to 4 years

2) Course structure: part-time. 8 modules. Each module consists of intensive 11-day block taught every 3 months. Dissertation required at end: 10000 words (bummer!)

3) Cost: S$22k nett. Free textbooks (2 per module). Decent snacks/meals thrown in. No hidden cost

Why I recommend it:

1) Cheapest 'branded' MBA. Accredited by AMBA. The Economist ranked it 44th in the world. NUS is ranked in the 80s.

2) Fully taught by UK faculty lecturers. No partimers. Occasionally get some visiting lecturers from renowned Uni's like Cranfield and Aston etc.

3) Designed for engineer-types and "techies". Taught from first principles before leaping into case studies. Suitable for people like me without business or marketing or accounting background. An MBA for idiots. But this doesn't mean easy to pass. People have flunked before.

Disadvantages:

1) Weak web resources. The IT team is clueless.

Overall, value for money. What you see is what you get.

Hope this helps.
 

JAYAN

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Originally posted by PermanentHeadDamage

Consider this my present to HWZ people:
Basically if you want to do a part-time degree, beware!

This is direct from civil service HR manual:

Increments for Time Spent on Post-graduate Studies
(c) Recruits who have spent additional time in acquiring post-graduate qualifications (i.e. post-graduate diploma, Masters or PhD) that are directly relevant to the appointment may be given increments, on the basis that time spent in pursuing the qualification is akin to time spent in acquiring relevant work experience. The Appointing Authority can grant increments as follows:
(i) For post-graduate diploma: Up to 1 increment;
(ii) For Masters: Up to 2 increments;
(iii) For PhD: Up to 4 increments;
subject to the following rules:
(ii) The post-graduate programme must be done on a full-time basis. Post-graduate qualifications acquired on a part-time basis will not be recognised for increments, but the recruit's working experience while studying part-time may be considered under paragraph 15(5)(a)(i) and/or (ii).
(iii) No increment is given for additional time spent on useful but not directly relevant post-graduate programmes.
(iv) Increments shall only be given for the period of post-graduate study that the recruit successfully completed, minus any period in which he failed.
(v) The time spent pursuing post-graduate studies and directly relevant work experience may be combined for determining the total number of increments to be granted based on paragraph 15(5)(a)(i).
 

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Originally posted by XsenseX

1) Offering institute:Hartford

2) Course: Bachelor in Multimedia Studies

3) Validating university: Central Queensland University

4) Length of course: 1 yr 3 mths - Part-time

5) Way of studying: Once per week lectures, 7-10pm.

6) Price: 1.5K per module, I'm exempted 16 out of 24 subjects cause of my Poly Dip so I'll only take 8 modules. For my case would be 10K to complete the course.

I in my first Semester, Taking 2 Subjects per sem. The Hartford Management sucks as theres alot of shifting of personnels and my class was wrongly enrol but lucky i discovered in time ...

Suprisingly, the lecturer is quite good. We discuss very frequently using forums n emails. He also sents us Articles, reading Notes, Tips and stuff which is interesting very useful thru the course.

I have a serious question here, I'm in NS now and holding an 8-5 job therefore I'm able to study. But I intend to do a Full-Time degree after I ORD.

I'm interested in Econs and currently looking at SIM's Bac in Econs & Finance(RMIT) , Bsc in Econs & Management(UOL).

Also interested in SIM-OUC Bac(Hons) in Psychology in 'Dono which one to choose'.

Anyone got any views about those that i mention, if u got anyother points please reply too .. I still got 1+ year to ORD , so i can slowly decide.

THANKS!
 

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1) Institute: Auston School of Mgmt & Technology

2) Course: Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Communication
(With Double Majors In Mass Communication And Marketing)

3) Uni awarding degree: Upper Iowa Uni

4) Length of course: 1 yr part-time

5) Classes: Twice a week, 7-10pm. 1 of the terms will be thrice a week.

6) Modules: Refer to http://www.auston.edu.sg/uiucourses/details.asp?course=UIUBA5

7) Price: $2700 before GST for each term. Total 4 terms.

There is only one class for UIU students. New students join during every intake & the newbies basically "replace" those who graduated that year. So everyone in the UIU class takes the same subjects, just that some are 1st term students, others are 2nd term, etc.

Now out of the 4 terms, u will encounter 2 double modules for 2 terms. That means u have 4 subjects for 2 terms. For the other 2 terms, one is 3 double module (6 subjects), while the other term is 1 triple module & 1 double module (5 subjects).

Since there are quite a few subjects crammed in 1 year, the pace is rather hectic. Needless to say, procrastination will get u no where. Classes are usually conducted in classrooms EXCEPT when UIU mass comm is combined with UIU business (during all marketing, accounts, HR related classes). Then u will be in the lecture theatre.

Security guard very siao on, 10pm odd he starts locking classrooms so no chance of staying back for further discussion. Computer lab rather pathetic. Using Celeron 700mhz PCs. Dreamweaver & Photoshop are all trial version. The latter can't even save images! :rolleyes: However the PCs are connected via wat appears to be at least 256kbps broadband.

Grading system for UIU is rather high:

A: 90% & above
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: 59% & below

U need to get at least C for everything to get GPA 2.0 which is a pass. Anything less & u don't graduate. For 3rd class honours, at least GPA 3.3. 2nd class at least GPA 3.6. 1st class at least GPA 3.8.

If u fail a subject, u can sit for a supp paper. Flunk that supp paper & u can procede to the next term BUT u will graduate later than other's 'cos u have to wait till that subject is offered again to repeat it.

Confusing? Ok, let's say u are in term 1 & flunked the supp paper for Mgmt Accounting. U can proceed to term 2. But u have to retake Mgmt Accounting. However Mgmt Accounting is only offered once a year. Meaning u can't retake it in term 2. U have to wait till its offered again in term 1 of the next year to retake it. Kapish?

In order to pass a subject, u have to submit & pass everything i.e. exams, assignments, watever was given. Don't submit ur assignment & u will still fail even if u get A for your exam.

As for staff, well as per everything in life, u have the good & the not so good. Lecturers are generally ok. As for marketing / student admin staff, well let's just say u need to know who to approach to to get the job done. :D

Marketing staff aka course consultants are assigned to various programmes. So if u want to enquire about UIU mass comm for e.g. u will speak to 1 or 2 folks & not the rest. Now this may sound DUH, but the reason why I mentioned this is 'cos IMHO if u wanna enquire about this programme, I strongly advice u to speak to Stephanie.

Am not flaming the other chap, neither do I have a personal vendetta against him. Just that he was the one who sold me the programme & let's just say he left out some vital info PLUS the info he gave me was also questionable i.e. wrong info. A friend of mine went thru him too & had the same feedback.

If you're interested to know more about my bad experience with this chap, PM me.

In conclusion, this course is more marketing-comm actually. If u want lotsa hands on stuff like working in a mock up radio station, u ain't gonna find it here. If u are into production aspect, I suggest another school. Very little is covered of film or radio production in this course.

Added by Jayan: Unlike universities with a British heritage, you won't get the usual 4 classes of Honours for an undergraduate degree i.e. First Class, Second Upper Honours, Second Lower Honours, and Third Class Honours in an American university like Upper Iowa University. Instead, you'll be classified by what that is called Latin Honours i.e. First Class is Summa cum Laude, Second Class is Magna cum Laude, and Third Class is Cum Laude. The GPA system works this way: A is 4.0, B is 3.0, C is 2.0 and D is 1.0. Thus, to get Latin Honours, you'll have to consistently score B or better.
 
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East1Life

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1) Institute: Ngee-Ann Adelaide Education Centre

2) Course: Master Of Business Administration (MBA)

3) Uni awarding degree: University Of Adelaide

4) Length of course: 1.5 yrs - 2 yrs part-time

5) Classes: Block teaching. Friday 7-10pm, Saturday 1-8pm, Sunday 9-4pm. 2 weekend classes per subject with 4 wks gap.

6) Modules: 12 units. refer to naeec.com.sg.
16 units for MBA (Advanced)


7) Price: $1762* per subject. Pay by per subject. Text books excluded.

University Of Adelaide is within the top.8 universites with renowned achievements such as 2 noble winners, high profile grads from our policiticans include Dr Tony Tan, Late President Ong Teng Cheong , former SIA CEO.
However, none of them took business at Adelaide. Business seems not their key strength although the MBA program has been offered for almost 40 yrs, but the school is seeking to improve the business school to be on par with the top b.schools in Australia , such as seeking a new Dean and offer MBA specialisations. They started the MBA(InfoComm) in 1997 offerings this program exclusively to SingTel key employees.

Entry requirements pretty standard: 2 yrs experience, 1st degree, reference reports. Scholarships awarded to 1 student per intake up to 50% of tuition fee.

Teaching & Delivery : All teaching staff are either from U.Of Adelaide , adjunct lecturers, visiting lecturers from other Aus unis, Europe or US. Case studies adopt are mostly model after Harvard Business School. Lecturers are generally q good apart from 1 or 2 which are less effective. Taking 2 units per term will ensure u to complete the course in 1.5 yrs. However, some will find it v tough so most would take 2 - 2.5 yrs to complete.

Grading system : P1 : 50 - 55%
P2 : 56 - 64%
Credit - 65% - 74%
Distintion -75% - 84%
High Distinction - 85% & above


Most students would score credit results as the school enforce grade distribution whereby only the top 25% get distinctions and above. Getting DISTINCTION is relatively tough.

Students who failed subjects will need to REPEAT that unit again. No SUPP paper is permit. THERE ARE STUDENTS THAT I KNOWN FAILED units esp. Economics.

Facilities : Ngee Ann-Adelaide provides a good environment for students which are rarely seen in commercial schools. There are q a few breakout rooms can be booked for discussion purposes and u can go beyond 10pm as long u return keys to the security.
A comfortable student lounge provides free coffees, biscuits, drinks, teas and abt 10 computers for free access 7 days a week. 1 laser printer is free for printing.
Library is limited but u can get library membership from NUS with a support letter from NAAEC.

Students can also undertake a 2 weeks summer school in Jan each year to U.Adelaide to complete up to 2 subjects. However, places are limited , got to book early. Alternatively can attend winter school at Uni Or Glasgow in Jan or visit to other b.schools in Denmark or France for 2-3 wks program.

Overall, course is value-for-money, it is not the best b.schools offered in Singapore but if u just after value, flexibile teaching schedule, practical teaching, network. a prestigous university, this is for u.
 

chiefjustice

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Hi all,

My contribution as follow:

1) Title of degree

--> Bachelor of Management (Logistics & Supply Chain Management)

2) Offering institute (if through distance-learning)

--> APMI ( Asia Pacific Management Institute)

3) Awarding university

--> University of South Australia

4) Length of course

--> 15 months

5) Method of delivery:

--> Part-time
--> Distance-learning
--> Fully-taught by faculty members from uni. 20 hours of lectures for each module. Lessons usually conducted Weekdays ( 6.30pm - 10.30pm) or sat,sun (9.00am - 6pm)

6) Costs

--> Total: S$14,200.
1st installment: S$4600
2nd installment: S$ 3800
3rd - 5th installment: S$3200

7) Program Content

a) Integrated logistics Management
b) Understanding Management and Organizational Behaviour
c) Finance and Investment
d) Comtemporary Human Resource Management
e) Project Planning & Control in Manufacture
f) Managerial Economics
g) Logistics Engineering
h) Supply Chain Management
i) Appliciations in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
j) International Management and Ethics and Values

8) Grading system
P1 : 50 - 55%
P2 : 56 - 64%
Credit - 65% - 74%
Distintion -75% - 84%
High Distinction - 85% & above

This is the 1st intake by UniSA for Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Marking of assignments/exams are strict. It is not unusual to have a few credits and the rest of the class getting P1. I have finished only the 1st 2 modules and currently doing the 3rd and 4th modules. The admin support is ok. ( I still haven't used their services yet.) Assignments are marked by the Lecturers in UniSA. Email support with Lecturers are supplied and results can be checked via UniSA website and so does the on-line library. So far so good, no compliants about the admin or the lecturers.

regards,
cj

To add on,

I have just finished the course with UniSA and APMI. Overall i grade the course as revelant and interesting. To those who just want to study hard for exams, submit assignments and pass with degree, pls think again. It is the process of going through and applying what you have learned at school to real life that is more important.

For support wise, APMI has a comprehensive and systemetic approach and students are in their good hands. Overall i would rate the course as 8/10 for student support and acedemic support.

regards,
cj
 
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Craver

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Here's some info on .Western Sydney program @ NAFA

1) Offering institute:NAFA
2) Course: Bachelor of Arts - MAJOR DESIGN
3) Validating university: UNIVERSITY WESTERN SYDNEY
4) Length of course: 1 yr - Full-time ** (1mth plus Xchange programe in Sdyney Penrith Campus somewhere near blue mountain )**
5) Way of studying: Twice per week lectures, *DependNAFA arrangment * 1mth plus in Aussie ( Complusory )
6) Price: 12K to complete ( Exclude AIRFAIR to Sydney and expenses in Aussie )


1) Cheapest Degree and get the chance to fly over to Aussie to be expose by their culture & teachin for 1mth plus.

2) Fully taught by both local & Aussie faculty lecturers. No partimers. Occasionally Aussie lecturers from the University flew over to asscess our work.

3) Designed for those diploma gradute from Graphic, Multi media...... to further their knowlege in DESIGN ....

Subject:
Research Methodologies (DESIGN)
Project Development
Issues Of Design
Contempoary Design
The Design Project.

so those listed there it this 1 yr program ....
 

Kylena

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Add on to Original Post by redsurfer

1) Offering institute: SIM
2) Course: Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Computing and Information Systems
3) Validating university: UOL
4) Length of course: 3 yr - Part Time
5) Way of studying: Thrice a week, with lab 4 times a week (local and UOL revision in March/April, quite intensive during this period)
6) Price: $21K not inclusive of exams and textbooks and lecture notes.

I'm doing the 1st year as a part time, because I'm not rich enough to do the full time.

From what I've gone through so far, I found that I have difficulty trying to cope.

Some basic info below:

1. Assignments for each module (4 to be completed), thus in my case, I didn't apply for excemptions (12 assignments). The catch is that we have to complete all 12 in 4 months. All completed assignments can be passed to SIM for processing (SIM's deadline). Late assignments will be taken care of by the students (using DHL or TNT which ever you can afford).

2. Exams only once a year, May.

3. Weightage: 15% assignments, 85% exams (if I'm not wrong).

4. Payment has to be made each year. It has to be paid for the whole year before you start.

5. Have to be SIM member (quite expensive). They tend to get payment from you almost every 4 mths?

6. SIM has membership benefits, they conduct quite a number of interesting workshops like career planning (unfortunately, I don't have the time and effort to enjoy them because of the studying schedule).

This course is only suitable for those people who can really afford the time and money.

Just my 2cents.
 
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