Dear all
Several people expressed an interest in the replies I got to my MA/MSc
distance learning query, so here is a small breakdown.
WHERE?
I had a goodly number of replies, one person had done something at
Loughborough, but the bulk of replies were from folk who had done
courses in London or at Aberystwyth.
HOW?
The Aber course is real distance learning, although there is a
residential week in September. Loughborough and the London ones offer 1
or 2 days a week. One person felt that Aber gave students good support,
one said that the poor administration of the course quite spoiled it.
HOW LONG?
Most courses cover 2 or 3 years, the first couple being for a diploma
and the next for the masters by thesis/dissertation. UCE do a research
based course which one brave soul packed into one year.
STRESS
Many of my replies came from full-time students, or people with part-
time jobs, but several folk juggled work and the masters. Some quotes:
*I got into something of a depressed/stressed frazzle ... and I'm still
very tired*
*I'm still stressed*
*it's a lot of work*
MONEY
Only one person mentioned money. The research approach is apparently a
cheaper method than taught courses.
LIFE
Is there life during studying? Possibly, it seems. More quotes:
*it required ... the immense tolerance of my husband*
*it can play havoc with personal relationships*
*if I were staring out again I would ... get a cleaner*
WHY?
Several respondents were obviously doing this as their first library
qualification. One person mentioned that various colleagues on the
course were in health libraries but left for pastures new after the
course. A couple of people find the paperwork relevant in the *real
world* afterwards and someone found it all *intellectually challenging
and worthwhile* I think only person felt that they hadn't actually
enjoyed their course.
I hope that this enlightens people thinking about courses. I've really
been left kicking myself that I didn't stay on at Aber to do my Masters
after my diploma instead of trundling off to a waiting job! Ah, the
folly of youth!!
Many thanks to everyone who took the time to reply.
Sara Stock
Library Services Manager
North Essex Hospitals' Library & Information Service
Colchester General Hospital
Turner Road
Colchester
Essex
CO4 5JL
T: (01206) 742146 or 742396
F: (01206) 742107
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