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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be concerned about my degree...

33 replies

Sugarberry · 22/12/2009 10:20

After seeing the other degree thread, i'm a bit concerned about the degree i'm about to start studying for as i really do not want to work hard for nothing. So please can you tell me about a BA in English from the University of London via the external system/long distance?

OP posts:
TakeLovingChances · 22/12/2009 11:13

What sort of reasons do you have for doing it?

Is it for the pleasure of reading and the love of literature? Or do you want to get a job at the end of it?

It's really up to you.

A few friends of mine have BA's in English - none of them have English related jobs, each has a job that an unqualified person could do, but they enjoyed the studying.

So it all depends on motives and reasons.

I wouldn't want to be rude and tell you what is the best thing to do, because it's not my life.

As for the Uni of London long distance learning, I have no idea about it! Sorry!

Bonsoir · 22/12/2009 11:19

A BA in English is an education not a training. It could possibly form part of a training for a job if, for example, you trained to be a teacher afterwards.

peppapighastakenovermylife · 22/12/2009 11:20

I have no idea about the degree. However a degree is not just about content - it is about transferable skills and showing you have the comitment to stick at something and pass it. For many graduate jobs the actual degree is irrelevant and has been shown to be low down on the list of things employers look for. However having the degree is the important thing.

Journey · 22/12/2009 11:27

What job do you want to get with your degree? Are there vacancies in that job field? These are the type of questions you should be asking yourself otherwise there is little point in doing the degree.

arolf · 22/12/2009 11:31

UofL Distance based learning is generally very good - i helped write a couple of modules on tropical diseases, and they were very thorough, very detailed, and the support network for DBL students (in my college, anyway) was excellent. obviously I have no idea what the english dept is like, but I thought the standards were very high from my experience.
enjoy your studies!

AngryFromManchester · 22/12/2009 11:32

where is the other degree thread?

I believe that as a mature student it is best to do something you love rather than something that barely interests you but will lead to a good job. It is hard enough doing a degree as amature student with all your other responsibilities (like work and family) that you need to do it something you will stay motivated in. In my experience anyway

crazycat34 · 22/12/2009 12:08

Absolutely agree with Bonsoir. Whilst having a degree was critical in my chosen career, the education I received whilst doing it is what I value the most.

In my experience, no one is interested in where you get your degree from or by what route you obtained it.

I have only ever had to produce my degree certificate a couple of times to prove that I have one, it's been photocopied and placed on file. End of.

It's more important (also in my experience and that of my contemporaries) that you get a good class (2:1 or above) of degree with honours. Although my brother got a 2:2 and then went on to get a distinction in his MA from a very well respected University.

AngryFromManchester · 22/12/2009 12:10

The whole point of a degree (or any kind of education) is that you are there to develop yourself

jeep · 22/12/2009 12:22

it seems to be only on here where people go on about russel group universities as if any other degree isn't worth the paper it's written on.

Awassailinglookingforanswers · 22/12/2009 12:25

I only read the first few posts of the other thread.

I@m guessing my BA in Health and Social Care is probably considered a bit of a joke by many on that thread.

Ah well, I'm loving it so far, and hopefully it will actually help me get a job doing what i want.

Awassailinglookingforanswers · 22/12/2009 12:25

oh especially as mine is a part time degree from the OU

jeep · 22/12/2009 12:26

i could never work out why the posho girl i worked with had a degree in archeology yet worked in an ad agency. but there you go.

fluffles · 22/12/2009 12:27

i don't think there's any comparison between a degree taken at age 18 as a full-time student and one taken later in life, distance learning with a family or job at the same time.

in the first case i think that the old judgements apply - some universities are 'better' than others, some degrees are more academic than others or require and develop particular skills or take more hours.

however, in the second case, i think that gaining ANY degree from a recognised distance-learning institution with a family or job shows potential employers that you can work to deadlines, apply yourself, self-motivate etc. etc.

domesticslattern · 22/12/2009 13:21

Well, if it involves Birkbeck College, University of London, then 96% of students in their final year were satisfied with the English course. And that's an amazing stat in any industry.

Plug your course and institution into here to find out about retention rates, employment prospects and satisfaction rates.

unistats website

If you're doing English then presumably it's because you love literature and want to read more and more? What a wonderful fabulous opportunity to expand your brain. Lucky you. Go for it.

InMyLittleHead · 22/12/2009 14:14

University of London is good, definitely. Am assuming it's Birkbeck. I would say it is worth it. As others have said, it's not training but education. I found that my degrees totally changed the way I thought for the better. You have to really love literature, though.

JaneS · 22/12/2009 14:32

Ooh, if it's Birkbeck, I know one of the lecturers and he's lovely! Can't say much more that's relevant than that, but good luck with it, sounds good.

mixedmamameansbusiness · 22/12/2009 15:32

Oh I am at Birkbeck... but studying history (was a difficult decision between hist and eng tbh).

Do it, you will love it.

Original poster
Sugarberry · 22/12/2009 18:45

Thanks for the kind and encouraging posts

I am a SAHM who wishes to further her education. I was studying BSc Comp.Sci but i wasn't enjoying it. Then I got married, relocated and had 2dcs in less than 2years. Long distance learning is the best and most convenient option for me. And, I love learning independently.

I do love English lit. and i'd like to be a teacher eventually.

No not Birkbeck it's Goldsmiths.

OP posts:
mixedmamameansbusiness · 22/12/2009 19:22

Oh me too - want to be a teacher.

Very exciting.

EffieB · 22/12/2009 19:59

Sugarberry, I think it's just about what you want (if you want anything) your degree to lead to- I've got a first degree, masters and phd- all from supposed 'good' universities- but this was what I needed for an academic career choice. My big sis has a HND from an old poly- opted out of doing another year to make it a degree as she didn't feel was worth her time, and you know what, she was dead right, as she's really successful in what she went into, and loves her job (and gets to travel and go to swanky events which I certainly don't!).

Your reasons sounds great for doing what you want to do- both practical (if want to be a teacher) and something you love and will enjoy in itself. I think distance learning is hard, but with 2 kids you'll be a mistress of time management already! Enjoy

brettgirl2 · 22/12/2009 20:02

It's not the degree that is important it's what you do with it. The snobbery is just bull imo - I have a degree from a 'good' uni and the only person it impresses is my dad.

Original poster
Sugarberry · 22/12/2009 22:10

mixedmamameansbusiness, yes teaching is exciting and demanding. What age group do you want to teach?

Why do you think it's hard EffieB?

OP posts:
JaneS · 22/12/2009 22:13

Ah, my brother's partner is at Goldsmiths, and a mate went there a couple of years ago. I have heard very positive things about it - sounds as if everyone enjoys it there. (AND you are studying the best subject )

Awassailinglookingforanswers · 22/12/2009 22:14

actually you know my SIL has 2 (or is it 3 I forget ) degrees, a masters and a PhD, all in really tough sciency things (can't remember what ) but she had a very well paing research job until a few years ago

, she's recently retrained..........to become a family support worker

Ewe · 22/12/2009 22:18

Oooh mixed, I am at Birkbeck too, are you doing PPH or straight history?

I have started a part-time degree this year too and had some of the same concerns, especially as I was also offered a place at a RG uni after I had accepted my current degree place but rejected it due to it being full-time and about 100 odd miles away from my home town. I don't think it is a decision I will regret as I am loving the balance I have between study, work and home that I have at the moment.

However, I am learning because I want to learn, not because I want a job iyswim. As far as I am aware though you won't have to say distance learning on your CV, you'll just have English BA Hons, 2:1, Goldsmiths or whatever. It shouldn't go against you in anyway and nobody should look down upon it!