validated by Calamus International University
Self-Directed Degrees by Distance Learning
This degree programme allows the student to
plan his/her own syllabus, identify the areas of knowledge or
concentration required, choose suitable textbooks and/or other media
and compile a study plan with particular objectives.
The syllabus would normally be divided into 10
to 15 distinct areas, and each area would be assessed by an essay of
approx. 3,000 words or a report or work of similar value.
There will also be a final project of approx.
10,000 words.
The first module would comprise the task of
setting learning objectives, identifying areas of knowledge,
deciding the study aims within each area, and listing key resources
in each area such as textbooks and journal articles which are at an
appropriate level and which are comprehensible to the student. In
some cases, before a student can approach an advanced text with
confidence, a more introductory text will need to be selected to
provide the necessary grounding. The student will also draw up a
study timetable with academic goals to be accomplished in each month
of the programme.
Possible areas of study that can come within
this plan include:
Communication
Business
History
Area Studies
Politics
Literature
Arts
Social Studies
Social History
Philosophy
International Relations
Areas in which Calamus offers taught programmes,
such as Psychology and Religious Studies, may be added, though those
areas have degree majors in their own right.
Any available CIU taught course unit (see our
Course Unit List which may be accessed at
www.unicalamus.org/downloads.htm ) may be incorporated in the
degree, though for the subjects listed above, reference to an
external library will normally be necessary.
The student should have access to a suitable
library system. Many distant learning students will find that the
best option is the electronic library Questia,
www.questia.com, which allows access to thousands of books and
journal articles from US $ 9.95 per month. You can browse Questia
to see how well it covers your field of study before you join them.
Fast Internet access is required.
Otherwise, if you are already a subscriber to a
university electronic library, you may use that. Some students may
live near to major university or public libraries that are suitable
for their research.
If you already have a collection of books and
articles relevant to your subject, you may not need to use
additional resources apart from buying a few more up-to-date books.
The typical study period for this MA will be 12
to 18 months, and if further time is need, additional registration
fees will need to be paid.
Units will be assessed by a member of the
Calamus Independent Studies team who may not be a specialist in the
particular area. The aim of each unit will be to demonstrate a
knowledge of its principles and commonly accepted views or theories
as well as the specialist work of authoritative relevant authors or
new and challenging perspectives.
As is done in the case of the Calamus
Independent Study Ph.D., the locus of expertise in the subject being
studied is regarded to be the scholar, rather than an academic who
requires the student to adhere to a particular theory in order to
pass. Independent thinking and the study of new paradigms will be
encouraged, though discussions and arguments should be backed up by
authoritative and relevant references and citations.
It is possible to combine two main areas of
study for this degree, for instance, to take the degree with
concentration in History and Politics or Social Studies and
Philosophy.
Academic Credit
Academic credit may be allowed towards the M.A.
for previous studies such as diplomas, certificates and proof of
classes taken at universities or with continuing education
providers. You may also decide to take some such credit after
enrolling with Calamus by taking a class at a local college or at
another distance learning institution, etc. Credit may be gained
for written work (books or articles) written after enrolment or for
previous but unpublished work. Professionals may gain credit for
continuing professional activity in their field.
Transcripts for degree studies at other
institutions, in cases where the student did not complete the
degree, may be taken into account without time limit as long as the
student left in good standing.
Entry requirements
A Bachelor’s degree is normally required though
students with professional qualifications but without a first degree
may apply to be considered. We are also interested in hearing from
people without formal higher education who have made a contribution
to their fields through writing, private research or other
activities.
The student should have good study skills
including a good standard of written English suitable for
postgraduate work, and the ability to write clear essays and reports
and to research material in libraries and on the Internet.
Please send a copy of your resume or curriculum
vitae with any enquiries about eligibility, and also indicate your
likely field(s) of study for the M.A.
If there is doubt about the student’s ability
to cope with the course, a qualifying examination may be set by
essay. There will be a fee of GBP 175.00 for the examination and on
passing it, a special certificate will be issued.
General information and applications
Please see general details about Calamus
International University at
www.unicalamus.org
and note its status at
www.unicalamus.org/status.htm Calamus international University
is not a UK or US university and its degrees are not UK or US
degrees. The degrees are not government-accredited. However, if an Apostille
for the degree is desired, the graduate can apply for via our
recommended Apostille agent – details supplied to graduates on
request.
The main Calamus literature and application
form can be downloaded at
www.unicalamus.org/downloads.htm
To apply, please send the completed application
form, a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae, and an indication
of your subject(s) of interest. You may email your documents and
any queries to us at
info@unicalamus.org
A modular payment plan is possible over 10
months, for certain countries only, but the special rate does not
apply to modular students, and extra charges may be made for each
modular payment to cover our bank charges if you pay from a non-UK
account.
Tuition fees do not include the cost of
textbooks, library subscriptions, etc. and the fees cover an initial
registration period of up to 18 months, after which further fees are
due if more time is needed.
