ROUTES TO A CALAMUS DISTANCE DEGREE

A choice of distance learning routes

The Calamus programmes provide the self-motivated and experienced student a choice of distance learning routes towards an overseas-validated CIU degree. Normally, no classroom attendance or other attendance is required to complete a degree. In addition, certain affiliated institutions may offer residential or practical courses to certificate, diploma or higher diploma level which count towards degree credit. 

Associate of Arts Degree (AA)

The CIU Associate Degree is the equivalent of at least 50% of a Bachelor's degree and may be gained by evaluation of prior learning (including in-service training) plus completion of at least three CIU course credits. There is no entry qualification for the Associate Degree.

Advanced Diploma/Postgraduate Diploma (Adv.Dip./PG.Dip.)

Most Master's degree programmes may, subject to approval, be taken without the thesis requirement as an Advanced Diploma (for those without a Bachelor's degree) or a Postgraduate Diploma (for those with a Bachelor's degree or qualification of similar status). Conversion from diploma to degree is possible later by paying the balance of the degree tuition fee and producing an acceptable Master's thesis.

Bachelor's Degree (BA, BSc, BLA, BBA)

The distance Bachelor’s degree validated by Calamus International University is normally an accelerated qualification designed for persons  with significant life and/or career experience and/or prior learning. Up to 50% of the Bachelor’s degree is normally pre-earned by transfer credit for life and work experience, which can take many forms and cover virtually any field of interest or endeavour that has educational, vocational or life skills content. Once this prior credit is evaluated, a syllabus will be negotiated to fulfil the demands of the particular major. This plan allows students to leverage their prior accomplishments to obtain an accelerated Bachelor’s degree within reasonable time and at a low cost.

To qualify for a Bachelor's degree the student will normally gain 120 credits.  A maximum of 80 non-university credits may be transferred by evaluation of prior learning, plus any approved university credits earned. A holder of an Associate Degree from CIU is entitled to an allowance of 80 credits towards a Bachelor's degree. We anticipate that the average applicant for a CIU Bachelor's degree will already have a considerable portfolio of previous education and training, and will thus be able to complete the BA or BSc degree within approximately one year to eighteen months by taking an approved programme of CIU distance learning course units. If a longer course is required, a programmes of study of up to three years may taken based upon available course units and other agreed work. A wide variety of prior qualifications will be considered, and students may apply on their merits.

The basic entry standard is normally a high school graduation certificate or equivalent plus evidence of other learning and/or experience, but a wide variety of qualifications will be considered, and students will be considered on their merits.

BPhil. (Bachelor of Philosophy Degree)

This degree is for the accomplished student who can present a substantial portfolio of prior learning or who holds an Associate Degree of CIU. Completion of the degree is entirely by an extended project report on an approved topic, the length of the report to be a minimum of 12,500 words (15,000 words for Homeopathy). The entry standard is a higher vocational diploma, a professional qualification, or other qualifications regarded by the University as equivalent to at least two years of tertiary study. The BPhil. degree may be completed solely by distance learning.

MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), MMus (Master of Music)

These distance degrees require completion of 45 credits beyond the Bachelor's degree, including a dissertation of not less than 13,500 words or agreed alternative study. The normal entry standard is an approved Bachelor's degree, though professionally qualified persons and those of equivalent standing, who can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of their field, may petition the University for direct entry to a Master's degree course. The normal completion time is within one year, and up to 30 credits may be transferred from previous graduate study at other approved universities or institutes. Applicants may waive credit transfer privileges in order to study more units and use their Master's course to maximise their knowledge.

Most MA or MSc courses may be taken as Diploma courses for a reduced tuition fee without doing the thesis or special project. These diplomas are our version of the British postgraduate diploma, yet may be accessible to those without a Bachelor's degree. Such diplomas may be useful as conversion courses for those with a first degree in one subject who would like to pursue a doctorate in another.

MPhil. (Master of Philosophy) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

These degrees, following the British pattern, are pure research degrees, and may be gained by presentation of a thesis/dissertation on an approved topic of not less than 17,000 words for an MPhil. degree or 25,000 words for a PhD degree. (Some subjects or supervisors may require a lengthier dissertation.) An ongoing (but unpublished) work of independent scholarship or creative writing, or group of artistic works of merit, may be submitted in lieu of a thesis, subject to University approval and to a supporting extended essay. The MPhil. and PhD degrees may be completed solely by distance learning. Applicants for the MPhil. and PhD degrees should normally hold an approved Bachelor's or Master's degree, though the University may consider other qualifications on their merits in exceptional cases.

MBA (Master of Business Administration), EMBA (Executive Master of Business Administration) and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)

Click here for full on-line management studies brochure

M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) and E.M.B.A. (Executive Master of Business Administration) – also D.B.A. degree (Doctor of Business Administration)

CIU offers business management courses within a holistic context. This means that, as well as core management studies, there is the opportunity for students to focus on self-development, communication and “soft skills”, and an understanding of how human-centred, caring, co-operative, ecological and spiritual concepts have the possibility of transforming the company of today and the business of the future.

CIU offers unique M.B.A. and E.M.B.A. degrees in organisational behaviour and in organizational spirituality by distance learning. Courses are focused on “soft skills”, spirituality and values in the workplace, executive development and organisational behaviour, coaching and NLP, and other relevant disciplines.

CIU also offers a conventional E.M.B.A./ M.B.A. syllabus and a range of core and elective topics is available. We are also developing specialist Master’s degrees in subjects such as Logistics Management.

The E.M.B.A. is an accelerated programme by taught course units only; the M.B.A. requires a project in addition. Direct entry to M.B.A./E.M.B.A. is possible if the candidate can demonstrate a record of professionalism as an executive, manager, trainer, coach or role of equivalent standing, or if the candidate holds a professional qualification. Prior learning and achievements may be submitted for credit evaluation.

The M.B.A. requires 45 credits post-Bachelor level including a thesis; the E.M.B.A. 30 credits without a thesis, and the D.B.A. 70 credit units at post-Bachelor level (or 40 at post-Masters level) including a thesis; or 90 credits at post-Bachelor level (60 at post-Masters level) without a thesis. Additional units, or a qualifying semester, may be set for certain direct entry students.

The D.B.A. degree, for those who have a Master’s, may also draw from the same range of topics available to M.B.A. students.

The degree programmes we offer are intended for people who have some responsible experience of work (either paid or voluntary) or who have taken additional further or adult education courses at post-secondary level. However, it is possible to transfer from the 2^nd year of a full-time degree into our BBA programme to finish your degree.

The EMBA is an accelerated programme by taught course units only; the MBA requires a project in addition or approved equivalent work. Direct entry to MBA/EMBA is possible if the candidate can demonstrate a record of professionalism as an executive, manager, trainer, coach or role of equivalent standing, or if the candidate holds a professional qualification.  Prior learning and achievements may be submitted for credit evaluation though post-Bachelor's credit should come from a university or equivalent institute.

Professional Doctorates: Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology), Ed.D (Doctor of Education), D.Hum (Doctor of Humanities), DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), D.C.H. (Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy), Met.D. (Doctor of Metaphysics), D.E.S. (Doctor of Esoteric Studies); D.Mus/DMA (Doctor of Music/Musical Arts)

Professional Doctorates, which are American in concept, are designed for the practising professional and are gained through a combination of taught units (plus an extended project), credit for practical work (e.g. clinical practice) and approved prior learning. The professional doctorate requires 70 credits at post-Bachelor level or 45 credits at post-Master level. A Bachelor's degree is normally required for entry to a Professional Doctorate. The Professional Doctorate may be taken if the candidate prefers not to write a lengthy thesis, if the candidate already holds a PhD and desires a second doctorate, or if the candidate requires a specialist doctorate such as the Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy.

The Doctor of Humanities (D.Hum) degree is especially suited to those undertaking individualised programmes of study in independent or interdisciplinary fields. Further details will be found under the entry for the School of Independent and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Post-Doctoral degrees for Hypnotherapists:

D.A.H. - Doctor of Analytical Hypnotherapy; D.T.H. - Doctor of Transpersonal Hypnosis

Calamus International University now has two new post-doctoral degrees for the professional hypnotherapist who already has a Ph.D., D.C.H. or other doctorate. These degrees are the D.T.H. (Doctor of Transpersonal Hypnosis) and D.A.H. (Doctor of Analytical Hypnotherapy).  Please email info@unicalamus.org for further information, giving  details of your existing qualifications.

Higher Doctorates (DSc, DLitt)

These degrees are regarded as the pinnacle of academic achievement, and are normally awarded to candidates who already hold a doctorate, who have a record of excellence in their field, and who are well-respected in their peer community. Calamus offers several routes towards a higher doctorate for deserving candidates, who must submit a curriculum vitae and three references from persons of professional or academic standing with their application. The candidate may elect to read for the Higher Doctorate by research and dissertation, by taught units plus dissertation, or by taught units plus evaluation of a particularly ennobling or innovative contribution to their discipline. This evaluation consists of an extended self-assessment paper, arguing the candidate's own case for the award, supported by peer references, plus the University's careful assessment of a portfolio of the candidate's achievements.

Honorary degrees

For further information on honorary doctorates click here. Honorary degrees are non-academic awards and do not entail study. Honorary Master's and Doctoral degrees are available.