My degree is disappearing!

GlasweJen · 20th November 2007, 16:43

I was called to a meeting with the staff member responsible for creating the degrees in my department. He explained that the degree structure is changing and that as a result the university wanted to do away with my degree.

We used to take 4 modules worth 15 points each, new scottish guidelines are now stipulating that degrees are to change to having 3 modules worth 20 points each. Because my degree has lowered in popularity since the introduction of a forensic degree they are not going to run the specialist module for just me (fair enough). Instead they say I can change onto another degree (none of them interest me) or they can make up year out of toxicology related subjects from the other degrees. If I take the second option (likely) I will not have an applied toxicology nor a pharmaceutical module so the quality of my degree will be somewhat diluted. I am sort of relying on a good quality degree to get me into medical school or at least a well paid job in the industry, I'm in third year and no one ever mentioned this posibility before.

Is there anything I can do to get a toxicology module? Does anyone know if it is possible to take one module at another institution or force them to allow me to take the old version of this module as a distance learning through CATS?

tooth_fairy · 21st November 2007, 17:14

Hi Jen
I'm not sure about the answer to your question but I just wanted to say I have found myself in the same situation, I am doing a BSc in Wales and I am in my 2nd year and they want to do away with my degree because they have 2 other similar degrees in the university. Unfortunately they want us all to change to one of the 2 other degree courses for the third year, because they have lost their accreditation for my degree.

I feel disappointed because, like you I want to do my second degree in medicine and I don't feel changing to these other degrees will give me enough to be able to feel competant to do it.

Let me know how you get on....

TFx

BruceyBonus · 23rd November 2007, 20:08

You could possibly apply to another university to continue with your current course. I would contact some unis and see what they say!

GlasweJen · 23rd November 2007, 20:13

Brucey I've already had this year paid for through SAAS who wont pay up again if I decide to shift. Another problem is that no other university in Scotland has this degree subject at undergraduate level.

Delta-NC · 24th November 2007, 14:08

Surely this is an exception though? I can hardly see it as fair that your Uni can cancel a course and leave you out of pocket for it? Are they canceling the course mid year??

I'm pretty sure that you are able to switch Uni (with SAAS funding) at the second semester. As from what I can work out fees are paid in by semester and not by year.

GlasweJen · 24th November 2007, 15:18

No they've dropped the fourth year of the degree so i either change onto something else in the same faculty or I graduate with ordinary which is no good because i want to do medicine.

Hippy-chick · 26th November 2007, 03:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenschnifer

I was called to a meeting with the staff member responsible for creating the degrees in my department. He explained that the degree structure is changing and that as a result the university wanted to do away with my degree.

We used to take 4 modules worth 15 points each, new scottish guidelines are now stipulating that degrees are to change to having 3 modules worth 20 points each. Because my degree has lowered in popularity since the introduction of a forensic degree they are not going to run the specialist module for just me (fair enough). Instead they say I can change onto another degree (none of them interest me) or they can make up year out of toxicology related subjects from the other degrees. If I take the second option (likely) I will not have an applied toxicology nor a pharmaceutical module so the quality of my degree will be somewhat diluted. I am sort of relying on a good quality degree to get me into medical school or at least a well paid job in the industry, I'm in third year and no one ever mentioned this posibility before.

Is there anything I can do to get a toxicology module? Does anyone know if it is possible to take one module at another institution or force them to allow me to take the old version of this module as a distance learning through CATS?

Hi Jen

Can you give us more info? As yes, prima facie you could switch. Depends on your course though. Might be so specific you can't. I also think you have a case for insisting that, as you've started, you finish. Certainly that was my argument for my second degree, which the Uni I was at at the time accepted. Didn't make me popular - but I did get the degree I wanted.

GlasweJen · 28th November 2007, 03:12

what sort of info are you after?

I can't switch for 3 reasons: funding, no interest in the other courses on offer, course is unavailable elsewhere in scotland

Hippy-chick · 28th November 2007, 03:17

Well, that does it then. You're stuffed.

Unless you can get the "I've started so I'll finish" one, which worked for me.

GlasweJen · 28th November 2007, 03:44

I think I'll employ that tactic, get my highest heels out and dig them tight. I've been coughing up (well SAAS have been coughing up) the best part of £1500 per year to pay for this course so they're onto plumbs if they think i'm not finishing it.

Hippy-chick · 28th November 2007, 03:50

Yes Jen. You should.

I was told by my uni, once I was well into my course, that my MA was going and I would have to take the "options" they offered.

I argued. Pointed out that "option" comes from "optio", to choose ... long story short got taught what I had signed up for.

You're the consumer here - you signed up. Look, I know what they'll say about alternative courses. But these still have to be compatible with your proposed degree - no?

Hippy-chick · 30th November 2007, 02:41

How's those high heels polishing up Jen?

GlasweJen · 30th November 2007, 13:31

At the moment they're trying to work out what to do with me, no one has got back to me since I told them (politely) to go and take a run and jump.

Hippy-chick · 1st December 2007, 01:48

Well - don't let it lie! Get onto them and ensure that you are going to get the education you signed up for.

I'll pm you about next Sat, btw.

GlasweJen · 1st December 2007, 01:55

Can't believe it's next week! Could possibly have to come late as I may *hopes* have a new job, but it's all still in the pipeline.

Hippy-chick · 1st December 2007, 02:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenschnifer

Can't believe it's next week! Could possibly have to come late as I may *hopes* have a new job, but it's all still in the pipeline.

Good luck for that. I'm going to pm you now. Whatever time you turn up I'll come and meet you. Queen St is not that far away from the pub amway and I always enjoy an excuse to have a fag!

GlasweJen · 1st December 2007, 18:08

Lol will do, have PM'd you my number too

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