Off-campus BSc in Mathematics and Economics

[excal]

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/lse/math_econ/index.shtml

Looks like an attractive set of units that pretty much is what I wanted to get out of possibly doing the Graduate Diploma of Science in Statistics at a cheap cost (apparently, only £3,013 for the whole degree) coupled with the fact I can do the whole lot off-campus (pretty much a necessity for me, given that I see myself moving straight to the workforce after my first degree).

Question is, should I spend the money and will I expect to see some kind of ROI? What are other people's experiences with off campus learning (at either the University or VCE level)?

And, as an aside, what is the reputation of the London School of Economics really like (this one is for Brendan + coblin)?

(yeah, blame the advertising on this site!)

[brendan]

LSE's rep is very good. Why do you want to do it?

[excal]

LSE's rep is very good. Why do you want to do it?

Mostly to extend my skill set (in both mathematical and business/economic contexts) and analytical skills as I probably would need some of them as I move into more managerial roles down the track.

Also, an interest in extending my statistical toolset is sorta what drives me to look towards further study in the area.

[brendan]

As a postgrad degree?

[excal]

I think it's an undergrad degree. I don't think I'm capable of taking maths at a postgrad level just yet...

[CREAM]

unless u need to study in the U.K or soemthing dont bother with getting an undergraduate from LSE....stick with a good australian undergrad course then transfer into a U.S or U.K masters/phd degree

[excal]

I'm already studying an undergrad course in Australia (read: sig), and I plan to apply for a graduate position in my field next year.

I'm considering whether I should commit some of my free time to perusing my interest in statistics and economics in, what I'd consider, to be a relatively cheap course.

[bubble sunglasses]

   All Uni of London colleges are reputable, relative to size
  London itself is expensive though, compared to Melbourne

[excal]

   All Uni of London colleges are reputable, relative to size
  London itself is expensive though, compared to Melbourne

From what I read, it's only 3000 pounds str. for the entire course (perhaps they realise that off-campus students don't require as much university resources hence can charge less)...which is about $9000 for a full degree.

I'm might be wrong though (please double check me as it sounds almost too good to be true)

[CREAM]

oh if u have no interest in persuing and academic or commercial career in economics i suggest you just read a couple of good books or subscribe to journals.

[cara.mel]

You've missed the cost of the privilege for sitting the exams. This is going to set you back about $3000 aussie dollars:

http://www.ltctesting.com.au/assets/downloads/feesandrefunds2008.pdf
which I got to from http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/current_students/general_resources/exams/exam_centres_os/australia_oceania.pdf
Which I got to from http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/lse/math_econ/assessment.shtml

Also I don't see how you could get out of buying textbooks, another $1k in hidden fees there


Also I do not know the benefit of paying to accumulate letters after your name vs simply learning the content for free yourself. I remember you telling me ages ago (like when I first met ya) you like structured learning but structured learning is so expensive

[excal]

oh if u have no interest in persuing and academic or commercial career in economics i suggest you just read a couple of good books or subscribe to journals.

I plan to move into management, so the knowledge could be useful. I've been intent on doing *some* kind of maths course anyway because I feel so deprived.

You've missed the cost of the privilege for sitting the exams. This is going to set you back about $3000 aussie dollars:

http://www.ltctesting.com.au/assets/downloads/feesandrefunds2008.pdf
which I got to from http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/current_students/general_resources/exams/exam_centres_os/australia_oceania.pdf
Which I got to from http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/prospective_students/undergraduate/lse/math_econ/assessment.shtml

Also I don't see how you could get out of buying textbooks, another $1k in hidden fees there


Also I do not know the benefit of paying to accumulate letters after your name vs simply learning the content for free yourself. I remember you telling me ages ago (like when I first met ya) you like structured learning but structured learning is so expensive

Are you willing to teach me?

But yeah, I like taking courses that are structured rather than learning something ad hoc (especially something like maths) where things tend to depend on knowing other things.

[cara.mel]

Yeah
Except I don't know the statistics stuff. You already know more than me to an extent (re probability stuff)

We can trade, i teach you maths and you can teach me how to nói chuyện việt because I have gone backwards and only remember ten toi la mel and don't know the lines to put on top or how to pronounce it =]

[excal]

Haha. It's all food for thought...

[bubble sunglasses]

   All Uni of London colleges are reputable, relative to size
  London itself is expensive though, compared to Melbourne

From what I read, it's only 3000 pounds str. for the entire course (perhaps they realise that off-campus students don't require as much university resources hence can charge less)...which is about $9000 for a full degree.

I'm might be wrong though (please double check me as it sounds almost too good to be true)

Nah, I meant the cost of living in London. Though you might be able to find a good deal for accomodation and if it's worth it overall, why not?