"NZQA Experts value Oxford degrees as worthless"

Spencer · Testing The Water Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 7

NZQA "Experts" value Oxford degrees as worthless

http://www.nzqa.co.nz/

NZQA, a body which considers itself to be expert in the field of qualifications, seems unconcerned about the brain drain in New Zealand. Rather than trying to attract graduates from the top universities around the world, NZQA is actively devaluing their degrees.

A graduate from Oxford University who had moved with his family from Britain believing that his salary as a teacher would take into account his masters degree was astounded to learn that his masters degree has no value in New Zealand. "I just wish we had known before coming here" comments David Powell. "I worked hard for my qualifications and it is insulting to be told that they are worthless. My past experiences in other countries has led me to believe that my degrees have a good international reputation. If my qualifications are not wanted in New Zealand we should have been told before coming here. NZQA was aware of all the facts before we left Britain and my school considered my qualifications good enough to offer me a job, yet it is only after we have arrived here and committed ourselves to some sort of stay, that I get told that my masters degree is not as good as a New Zealand masters. I just wish they had offered the job to a New Zealander instead of bringing me here from the other side of the world just to rubbish my qualifications."

The reason why NZQA does not accept masters degrees from Oxford University is that the course of study leading to the award of the bachelors and masters degrees usually lasts three years. The less intensive courses at most other British universities last at least four years, as is the case in New Zealand. NZQA therefore considers this masters degree to be an "honorary" degree, awarded for no study, but, perhaps, to give credit for services to the community.

A quick glance at the web site of Oxford University reveals that they provide courses that last three years, four years, or even one year postgraduate masters courses for graduates of other universities. Students obviously will be encouraged to opt for the course which suits their ability. In spite of this, the intensive nature of the courses and the high expectations of the university cause a high dropout rate. As is common practice, Oxford University also award honorary degrees. As David Powell states "a quick glance at my degree certificate shows that it is neither an honorary degree nor a degree from a second-rate university. The university has many controls in place to maintain their standards. The reputation which Oxford University holds was not achieved by awarding degrees where they were not deserved but NZQA have been quite adament that this is their policy and there is 'no point' in appealing."

bigshotla · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 17 Nov 2003 Posts: 16

I'm so disheartened by this post. Oxford? Can you write a letter to the Minister of Immigration or education or something?

JCM · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:14 pm Post subject:

I don't think most migrants have anything to fear here.

The person in question got a BA after three years full time study at Oxford which was accepted by the NZQA for immigration purposes.

The person then appeared to have been awarded an MA by Oxford three years later but without any more study.

So the Oxford degree was not worthless. It was accepted for the purposes of immigration. The person who had this degree, however, wanted it to be rated as a full masters degree because this would entitle him to a higher salary as a teacher in New Zealand.

Perhaps someone could clarify this for me. After three years at Oxford as an undergraduate, are you awarded both a BA and an MA?

Gerry · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 4:58 pm Post subject: Oxon. BA = MA

You are essentially correct JMC.

I have met several Oxford graduates who have been awarded an MA after just three years of university study. The MA seems to come later, "in the mail" as it were. I'm not sure that I understand the rationale for this - I would have thought that if the course of study justified the award of a masters degree, it would be awarded immediately.

What has clearly caused the disagreement is the NZQA's decision to take into account years of study, rather than the name given to a degree in assessing its value. They fail to take into account that gaining admission to Oxford requires a higher than average achievement at A level, or whatever it is called these days, and that graduates from Oxford are therefore considered by some, to be of a higher calibre than those other, "lesser" universities, who designate their three year qualification as a BA.
Whether this entitles them to devalue the term "Masters" degree is debatable but it should surely not entitle the recipients to receive any financial advantage over the holders of 3 year degrees from other less hallowed institutions.

Spencer · Testing The Water Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 7