UNISA Exams

[Genisys]

I agree. And by writing the exams you get the degree. So even though it teaches you those fundamental concepts and principles, you can learn those fundamental concepts and principles on the job as well. Leaving only silly exams to get by to get your piece of paper saying you know stuffs.

I'm surprised at the archaic rhetoric here. Would have thought embracing quicker learning/faster degrees incurring less debt using technology available to us today would be the mentality of forum goers here

Have you contacted the University to ask them this question? Did they respond?

 

[vic777]

The RPL you see with regards to Australia is not the same as the RPL you see mentioned on the UNISA site. If you want to emigrate to Australia on a skilled visa program, you can write a RPL challenge with the Australian computer society where they determine how much you know. This has nothing to do with UNISA's RPL programme, where they allow you to apply to skip certain modules based on either past experience or other certificates. In the past, UNISA allowed you to apply for certain first year modules with regards to RPL. This does not mean you can apply to skip all modules based on experience.

RPL decisions at UNISA usually go one of two ways: either you prove you can do the work by writing the exam without doing the module, or you provide proof that you have the required knowledge by providing work samples and certificates.

 

[vic777]

I agree. And by writing the exams you get the degree. So even though it teaches you those fundamental concepts and principles, you can learn those fundamental concepts and principles on the job as well. Leaving only silly exams to get by to get your piece of paper saying you know stuffs.

I'm surprised at the archaic rhetoric here. Would have thought embracing quicker learning/faster degrees incurring less debt using technology available to us today would be the mentality of forum goers here

It doesn't matter what people think on this forum - most universities around the world would not allow you to get the degree by only writing exams.

Also, you don't always get tested on 100% of the work you do in a module with regards to an exam. There are other assessment methods during the semester, like assignments and practicals, which also test your knowledge.

 

[longboy]

A degree teaches fundamental concepts and principles, it isn't about just writing exams.

False. A degree teaches you patience and forces you to plan properly.

 

[halfmoonforever]

Have you contacted the University to ask them this question? Did they respond?

Yes, I'm waiting for the science & technology RPL advisor to get back to me to see what my options are.

The RPL you see with regards to Australia is not the same as the RPL you see mentioned on the UNISA site. If you want to emigrate to Australia on a skilled visa program, you can write a RPL challenge with the Australian computer society where they determine how much you know. This has nothing to do with UNISA's RPL programme, where they allow you to apply to skip certain modules based on either past experience or other certificates. In the past, UNISA allowed you to apply for certain first year modules with regards to RPL. This does not mean you can apply to skip all modules based on experience.

RPL decisions at UNISA usually go one of two ways: either you prove you can do the work by writing the exam without doing the module, or you provide proof that you have the required knowledge by providing work samples and certificates.

Thanks for the insight, I see what you're saying, the ACS did say to get an RPL certificate, didn't know it had to be specifically through them and not another recognized varsity. It did lead me to a path I didn't know existed though.

most universities around the world would not allow you to get the degree by only writing exams.

Tell that to the thousands of people doing a 3 year degree in 1 year. There are multiple accredited universities allowing this all over the world. It's not a new thing either. But it's okay if you want to justify the few hundred thousand you had to spend on your degree and the time wasted on campus.

Also, you don't always get tested on 100% of the work you do in a module with regards to an exam. There are other assessment methods during the semester, like assignments and practicals, which also test your knowledge.

Yes, I know that. I'm getting the idea that you think you're speaking to some kind of moron? I might be... who knows... but I would think that 15 years of work experience trumps the little assignments/practicals you get to "test your knowledge"... wouldn't you think? Or are you going to rebut with some kind of snotty comment again?

 

[^^vampire^^]

Yep, I was looking into emigration laws for Australia (I'd like to go there or Canada, maybe NZ or Alaska,but preferably Canada), and without a degree it sucks a bit without securing a job first. So when I saw Aus allowing for an RPL, it made me wonder WTF it is/where I would get one. Found the link on Unisa.

RPL through Unisa is to put towards your degree at UNISA so you can shorten the degree. RPL for immigration IS NOT the same thing.

If you are doing RPL for immigration you have to find the specific authority to validate this based on the field you work in. IE, if you do software development and have no degree you have to pay for your experience to be validated by the Australian Computing Society (ACS). Will cost about $500. Also check on their website they have a full guide on what is required for RPL etc.

If you are looking to immigrate to Aus there is a South Africans immigrating to Australia group with MARA registered agents and people that can answer questions. Also look at saaustralia.org - immigration is an expensive thing to screw up.

 

[^^vampire^^]

Yes, I'm waiting for the science & technology RPL advisor to get back to me to see what my options are.



Thanks for the insight, I see what you're saying, the ACS did say to get an RPL certificate, didn't know it had to be specifically through them and not another recognized varsity. It did lead me to a path I didn't know existed though.



Tell that to the thousands of people doing a 3 year degree in 1 year. There are multiple accredited universities allowing this all over the world. It's not a new thing either. But it's okay if you want to justify the few hundred thousand you had to spend on your degree and the time wasted on campus.



Yes, I know that. I'm getting the idea that you think you're speaking to some kind of moron? I might be... who knows... but I would think that 15 years of work experience trumps the little assignments/practicals you get to "test your knowledge"... wouldn't you think? Or are you going to rebut with some kind of snotty comment again?

Aside from the advice given in this thread I think you need to check you attitude.

People are correct in saying that staying the course of a degree at a university teaches fundamentals where short courses / certs bring you up to speed with currently used methods.

The major difference here is that you can have 50 years of experience with no degree, good for you, it doesn't mean you are doing things fundamentally correct. It's not a problem when you are working on small projects but as soon as you have to work in a team or multiple members are working on the same or similar components then you all need to be on the same page. I've seen far too many people with decades of experience make simple mistakes or follow very bad practices because they are self taught. Not saying that is you but it's something to note. This problem is only compounded further down the line where ignorance of matters perpetuates for years.

The fact that you want to call people out as thinking of you as a moron for not agreeing with you rather than accepting/processing their advice or point of view (whether wrong or right) just demonstrates my point of how years of experience can actually mean nothing.

 

[vic777]

Yes, I'm waiting for the science & technology RPL advisor to get back to me to see what my options are.



Thanks for the insight, I see what you're saying, the ACS did say to get an RPL certificate, didn't know it had to be specifically through them and not another recognized varsity. It did lead me to a path I didn't know existed though.



Tell that to the thousands of people doing a 3 year degree in 1 year. There are multiple accredited universities allowing this all over the world. It's not a new thing either. But it's okay if you want to justify the few hundred thousand you had to spend on your degree and the time wasted on campus.



Yes, I know that. I'm getting the idea that you think you're speaking to some kind of moron? I might be... who knows... but I would think that 15 years of work experience trumps the little assignments/practicals you get to "test your knowledge"... wouldn't you think? Or are you going to rebut with some kind of snotty comment again?

Snotty comment? Dude, check your attitude. Pity I wasted my time to respond to you on this thread.