Does a TCD BA automatically become an MA after a certain period?

wesclark

It's a rumour I've heard several times- with or without the proviso of having to pay a few hundred euro

tolosenc

I'm not sure what the fee is, but yes, if you pay up.

ApeXaviour

You have to wait 3 years.

Here's a thread on the topic:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=317652

xeduCat

Not automatically, i.e. you have to pay for it and get the cert etc before it counts (i.e. you can't just adjust your CV yourself on the third anniversary!) but automatically in the sense that you don't have to do anything than form-filling/paying.

The only real remaining purpose of the MA in Trinity is that it gives a right to participate/vote in meetings of the (University) Senate (not Seanad Éireann, which is a totally different thing, which all graduates get to vote in). Since the 1980s it has been possible for any graduate of TCD (well, Uni of Dublin, more accurately) to get the MA - before that, it was confined to BA graduates.

All taught and research Masters degrees awarded by Trinity have different names (M.Phil, M.Sc etc) so the MA (Dubl) can *only* be obtained through alternative methods (proceeding 3 years after a degree, juri officae (related to period on staff), etc. Within Trinity this is relatively well understood although it can be complicated in the outside world as all Irish universities as well as HETAC (which validates qualifications in the ITs and private sector) use MA/Masters in Arts as the award for various taught and research programmes. Of course anything misleading on a CV etc could get you in trouble with an employer (although not as bad as that poor idiot who was the national science advisor but bought his PhD off the Internet...).

Boston

Afaik by taking the step and paying for a MA you can no longer get state funding in the pursuit of a Masters Degree.

Or tax back.

godtabh

Boston wrote: »

Afaik by taking the step and paying for a MA you can no longer get state funding in the pursuit of a Masters Degree.

What state funding do you get for a masters? I thought you could only claim back tax?

Myth wrote: »

Or tax back.

How come? Lucky I didnt do it this year. Was gona wait till I finished my masters and get them at the same time but I know a few people who didnt wait.

Boston

kearnsr wrote: »

What state funding do you get for a masters? I thought you could only claim back tax?

I took it to mean County Council Grants and the like. But I'm unsure.

How come? Lucky I didnt do it this year. Was gona wait till I finished my masters and get them at the same time but I know a few people who didnt wait.

godtabh

Boston wrote: »

I took it to mean County Council Grants and the like. But I'm unsure.

Just looking back at another thread and it appears you can get it for full time but not part time.

Yup. The tax back thing I've only heard of, and I think the justification of it is that you're getting an MA, so if you get a second qualification at that level you get to pay for it yourself.

alantc

xeduCat wrote: »

Since the 1980s it has been possible for any graduate of TCD (well, Uni of Dublin, more accurately) to get the MA - before that, it was confined to BA graduates.

Any graduate or anyone who studied as an undergraduate?

DublinWriter

I did this myself about five years after my BSc.

I basically wouldn't go around saying that you had a masters degree with that particular MA. In academic circles you are entitled to use it, but in a real world interview situation, you might have some awkward explaining to do.

It's a good day out for friends and family at least.

xeduCat

alantc wrote: »

Any graduate or anyone who studied as an undergraduate?

AFAIK anyone who is a Bachelor of the University; statutes say "MASTER IN ARTS. A Bachelor of at least three years' standing is eligible to proceed to
this degree." So I don't think mere study as an UG student counts but open to correction.

i.e. has completed all necessary exercises and been conferred with a degree (if you have passed the exams but not attended Commencements or been conferred in absentia I think you're still a Candidate Bachelor).

But the three year period starts from when you have passed the exams ("Thus a candidate is of proper standing to take the Degree of M.A. three years after he has passed the examination for the B.A. Degree" - statutes chapter 22 section 2). Apparently this means that it's possible to get two degrees on the same day if you need to.

I think. Obviously as I mentioned there are other ways to get an MA, through service or status.

godtabh

xeduCat wrote: »

Apparently this means that it's possible to get two degrees on the same day if you need to.

Thats what I want to do when I finsih my masters.

catmad

DublinWriter wrote: »

It's a good day out for friends and family at least.

I suppose a wedding would be the same as well.

catmad

catmad wrote: »

I suppose a wedding would be the same as well.

Getting the MA might end up being a little be cheaper.

godtabh

Myth wrote: »

Getting the MA might end up being a little be cheaper.

As opposed to buying a mail order bride?