As a preliminary to applying for postgraduate programmes (which seem to be my sole option for a UK visa with the elimination of points for BAs and most US MAs from the Tier 1 scheme), I applied to UK NARIC for a statement of comparability. After beginning the process on line (basically, paying for it), sending off all of the required papers by mail, I waited and waited and eventually received a statement that my undergraduate degree was comparable to a UK Bachelors degree. No evaluation of class, not even any evaluation of honours v. ordinary.
I wrote back via email and pointed this omission out. They replied that, essentially, it's way too hard for them to actually evaluate all the material one sends them and make actual comparisons because degree programs vary so wildly, so they just sort of fudge up an answer as best they can. (I am, of course, paraphrasing rather broadly.
)
I wrote back and said well, if they couldn't give me an estimate as to class (though why do they need my transcript if they're not going to do so?), but could they at least certify that it was equivalent to an honours degree (which it is, based on their metrics), since (as I had told them), the point of my enquiry was to apply to postgraduate programmes, who aren't going to look at someone with an ordinary degree. They replied that they don't issue that sort of evaluation but leave it to the universities being applied to to make that decision.
Well, that's obviously not true, since the example statement letter they post on their website makes a statement of comparability to an honours degree. And their code of practice lists the discriminating factors between Band 9 ("Comparable to British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree standard") and Band 10 ("Comparable to British Bachelor (Honours) degree standard").
So I've written off to their review process, asking for a re-evaluation. We'll see what happens.
(What I find galling about the replies from the UK NARIC person I've been corresponding with is that they include some very glaring errors of grammar and usage--someone rather poorly educated is deciding what my educational qualifications are? oh, joy!)
All of that said, I'm actually very excited about what I've found in looking at potgraduate programs, as I've encountered some postgraduate programmes that I would find fascinating and would both build on long-neglected parts of my undergraduate study and possibly open new and totally different career paths for me in the future.
The question I mentioned in the subject line is this: is it possible to apply for an extension or a new visa while in the UK on a Tier 4 visa? The reason I ask is that a number of programs begin with a diploma course and then continue to a masters if you successfully complete the first portion. Also, what if I were to complete a masters and wish to then begin a different program (a different masters or a research doctorate)? Would I need to leave and begin again, or could I apply for new visa from the UK during the post-study period or while on a Tier 1 after-graduation visa?
