Quote:
Originally Posted by eJohn
Does anyone have one? What use are they? When do you have to start applying for them? How much do they end up costing you? How much work is involved, and is it worth it overall?
I'm approaching the end of my third year of uni and considering either a masters or a phd (not likely). Money is an issue, but one i can deal with (not bothered about going into lots of debt). Not ready to work yet, to be honest, and id like to earn more qualifications.
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What subject are you doing?
I did a masters and am now doing a PhD. I applied for mine in December time and was accepted by Jan/Feb i think. Generally the earlier you apply the better although some people on my course applied late (June/July to start in September) and still got accepted. I guess it depends how popular the course is.
I wouldnt say there was too much more work than my degree and i actually found it easier but that may just be because my degree was stupidly hard.
It cost me £3000 in tuition fees and i got a £1000 bursary. I guess with top up fees it will be closer to 9 grand now although you might be able to get some kind of funding.
My masters was definitely worth it seeing as it got me on to my PhD. In terms of jobs it probably puts you slightly above someone of an equal level to you who 'only' has a degree.
PhDs are a different issue in terms of when to apply and how much work you do etc. If you arent sure i wouldnt do a PhD, you have to be certain if you are going to spend 3-4 years doing one. Do a masters first if you arent certain then see how you feel after that. Funding tends not to be too difficult to get for UK students doing PhDs as long as its not too obscure an area.
Edit:
I had written more before i accidently deleted it all then decided just to quickly type up that before going for a coffee break (PhDs are hard work really). Lets see if i can remember some of the other stuff i said originally.
I imagine in an employers eyes a masters would put you slightly ahead of someone just with a degree. Whether its worth it financially i dont know. I think i once saw figures of science masters students on average being payed 2 grand more than someone with a degree but dont quote me on the figures.
In terms of work involved it probably depends on your subject. I did about 20-25 hours of lectures/practicals a week. The amount of coursework i had varied, sometimes it was pretty hectic and other months were relaxed. I did a 3 month industrial placement over the summer for which i had to write up a dissertation.
If you do go ahead and apply i would definitely looking into funding/bursaries. Most unis offer some kind of bursary either on a first come first serve basis or on merit. From my experience they tend not to be very well advertised and are usually restricted to UK or EU students, so if your course is full of Chinese students like mine was or not everyone on the course knew that bursaries existed then it vastly increases your chances of getting one.