also applying for masters and phd?

**icecream** · 13-11-2007, 02:07 AM

Looking for some advice ^^

Im currently a final year undergraduate student, and applied for medicine this year, and considering medicine is very difficult to get into, im unsure if i want to also apply for a masters as well this year.

im sure even after a masters i would want to go into medicine but i just don't know how many years its going to take before i get in, and i think taking a masters in the meantime will help me get a related job in science if i fail to get into medicine for quite a while.

I was wondering for those who have a masters, what made you choose the postgrad course? When do you have to apply?

i have an interest in neuroscience after sudying aspects of it during my 2nd year and my final year research proj, but im unsure if applying for a neuroscience msc will be too specific..my other option is to apply for a molecular genetics based msc, which would probably give me a better range of techniques and understanding.

anyone else in their final year contemplating on applying to masters this year aswell??

Sorry for the long-winded question.. i know its early days still but i've got no interviews as yet, and im feeling pretty unconfident about my application this year too... so im just trying to find out what my options are if i don't get in this time round.

Thank you ^.^

**Arch_Angel** · 13-11-2007, 02:15 AM

I'm thinking exactly the same thing. I'm told it's very do-able.

My plan is to apply for MPhil. with the expressed intent of not going on to do a PhD (which is the usual course) if I get in next year, BUT also I want to leave myself open to do the other 2 years of the PhD if I don't get in. This way I get paid and I'm still in full time education

(Don't steal my idea)

Nik

**ejc** · 13-11-2007, 02:19 AM

I posted more or less the exact same question (the thread is somewhere, it is called "And if I don't get a place..." or somesuch).
Advice that I am getting from my uni's careers advice people is to apply for PhD or MSc, to increase my options. The way I look at it, if I was applying for graduate careers I would not only apply to one organisation.
However, the prospect of completing those application forms seems daunting after I put my heart and soul into ucas and ukcat.
Best of luck
ejc x

**icecream** · 13-11-2007, 02:25 AM

Thanks for the quick replies guys!

a phd is such a commitment, i was told in the careers talk that universities won't like the fact that you are 2 years into a phd and leave half way for medicine, as it shows a lack of commitment, also it takes away the chance from someone who really wanted to go into research and needed a phd.

i thought a mphil was the same as a phd, or is there a slight difference?

What about Mres? ive seen quite a few different courses available but none of them are stating the time it takes to complete a mres.. which is annoying .. !!

thanks ejc im gonig to look for that thread now.

**Arch_Angel** · 13-11-2007, 02:37 AM

MSc - Master of Science. Taught course. Very similar to BSc. In science a taught masters isn't really worth much more than a BSc. The material is only very slightly higher level. For example, in my second year there was a module that was level 2, level 3 and MSc all combined together.

MPhil - Master of Philosophy. What is basically a starter course to a PhD. Athough not worth nearly as much as a PhD they only tend to last for a year. The usual course of action for a PhD is to enroll on a MPhil then be upgraded to PhD student at the end of your first year.

MRes -Master of Research. Much the same as MPhil

Hope this helps

Oh, also, MSc you pay for, the other two you can usually get grants for so they pay you.

**icecream** · 13-11-2007, 06:51 AM

ah ok thanks for that arch angel.
What sort of masters will you guys be applying for? its quite a tough one to decide between something quite broad and practical, or something for personal interest, though i think my first concern is to contact a few lecturers and find someone to write my 2nd reference :?

**Arch_Angel** · 13-11-2007, 07:15 AM

I'm gonna go for MPhil and tell them my intentions.

In a perfect world I'd get a place on medicine in my first year. Failing that I'd go do a MPhil somewhere and get paid to do it then get into medicine on my second year. Failing that I intend to carry the MPhil on to a PhD (an extra 2 years after the completion of the Mphil) then go for medicine.

That's my plan

They've just got a shiny new building full of labs in Swansea (where I am now) so I'll prob go for there.

As for subjects, I dunno. Probably something Genetics based, but research can be quite broad...

**ejc** · 13-11-2007, 05:55 PM

I'm planning to apply for a 4 year PhD program in a 1+3 format. The first year involves short research projects sometimes combined with short taught modules, and results in a Masters qualification (MRes or MSc), and leads into one three-year PhD project.
There are several institutions offering such courses.
ejc x

**ecoboy** · 13-11-2007, 06:41 PM

Currently doing a phd in epidemiology.

really I would suggest a phd is no substitute for doing med if thats what you want to do.

I think an MSc in something alied to medicine would be a good fall back, as you could get valuble experience, plus it will enhance future medic applications.

However a PhD means you cant do anything for 3 - 4 years really. PLus its bloody difficult to get any volunteer work during a phd as you are constantly busy with research.

anyway my 2cents.

**icecream** · 22-11-2007, 04:29 PM

There's a UOL postgraduate fair next tuesday 4-8pm at the ULU, malet street; would be quite good for those interested in looking for postgrad. opps at UOL unis, well i can't remember the website now :S but don't need to book can just turn up on the day too.