[llacerta]

I've just completed my second year and will be starting my third year in September. I'm thinking about different Masters programmes with a view of subsequently doing a PhD and going into research and lecturing.

I was talking to a lecturer today and she said that it would be better to go straight onto a Masters after undergrad rather than having a year out.

However, I'm torn- I would spend my year out hopefully in a research assistant post of some sort, so it would be relevant experience. This would also give me a chance to save some money to pay for my Masters. Also, I'm concerned that I'm going to be very busy in third year with third year stuff and will find it difficult to spend enough time on my Masters applications.

Finally, I can't help but feel my application to universities would be stronger with my degree in hand, especially if I manage to get that 1st which I've narrowly missed out on these last two years.

Is what my lecturer saying right, that by having a year out I might disadvantage myself? Or are my reasons strong enough to warrant one? Is it a common thing to do?

Thanks for any help, it's much appreciated!

[sj27]

I'd ask the lecturer why she said that. It's not at all uncommon to take a year (or more) out to be able to pay for a master's, and if the work you're doing is relevant I can't see why it would disadvantage you? This is particularly the case if you expect your grades to improve and have something better to show than you do now.

[Politics Student]

You may find it very difficult to find a research assistant position.

My advice would be continue onto a masters ASAP. Basically fees are increasing each year and you really don't want to take a year out to find that the cost is too great.

You should have no issues getting onto a masters.

[flying plum]

It's hard getting RA positions with a masters, but no harm in applying for both. I definitately think working as an RA is good experience prior to doing a PhD though, if you can get it. you might get some publications out of it, and also the experience of doing research 24/7 under your own motivation and time management is a different experience to a masters, and good for working out if a PhD is really for you.

As far as taking a year out...my own personal opinion is that I wish I had done it. not really because i wanted to do anything useful, but more because I've never really taken the time out of 'life' and gone travelling and just done something completely un-work related. it's harder to justify taking that gap after your last qualification, I think. Gap between uni and masters just looks like 'i wanted a gap in between studying'. a gap after your masters looks like 'i'm not a very focussed individual'. so i've never done it, and i kind of regret it now...