Masters or PhD?
I am going into my third year of a bachelor's in biological sciences. I ultimately want to go into research (to study animal behaviour) but I'm not sure whether to do a masters in research and then a PhD, or try to go straight into a PhD. Is it realistic to apply for PhDs straight away? Or would getting a masters first make more sense?
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Original post by mancity9999
I am going into my third year of a bachelor's in biological sciences. I ultimately want to go into research (to study animal behaviour) but I'm not sure whether to do a masters in research and then a PhD, or try to go straight into a PhD. Is it realistic to apply for PhDs straight away? Or would getting a masters first make more sense?
Speak to your relevant module staff/tutor. The answer is very specific to you and the work you have done so far, grades, aptitude, research etc and your course staff will know better than anyone else what the research opportunities and funding landscape is.
The generic answer is obviously that you could go either way, and there are pro's and cons to each route. But what is best for you is something only your current academics can really say.
Original post by mancity9999
I am going into my third year of a bachelor's in biological sciences. I ultimately want to go into research (to study animal behaviour) but I'm not sure whether to do a masters in research and then a PhD, or try to go straight into a PhD. Is it realistic to apply for PhDs straight away? Or would getting a masters first make more sense?
Hi @mancity9999,
I applied to do a PhD program immediately after undergrad. There are programs that accommodate that but you would need to show that you have relevant experience or skills. The program I joined funds for 1 year completing MRES + 3 for Ph.D.
Since you are in biological science. That is very close to what I was applying to. I have my applications to different PhD programs that are funded and often don't require a master's in the UK. Let me know if you want me to send the name of those programs.
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by mancity9999
I am going into my third year of a bachelor's in biological sciences. I ultimately want to go into research (to study animal behaviour) but I'm not sure whether to do a masters in research and then a PhD, or try to go straight into a PhD. Is it realistic to apply for PhDs straight away? Or would getting a masters first make more sense?
Thats a great question. My youngests about to start zoology bsc, and eldest is in her integrated masters for physics.
I found one at Lincoln which is kind of integrated
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/anbhwlrp/ Upper 2nd class honours ''Most students are initially enrolled on an MPhil programme. After one year, if sufficient progress can be demonstrated, students have the option to transfer to a PhD programme''
There will be lecturers and support at your uni who would know places that do phds as well that dont need a masters, and some that do.
Other masters unis if you wanted to go down that route, Exeter, MMU,Chester, St Andrews,Sussex,Newcastle.
Nothing stopping you pursuing PhD funding & falling back onto a masters then re-applying for the PhD.
But in general a masters with research experience will make you a much stronger candidate for a fully funded PhD. It will also teach you about what type of research methods you enjoy & what topics really motivate you.
But in general a masters with research experience will make you a much stronger candidate for a fully funded PhD. It will also teach you about what type of research methods you enjoy & what topics really motivate you.
Do masters, most people applying to PhD will have one and the masters year also gives you much more research experience than standard undergrad lab modules. I did a STEM PhD and knew dozens of other STEM PhD candidates, every single one of them had a masters.
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by threeportdrift
Speak to your relevant module staff/tutor. The answer is very specific to you and the work you have done so far, grades, aptitude, research etc and your course staff will know better than anyone else what the research opportunities and funding landscape is.
The generic answer is obviously that you could go either way, and there are pro's and cons to each route. But what is best for you is something only your current academics can really say.
The generic answer is obviously that you could go either way, and there are pro's and cons to each route. But what is best for you is something only your current academics can really say.
Yeah I will do, thanks for your reply!
Original post by 6085
Hi @mancity9999,
I applied to do a PhD program immediately after undergrad. There are programs that accommodate that but you would need to show that you have relevant experience or skills. The program I joined funds for 1 year completing MRES + 3 for Ph.D.
Since you are in biological science. That is very close to what I was applying to. I have my applications to different PhD programs that are funded and often don't require a master's in the UK. Let me know if you want me to send the name of those programs.
I applied to do a PhD program immediately after undergrad. There are programs that accommodate that but you would need to show that you have relevant experience or skills. The program I joined funds for 1 year completing MRES + 3 for Ph.D.
Since you are in biological science. That is very close to what I was applying to. I have my applications to different PhD programs that are funded and often don't require a master's in the UK. Let me know if you want me to send the name of those programs.
Ah ok that's good to know, yeah if you wouldn't mind sending me the names that would be amazing, thanks!
Original post by Ghostlady
Thats a great question. My youngests about to start zoology bsc, and eldest is in her integrated masters for physics.
I found one at Lincoln which is kind of integrated
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/anbhwlrp/ Upper 2nd class honours ''Most students are initially enrolled on an MPhil programme. After one year, if sufficient progress can be demonstrated, students have the option to transfer to a PhD programme''
There will be lecturers and support at your uni who would know places that do phds as well that dont need a masters, and some that do.
Other masters unis if you wanted to go down that route, Exeter, MMU,Chester, St Andrews,Sussex,Newcastle.
I found one at Lincoln which is kind of integrated
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/anbhwlrp/ Upper 2nd class honours ''Most students are initially enrolled on an MPhil programme. After one year, if sufficient progress can be demonstrated, students have the option to transfer to a PhD programme''
There will be lecturers and support at your uni who would know places that do phds as well that dont need a masters, and some that do.
Other masters unis if you wanted to go down that route, Exeter, MMU,Chester, St Andrews,Sussex,Newcastle.
thank you that's really helpful, I will have a look into the integrated option!
Original post by mnot
Nothing stopping you pursuing PhD funding & falling back onto a masters then re-applying for the PhD.
But in general a masters with research experience will make you a much stronger candidate for a fully funded PhD. It will also teach you about what type of research methods you enjoy & what topics really motivate you.
But in general a masters with research experience will make you a much stronger candidate for a fully funded PhD. It will also teach you about what type of research methods you enjoy & what topics really motivate you.
yeah that's a good point actually, I'll see what my tutor says but that might be the route I take, thanks!
Original post by Plantagenet Crown
Do masters, most people applying to PhD will have one and the masters year also gives you much more research experience than standard undergrad lab modules. I did a STEM PhD and knew dozens of other STEM PhD candidates, every single one of them had a masters.
Ah ok that's useful to know, I think I could do with gaining more research experience potentially, thanks!
Original post by Plantagenet Crown
Do masters, most people applying to PhD will have one and the masters year also gives you much more research experience than standard undergrad lab modules. I did a STEM PhD and knew dozens of other STEM PhD candidates, every single one of them had a masters.
I definitely agree with this ^
I'm currently doing a PhD after my master's and the master's definitely aids you in getting the research experience that they're looking for! My friend applied for a PhD straight from undergrad and didn't get in for that reason. But, if you've done a lot of research assistant roles/have significant research experience beyond what you would have gained from your modules/dissertation work or from work experience etc, then you may still be considered, so it depends on you!
Aside from the unique value of your proposed research, one of the main things universities look for is why you would be the best person to do the research. The research experience really helps with that part of the application!
Best of luck with everything!
Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by University of Kent
I definitely agree with this ^
I'm currently doing a PhD after my master's and the master's definitely aids you in getting the research experience that they're looking for! My friend applied for a PhD straight from undergrad and didn't get in for that reason. But, if you've done a lot of research assistant roles/have significant research experience beyond what you would have gained from your modules/dissertation work or from work experience etc, then you may still be considered, so it depends on you!
Aside from the unique value of your proposed research, one of the main things universities look for is why you would be the best person to do the research. The research experience really helps with that part of the application!
Best of luck with everything!
Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep
I'm currently doing a PhD after my master's and the master's definitely aids you in getting the research experience that they're looking for! My friend applied for a PhD straight from undergrad and didn't get in for that reason. But, if you've done a lot of research assistant roles/have significant research experience beyond what you would have gained from your modules/dissertation work or from work experience etc, then you may still be considered, so it depends on you!
Aside from the unique value of your proposed research, one of the main things universities look for is why you would be the best person to do the research. The research experience really helps with that part of the application!
Best of luck with everything!
Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep
Exactly, and if you want to do a PhD so badly it begs the question of why wouldn't you want to do a masters, which is the logical step between undergrad and PhD.
Original post by University of Kent
I definitely agree with this ^
I'm currently doing a PhD after my master's and the master's definitely aids you in getting the research experience that they're looking for! My friend applied for a PhD straight from undergrad and didn't get in for that reason. But, if you've done a lot of research assistant roles/have significant research experience beyond what you would have gained from your modules/dissertation work or from work experience etc, then you may still be considered, so it depends on you!
Aside from the unique value of your proposed research, one of the main things universities look for is why you would be the best person to do the research. The research experience really helps with that part of the application!
Best of luck with everything!
Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep
I'm currently doing a PhD after my master's and the master's definitely aids you in getting the research experience that they're looking for! My friend applied for a PhD straight from undergrad and didn't get in for that reason. But, if you've done a lot of research assistant roles/have significant research experience beyond what you would have gained from your modules/dissertation work or from work experience etc, then you may still be considered, so it depends on you!
Aside from the unique value of your proposed research, one of the main things universities look for is why you would be the best person to do the research. The research experience really helps with that part of the application!
Best of luck with everything!
Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep
Thanks! that's useful to know, I think I could benefit from more research experience tbh
Original post by Plantagenet Crown
Exactly, and if you want to do a PhD so badly it begs the question of why wouldn't you want to do a masters, which is the logical step between undergrad and PhD.
yeah I get what your saying, to be honest I just wasn't sure if a masters was necessary, but it looks like it would help me gain more research skills and make a more competitive PhD application
Original post by mancity9999
yeah I get what your saying, to be honest I just wasn't sure if a masters was necessary, but it looks like it would help me gain more research skills and make a more competitive PhD application
Even though many PhD positions may not explicitly state that having a masters is necessary the fact that the overwhelming majority of successful candidates do have one means it can be considered a requirement in practice.
Original post by mancity9999
yeah I get what your saying, to be honest I just wasn't sure if a masters was necessary, but it looks like it would help me gain more research skills and make a more competitive PhD application
I know students who are unable to complete a master's due to funding. Instead, they apply to research assistant roles in a lab setting. This gives them the leverage they need compared to other candidates
Original post by mancity9999
Ah ok that's good to know, yeah if you wouldn't mind sending me the names that would be amazing, thanks!
Wellcome Trust offers a range of fully funded PhD schemes (some contain funded masters) across the UK:
For more info check out here:
https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/schemes/four-year-phd-programmes-studentships-basic-scientists
ICR
https://www.icr.ac.uk/studying-and-training/phds-for-science-graduates/phd-studentship-projects
Crick
https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-study/students/phd-students
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training
https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/mrc/doctoral-training-partnership-dtp/
For other fully funded PhD programs in biological science in the UK:
https://www.findaphd.com/phds/united-kingdom/biological-sciences/uk-students/?h1M78c10&Keywords=fully+funded
In case you want to do a funded masters :
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/
Original post by 6085
Wellcome Trust offers a range of fully funded PhD schemes (some contain funded masters) across the UK:
For more info check out here:
https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/schemes/four-year-phd-programmes-studentships-basic-scientists
ICR
https://www.icr.ac.uk/studying-and-training/phds-for-science-graduates/phd-studentship-projects
Crick
https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-study/students/phd-students
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training
https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/mrc/doctoral-training-partnership-dtp/
For other fully funded PhD programs in biological science in the UK:
https://www.findaphd.com/phds/united-kingdom/biological-sciences/uk-students/?h1M78c10&Keywords=fully+funded
In case you want to do a funded masters :
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/
For more info check out here:
https://wellcome.org/grant-funding/schemes/four-year-phd-programmes-studentships-basic-scientists
ICR
https://www.icr.ac.uk/studying-and-training/phds-for-science-graduates/phd-studentship-projects
Crick
https://www.crick.ac.uk/careers-study/students/phd-students
EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training
https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/mrc/doctoral-training-partnership-dtp/
For other fully funded PhD programs in biological science in the UK:
https://www.findaphd.com/phds/united-kingdom/biological-sciences/uk-students/?h1M78c10&Keywords=fully+funded
In case you want to do a funded masters :
https://nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/
thanks that's really helpful!
Original post by mancity9999
I am going into my third year of a bachelor's in biological sciences. I ultimately want to go into research (to study animal behaviour) but I'm not sure whether to do a masters in research and then a PhD, or try to go straight into a PhD. Is it realistic to apply for PhDs straight away? Or would getting a masters first make more sense?
@mancity9999
It is true that a masters is not required for a lot of PhD's, however, if everyone else who applies for it already has a masters you are competing against them and they have an advantage. Some areas are more competitive than others, noticeably competitive areas include subjects like radiography. It is probably best speaking to a subject specialist in your area to find the best exact route.
Good luck to Man City this year from a Stockport County fan!
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
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