Hello people of TSR! New to forums here..
I am a second year undergrad from Nagoya University, Japan. I am majoring in Chem and Bio engineering. I am not actually japanese..an international student (in case some of you are curious).
Recently, I've begun exploring the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in the UK; so far, I've looked at phD programs at cambridge, oxford, imperial, Manchester and such like (been looking at potential supervisors and reading up on their work), and I have a few questions about this..
a) Would it be wise to apply for a masters course, (UK or elsewhere) before I make an application to a phD program? I'd love to hear phD students in chemistry and allied fields weigh in on this..
or, in other words: what is the relative proportion of people applying with or without masters degrees, or rather what is the relative proportion of successful applicants with or without masters degrees.
b) Typically, for undergrads who apply without a masters..is expected of them to have some significant experience doing research. (At my university, I'll be working on a project in my final year for my graduation thesis; besides that since I am keen on getting my toes wet I've been trying to look for some other research related opportunities that I might pursue in my second/third year at uni).
c) I am studying at Nagoya as part of the G30 international programs, a relatively new initiative undertaken by the japanese govt. It saw its first graduating class last fall. Does coming from a fresh program, from an otherwise well reputed university disadvantage me in anyway.
d) Often universities encourage you to contact potential supervisors. What would be a good time to establish this contact?
Misc. infor.: I have an undergraduate gpa of 4.08/4.3 (highest in my year among the people in my major, i think); my interests (though constantly evolving) are in supra-molecular chemistrs, systems chemistry, self-assemblies etc. I'm expected to graduate in 2018 (fall)..so I would be applying sometime in 2017 (expect to finish applications dec 2017~ Jan 2018..give or take)
[Additionally, I might consider applying to graduate programs in the US..not exactly relevant]