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Do I have to do an MSc before a PhD, if I plan on switching methods?

I am currently studying Biology at university, not the best but I am not very interested in it at all. I mean I love Biology but my course is very molecular biology focused or like medicine-aligned, which I have no love for. I mean I am not failing, I'm getting 2:1s for the most part but I find it so dull.

I have done a few modules on Ecology and Evolution and I feel that is where my passion lies, I'll read books about evolution in my spare time, I'm doing really well in the module etc. But if I was wanting to do a PhD in a related field, would I first have to do a taught masters in evolution to really compete?
Original post by Dinasaurus
I am currently studying Biology at university, not the best but I am not very interested in it at all. I mean I love Biology but my course is very molecular biology focused or like medicine-aligned, which I have no love for. I mean I am not failing, I'm getting 2:1s for the most part but I find it so dull.

I have done a few modules on Ecology and Evolution and I feel that is where my passion lies, I'll read books about evolution in my spare time, I'm doing really well in the module etc. But if I was wanting to do a PhD in a related field, would I first have to do a taught masters in evolution to really compete?


Ideally yes especially for funding but you can always apply for both and see what you get.
Reply 2
Original post by alleycat393
Ideally yes especially for funding but you can always apply for both and see what you get.


I know there's a lot of new doctoral training programs but those tend to be MRes first year right not MSc?
Original post by Dinasaurus
I know there's a lot of new doctoral training programs but those tend to be MRes first year right not MSc?


An MRes is a research based masters and an MSc is a taught one. And yes DTPs generally offer an MRes.
Reply 4
Original post by alleycat393
An MRes is a research based masters and an MSc is a taught one. And yes DTPs generally offer an MRes.


Yeah that's what I mean, as I did not really specialise on the topics I want to do further in my undergrad, I doubt I'd be able to effectively carry out a research topic in them at masters level.
Original post by Dinasaurus
Yeah that's what I mean, as I did not really specialise on the topics I want to do further in my undergrad, I doubt I'd be able to effectively carry out a research topic in them at masters level.


That's for the uni to decide. You can apply for a standalone MSc or PhD though. You don't have to apply for a DTP.

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