Impact of Masters on PhD

I was set on doing a Masters in European Studies/European Politics at LSE or UCL after my undergrad (one year left to go at a top Australian uni, hopefully with a first in Politics and German).
Funding seems next to non-existent for international students though, so I'm considering politics or history at the Free University/Humboldt University Berlin (I've exchanged there for a year already).
The mental hurdle is that my undergrad uni is ranked more highly- so Germany is the financially viable/responsible option but not a step up in prestige per se... (?)
Can anyone comment on my chances of 'trading up' to a PhD at a top-tier UK uni after this? Does the choice of uni for Masters have much effect?

I assume they look at marks and interest in the subject above all, but still, any advice is welcome!

Reply 1

Klix88

17

With a UK PhD application, it's more about your academic achievement and potential than the ranking and reputation of your undergrad or Masters uni. If you want a chance at competing for funding (whch you'll still find is very hard to find, especially in the Humanities), then you're best advised to get a Distinction of the equivalent, as well as having a First or equivalent at undergrad.

"Trading up" is common in the UK. I have former undergrad colleagues from a lower ranking former poly, who went on to postgrad at UCL and Oxbridge. And whilst it sounds slightly banal, you'll be a full fee paying International student, which tends to make you a very attractive candidate in the UK.

But essentially, a UK PhD application is about you rather than your past universities.

Reply 2

madamemerle

10

I'm not sure of your field (Poli Sci?) and what the importance of uni name is at PhD; but I can tell you that the concept of 'trading up,' as you're describing it, is a bit of an anathema in my field (and in the humanities generally) unless you meaning 'trading up' for a supervisor who is respected and well known in your field (the uni itself doesn't matter all that much, especially if you get funding). If I used your terminology on myself, you'd say that I 'traded down' by going from an Oxford BA to almost anywhere, including my MA and PhD institutions, but to try and do my research at Oxford would be nonsensical to me because they have literally no-one that does my speciality; the best possible university for my work in the UK is probably UEA.

Sometimes, of course, Oxford or Cambridge or UCL, or wherever, is the best place for your research, but don't assume that because they are highly placed in whatever ranking that they are a good place to work on your specialism.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 3

pankow13

OP

Thanks! I wasn't sure how relevant or truthful the 'trading up' idea was, so to know that image and rankings only counts for so much is reassuring (especially when moving from one continent to another and trying to ensure your plans are feasible). Cheers.

Reply 4

jelly1000

21

Original post by pankow13

I was set on doing a Masters in European Studies/European Politics at LSE or UCL after my undergrad (one year left to go at a top Australian uni, hopefully with a first in Politics and German).
Funding seems next to non-existent for international students though, so I'm considering politics or history at the Free University/Humboldt University Berlin (I've exchanged there for a year already).
The mental hurdle is that my undergrad uni is ranked more highly- so Germany is the financially viable/responsible option but not a step up in prestige per se... (?)
Can anyone comment on my chances of 'trading up' to a PhD at a top-tier UK uni after this? Does the choice of uni for Masters have much effect?

I assume they look at marks and interest in the subject above all, but still, any advice is welcome!

Funding is almost next to non existent for home students in humanities subjects as well.

Impact of Masters on PhD

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