Hull vs St Andrews

Hi everyone,

I already hold an Mres in Anthropology but I am looking to apply for PhD programmes in 2026 in AI/Data science (specially Large Language Models from Anthropological perspective). As I have very little training in AI I thought it would be beneficial if I get a good grounding at level 7 before the PhD (just like an anthropologist would learn a new language etc). I cant afford a standard AI MSc as I have already used student finance on my previous Mres.

My question is would you do an MSC Computer Science by research at Hull University or a PGCert in Computer Science from St Andrews? They are both approx 5000 pounds and the research topic at Hull is directly related to the research area I want to focus on at PhD level. Any advice would be very welcome. Does it matter where i do this transitional masters or is more about what you do during the masters the research etc? (my previous undergrad and Mres are from the University of London). Thank you!

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Aerial Beaumont

Hi everyone,
I already hold an Mres in Anthropology but I am looking to apply for PhD programmes in 2026 in AI/Data science (specially Large Language Models from Anthropological perspective). As I have very little training in AI I thought it would be beneficial if I get a good grounding at level 7 before the PhD (just like an anthropologist would learn a new language etc). I cant afford a standard AI MSc as I have already used student finance on my previous Mres.
My question is would you do an MSC Computer Science by research at Hull University or a PGCert in Computer Science from St Andrews? They are both approx 5000 pounds and the research topic at Hull is directly related to the research area I want to focus on at PhD level. Any advice would be very welcome. Does it matter where i do this transitional masters or is more about what you do during the masters the research etc? (my previous undergrad and Mres are from the University of London). Thank you!

I would pick what you want to focus on at PHD level as it'll make everything so much more straightforward in the long run. You would have had the experience as well from the course