Does institution prestige matter for a PhD?
I've just started a PhD program (neuroscience discipline) at a smaller, non-RG institution. I'm enjoying what I'm doing so far but can't help worry about the prestige of my institution, and whether that will affect me obtaining post-doc positions at better universities, and therefore better academic positions in the future.
I have a strong enough academic background to get into some of the more 'prestigious' universities, but opted for my current one because it's a strong research project. How much more weight would a PhD from a UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham.. hold over one from a 'lesser' university?
I have a strong enough academic background to get into some of the more 'prestigious' universities, but opted for my current one because it's a strong research project. How much more weight would a PhD from a UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham.. hold over one from a 'lesser' university?
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
If it helps, several of my tutors at Oxford had PhDs from non-RG institutions. I wouldn't worry.
Reply 2
2
Thanks for that, it does a little. I feel like any professor I hear from Oxbridge typically did all or some of there previous study there too.
Reply 3
Original post
by Jrogers98I've just started a PhD program (neuroscience discipline) at a smaller, non-RG institution. I'm enjoying what I'm doing so far but can't help worry about the prestige of my instition, and whether that will affect me obtaining post-doc positions at better universities, and therefore better academic positions in the future.
I have a strong enough academic background to get into some of the more 'prestigious' universities, but opted for my current one because it's a strong research project. How much more weight would a PhD from a UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham.. hold over one from a 'lesser' university?
I have a strong enough academic background to get into some of the more 'prestigious' universities, but opted for my current one because it's a strong research project. How much more weight would a PhD from a UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham.. hold over one from a 'lesser' university?
I dont think it really matters. Daughter did the other way round. she got an intergrated masters at a Non RG and now is at an RG with her phd. They certainly didnt look down on the fact she came from a non RG uni. If you are enjoying your phd and you have all the support you need there, then thats a great thing. I personally would hate to do a phd because its a 'prestige' uni and not enjoy the phd, or find it mundane. Its neuroscience, so I really dont think you will have any troubles for work.
Reply 4
Original post
by Jrogers98I've just started a PhD program (neuroscience discipline) at a smaller, non-RG institution. I'm enjoying what I'm doing so far but can't help worry about the prestige of my instition, and whether that will affect me obtaining post-doc positions at better universities, and therefore better academic positions in the future.
I have a strong enough academic background to get into some of the more 'prestigious' universities, but opted for my current one because it's a strong research project. How much more weight would a PhD from a UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham.. hold over one from a 'lesser' university?
I have a strong enough academic background to get into some of the more 'prestigious' universities, but opted for my current one because it's a strong research project. How much more weight would a PhD from a UCL, KCL, Bristol, Durham.. hold over one from a 'lesser' university?
The prestige of a PhD lies first in whether you get funding, and then the Supervisor or research group. University prestige only matters for audiences that don't really know what a PhD is.
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