Doing a PhD immediately after 1YFT MSc
I got admitted to the Pure Mathematics Master's program (1YFT) at Imperial College London (I am an international student).
Imperial might be the best place (in the world) for me based on my research interests (Group Theory), and most of the professors I want to work with are either in the UK or in Italy. However, I am wondering if this is worth the money.
Moreover, there is a timeline issue: If I want to apply for a PhD for the Fall 2026 season (the masters is for Fall 2025), then the deadline would be December/January 2026, not giving me enough time to work with anyone in Imperial (and get a letter of recommendation). Thus, I am wondering if it would be worth going to Imperial (I have the backup option of remaining at my Bachelor's student and do my master's thesis, which will lead to Master's degree).
How would things work if I wanted to do a PhD in the UK or even the rest of Europe? Would there be a timeline issue in this case too?
Also, part of my is worried that the only reason I got the offer is that I am an international student, so their financial gain is why they would have accepted me.
I am sorry if I said anything incorrectly - I am just panicking and very worried about this decision, which I have to give them in three days. Any advice is helpful!
Imperial might be the best place (in the world) for me based on my research interests (Group Theory), and most of the professors I want to work with are either in the UK or in Italy. However, I am wondering if this is worth the money.
Moreover, there is a timeline issue: If I want to apply for a PhD for the Fall 2026 season (the masters is for Fall 2025), then the deadline would be December/January 2026, not giving me enough time to work with anyone in Imperial (and get a letter of recommendation). Thus, I am wondering if it would be worth going to Imperial (I have the backup option of remaining at my Bachelor's student and do my master's thesis, which will lead to Master's degree).
How would things work if I wanted to do a PhD in the UK or even the rest of Europe? Would there be a timeline issue in this case too?
Also, part of my is worried that the only reason I got the offer is that I am an international student, so their financial gain is why they would have accepted me.
I am sorry if I said anything incorrectly - I am just panicking and very worried about this decision, which I have to give them in three days. Any advice is helpful!
Reply 1
Hello 
Well done for being admitted to study the Pure Mathematics Masters Programme at Imperial, what a super outcome! Whilst I don't study at Imperial, I thought I would still offer a couple of suggestions for what I would do, though I'm not an expert in admissions at all, so these are merely what I'd do in your situation as I understand it from your post. Firstly, it might depend on where you want to study for your PhD and you will need to find a supervisor in a university who is able to work with you. This would be the first step you would need to take once you have your research proposal in mind. When you find the supervisor, I would discuss with them the timeline issue that you have and the question of the letter of recommendation. I would also approach Imperial and enquire if you would be able to acquire a letter of recommendation within the time window that you have. Given that the Masters degree is only a year, by January 2026 the tutors may have a strong enough idea of your work to be in a position to give the letter, but this would be something to discuss with them.
Could you discuss your dilemma with any of your current tutors on your undergraduate course? Being in the field they will, I'm sure, be able to suggest potential supervisors and offer some advice about the Masters degree at Imperial.
I am not sure about the issue of funding, being in a different area of academia to mathematics, I don't really know how funding works in this field, though if you approach someone in the financial section of the student room I'm sure that they will be able to help you.
I hope this is of help, good luck with your academic journey
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester
Well done for being admitted to study the Pure Mathematics Masters Programme at Imperial, what a super outcome! Whilst I don't study at Imperial, I thought I would still offer a couple of suggestions for what I would do, though I'm not an expert in admissions at all, so these are merely what I'd do in your situation as I understand it from your post. Firstly, it might depend on where you want to study for your PhD and you will need to find a supervisor in a university who is able to work with you. This would be the first step you would need to take once you have your research proposal in mind. When you find the supervisor, I would discuss with them the timeline issue that you have and the question of the letter of recommendation. I would also approach Imperial and enquire if you would be able to acquire a letter of recommendation within the time window that you have. Given that the Masters degree is only a year, by January 2026 the tutors may have a strong enough idea of your work to be in a position to give the letter, but this would be something to discuss with them.
Could you discuss your dilemma with any of your current tutors on your undergraduate course? Being in the field they will, I'm sure, be able to suggest potential supervisors and offer some advice about the Masters degree at Imperial.
I am not sure about the issue of funding, being in a different area of academia to mathematics, I don't really know how funding works in this field, though if you approach someone in the financial section of the student room I'm sure that they will be able to help you.
I hope this is of help, good luck with your academic journey
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- After Law, MSc Psychology (Conversion) [Clinical Psychologist]
- MSc vs MSci vs MRes in Biomedicine
- Bangor or Swansea for the MSc in Clinical Psychology?
- Civil Engineering
- Am I too old? - Career Change - MSc Psychology Conversion
- Pass (62%) at MSc, chances for PhD at the same university with funding secured?
- What job opportunities do I have after studying astrophysics at uni?
- Another Master's or wait for PhD (advice plz!)
- LSE Postgraduate 2025 Applicant thread
- Mathematics MSc (1 year) in Kings College London vs Bristol University
- MSc in Advanced Computer Science at UEA or elsewhere?
- Questions about MSc Gravity, Particles and Fields at Nottingham
- Oxford PhD/MSc with a 2.2 but a Distinction Masters? (STEM)
- The official Cranfield University Ask Us Anything
- MSc Offers
- Feeling stuck in my degree (want to do PhD but dont want to stay for MEng [masters])
- Becoming a Neuropsychologist or Neuroscientist
- Cranfield University or University of Sheffield not able to choose!
- UCL Postgraduate Applicants 2025
- PhD straight after MSc?
Latest
Trending
Last reply 6 months ago
I accidentally fixed a problem at uni and now I'm stuck. What would you do?Last reply 7 months ago
Am I too old? - Career Change - MSc Psychology ConversionLast reply 8 months ago
Have I missed my opportunity for UoM postgrad this year?Last reply 9 months ago
Does undergraduate class matter as much if you do a masters?Last reply 1 year ago
Guidance on Institutions that could guarantee hire after graduation.Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
