Masters (MPhil/MSc) during med school? Any advice?
Hey everyone, I'm currently a 3rd year intercalating medical student at a London uni.
I've REALLY enjoyed my intercalated BSc (it was related to neuroscience, anatomy/physiology), and would honestly like another chance to do some more research in a similar field before becoming a doctor.
So I'm thinking: should I go for a master's?
I have a friend who interrupted after 4th year med to do a master's - I'm considering doing something similar, probably at Oxbridge. Cambridge has some really nice looking MPhils - one that caught my eye was MPhil Biological Science (Physiology, Development and Neuroscience). Apparently it's better to interrupt med school rather than do a Master's while being a doctor.
My friend really sold it to me: you get portfolio points, you potentially get a publication and research experience, and obviously a whole degree! I'd also hopefully be qualified for a postgrad course, having done a relevant iBSc (hopefully I'll get a good grade!)
But I'm not sure it's really worth it. As much as I want to do more anatomy/neuro research, I don't know if it would help my future career - I'm thinking of a career in radiology or neurology, so I guess there's some link if I do something imaging/neuroscience related. Obviously it's expensive, but apparently it's less expensive than if I do it now rather than later.
Tbh I just want to have another year doing cool research, maybe it could help me if I wanted to go into academia later on. I don't know if having a biology-related masters would limit me in my medical career - would it be batter to choose a medical science degree instead (although ironically I'm more interested in the biological science side of things!)
Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
I've REALLY enjoyed my intercalated BSc (it was related to neuroscience, anatomy/physiology), and would honestly like another chance to do some more research in a similar field before becoming a doctor.
So I'm thinking: should I go for a master's?
I have a friend who interrupted after 4th year med to do a master's - I'm considering doing something similar, probably at Oxbridge. Cambridge has some really nice looking MPhils - one that caught my eye was MPhil Biological Science (Physiology, Development and Neuroscience). Apparently it's better to interrupt med school rather than do a Master's while being a doctor.
My friend really sold it to me: you get portfolio points, you potentially get a publication and research experience, and obviously a whole degree! I'd also hopefully be qualified for a postgrad course, having done a relevant iBSc (hopefully I'll get a good grade!)
But I'm not sure it's really worth it. As much as I want to do more anatomy/neuro research, I don't know if it would help my future career - I'm thinking of a career in radiology or neurology, so I guess there's some link if I do something imaging/neuroscience related. Obviously it's expensive, but apparently it's less expensive than if I do it now rather than later.
Tbh I just want to have another year doing cool research, maybe it could help me if I wanted to go into academia later on. I don't know if having a biology-related masters would limit me in my medical career - would it be batter to choose a medical science degree instead (although ironically I'm more interested in the biological science side of things!)
Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 1
bump
Have you tried making a list of pros and cons for each? It might help to have it on paper.
Having a look at specialty application requirements might also help depending on max number of points you can get for a category and how much of a difference it makes
Having a look at specialty application requirements might also help depending on max number of points you can get for a category and how much of a difference it makes
Reply 3
17
I'm a fellow/jr attending in the US for context, I think its worth exploring what your goals are. A MPhil in Biological Science won't really do much for you in a career in medicine, especially radiology or neurology.
I also disagree with the sentiment that doing a graduate degree during specialty training is an issue, its very common and could be helpful.
If your plan is that you may consider a career in research, not in medicine, then a MPhil in Bio science may be a good stepping stone to a PhD.
If your plan is firmly to do medicine and this is a side quest, I would advise against it due to the cost and time spent (the MPhil won't help your career, it won't hurt, but its wasted time). I would do it only if cost was not an issue and the bragging rights of an Oxbridge MPhil matters to you.
I also disagree with the sentiment that doing a graduate degree during specialty training is an issue, its very common and could be helpful.
If your plan is that you may consider a career in research, not in medicine, then a MPhil in Bio science may be a good stepping stone to a PhD.
If your plan is firmly to do medicine and this is a side quest, I would advise against it due to the cost and time spent (the MPhil won't help your career, it won't hurt, but its wasted time). I would do it only if cost was not an issue and the bragging rights of an Oxbridge MPhil matters to you.
Reply 4
Original post
by OkorangeI'm a fellow/jr attending in the US for context, I think its worth exploring what your goals are. A MPhil in Biological Science won't really do much for you in a career in medicine, especially radiology or neurology.
I also disagree with the sentiment that doing a graduate degree during specialty training is an issue, its very common and could be helpful.
If your plan is that you may consider a career in research, not in medicine, then a MPhil in Bio science may be a good stepping stone to a PhD.
If your plan is firmly to do medicine and this is a side quest, I would advise against it due to the cost and time spent (the MPhil won't help your career, it won't hurt, but its wasted time). I would do it only if cost was not an issue and the bragging rights of an Oxbridge MPhil matters to you.
I also disagree with the sentiment that doing a graduate degree during specialty training is an issue, its very common and could be helpful.
If your plan is that you may consider a career in research, not in medicine, then a MPhil in Bio science may be a good stepping stone to a PhD.
If your plan is firmly to do medicine and this is a side quest, I would advise against it due to the cost and time spent (the MPhil won't help your career, it won't hurt, but its wasted time). I would do it only if cost was not an issue and the bragging rights of an Oxbridge MPhil matters to you.
Thanks for your advice. The truth is, I honestly think I want to do this more because I think I'll enjoy the course and I want to go to Cambridge, rather than for my medical career. Cost isn't a huge issue thankfully. But I am thinking of going into academia and leaving med eventually (though not sure) - so I guess it will be useful for that, right? Based on all that, do you think it's worth it?
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Oxford DPIR Politics / IR 2025
- Oxford or Cambridge for Criminology (MSc Vs. Mphil)?
- Can you condense a full year research MPhil program into 10 months?
- Am I Good Enough to Apply for Oxford Masters?
- Clarendon 2026/27 for MSc Applicants
- Psychology Masters for Clinical Psychology Future
- MSc Oxford, MPhil Cambridge
- Oxford Waitlisters - Postgraduate (2025-2026)
- MSc in Modern South Asian Studies 2026-27
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Oxford
- MSc International Human Rights Law 2024-2026
- Postgraduate Anthropology Oxford 2026
- Would it be ok to start MPhil Research program in summer instead of October?
- Getting into Oxbridge for Postgraduate Study
- 2026 Oxford MPhil and Msc in Political Theory Gather Here!
- Cambridge dilemma - Medicine to MPhil?
- Oxford MSc in Comparative Social Policy
- Educational psychology - Masters
- Undergraduate and Graduate
- York vs Southampton for Economics (aiming for Quant Masters — which is better?)
Latest
Trending
Last reply 4 days ago
Intercalating at Oxford University - Currently a Fourth Year Medical StudentLast reply 1 month ago
So, you're going to medical school.... MKIILast reply 8 months ago
What can I do before I start med school?Last reply 11 months ago
USMLE as a UK med student about to finish 4th year
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
