Overview of TreeofLife on PostgraduateForum.com

Overview of TreeofLife

Signup date: 12 Apr 2011 at 3:58pm

Last login: 26 Apr 2019 at 5:18pm

Post count: 2853

Recent Posts

Where to do my PhD Studies?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Loubigher:

That sounds a bit more disappointing as the tuition fees are super expensive for international students, considering the fact I will need a 4th year to finish my PhD sounds tremendous, I think I could focus and concentrate on finishing up in 3 years as much as I could. Otherwise I wont be able to afford it.

Whether or not you pay tuition fees depends on what your supervisor/department agrees on. I've known international students do both - generally, if you're just writing up in your fourth year you don't need to pay fees - there's a writing up fee of £500 or something. I was only funded for 3 years and I didn't pay anything for my 4th year.

You have to make it clear from the outset what you intend to do with your supervisors.

It probably is discipline specific - I'm in Life Sciences and you are basically in the lab all day for 3 years, so it's very hard to write up during that time as well.

Mphil scenario

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Tudor_Queen:
Ah, yes, I understand about imposter syndrome. That's not what this thread is about. I'm talking about limited scope for development on my PhD. If I could say something like your first paragraph about my PhD, then I'd be a very happy bunny about my PhD. That's kinda the point - the thing I've been trying to explain since the start of this thread. Lack of development, lack of learning.

Are you sure it's not all tied up in the same thing? May you have developed but just don't feel like you have when comparing yourself to others?

Mphil scenario

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Tudor_Queen:

Would you say she is the exception rather than the rule?

If it's not for the development and learning, then what is the point?

These aren't rhetorical questions (although I do feel rather incredulous lately).

Oh no, I learnt so much during my PhD, I didn't mean that. It's absolutely about development. I learnt about my specific topic of course - I'd say I'm one of world experts in that now, which is the way it should be. I also learnt about publishing, higher education, IT skills... I learnt loads. Not only that, I worked damn hard for it too, and my thesis was the best I could do at the time, so it felt like an achievement.

I meant that we are all impostors in academia. I feel like I know nothing next to professors naturally, but also some students wow me with their intelligence so much that I think 'how the hell did I get here', so that's why I could also say I don't have the confidence to pursue an academic career, but here I am doing it anyway. I think most people think like this. A PhD is just one step in the process. Development is continual.

Where to do my PhD Studies?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Loubigher:
But i believe in UK the phd is more structured and more arranged to be done if the student is capable in 3 years timeline.

However in Austria or other parts of Europe it could be a bit more relaxed and avaiblilty to meet the supervisors is less so i might end up finishing my phd in 4 years rather than 3! /

I've only known a couple of students that have finished their PhD within 3 years in the UK. I'd say 90-95% (probably 99%) take 4 years to finish, even if they only have 3 years funding, so bear that in mind.

Mphil scenario

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Tudor_Queen:
But if on the other hand, the PhD hasn't afforded me the development (and thus confidence) I need to pursue an academic career...

Yeah but who's has? We are all just faking it. At least, I hope everyone else is!

PgD or MSc?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Stella101:

I would echo eng77 though - get the MSc; a PgD isn't worth the paper its printed on.

What's wrong with a PgD? Is it this badly viewed? I mean, it's like a higher level BA, but with a lot of research involved.

It's not really a complete qualification - it's not a degree. Most jobs, if they want qualifications, ask for either a BA, MA or PhD.

Mphil scenario

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Don't do this Tudor. It's a bad idea all round. Plus, your supervisors/head of department probably won't let you anyway, you've done the work for a PhD and they expect you to get one.

I also think your idea of academic freedom being lost after a PhD is wrong. If anything, you have more. You will get this academic freedom to an extend in a postdoc and if you get an academic job. Right now, I can choose to do what ever research I want to do (whether I could get funding for that is another matter...)

PgD or MSc?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Stella101:
I want to work at a university some day. Like, in admissions, or student affairs, or recruitment.
Doesn't a PgD allow me that?

You can easily get a job in university administration (professional services) without any postgrad qualifications and work your way up. In fact, most seem to do this.

I would echo eng77 though - get the MSc; a PgD isn't worth the paper its printed on.

How much ownership can I take on paper / analyses etc

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

I would just write it how you want. Honestly the other person probably doesn't care as long as they don't have to do it and they get their name on the paper. They will make their corrections later.

PhD from working as a Research Assistant?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

Quote From Polypickleploidy:

So they said not sure I could get PhD out of it - to me that means maybe. I guess start work first and see what happens.

Or it means we want you so we will tell you maybe instead of no to keep you sweet.

I would be very careful here. Start the job, do the job, assess the scene and then decide if you want to pursue a PhD there. If you do and they agree, make sure you are registered like any other student. I've seen students come unstuck in situations like this before, and they either didn't get on the PhD they hinted at, or they weren't properly registered and ended up not getting one.

PhD from working as a Research Assistant?

TreeofLife 2853 posts
6 years ago

I think it depends on the discipline. In Biology, a RA position is just that. You wouldn't generally get on to a PhD from it. They are usually for people who have BScs but no intention to pursue research as a career. It's more of a technical route doing routine bench work.

Overview of TreeofLife

Recent Posts

Where to do my PhD Studies?

Mphil scenario

Mphil scenario

Where to do my PhD Studies?

Mphil scenario

PgD or MSc?

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PgD or MSc?

How much ownership can I take on paper / analyses etc

PhD from working as a Research Assistant?

PhD from working as a Research Assistant?

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