I'm currently studying neuroscience and psychology (undergraduate), and i want to do neuroscience PhD (for definite). But the thing is, is it worth it for me to do an MSc in neuroscience as well? I'm not to sure what i want to work as when i finished, i have multiple options that i like, such as a lecturer, research or a neuropathology.

In my experience and from reading many posts on here it is the norm to do an MSc before a PhD. You can go straight from undergrad to PhD but it's not the norm and can be more difficult to get funding for a PhD. Also many seem to think this is a massive jump in terms of academic ability and an MSc bridges this.

Hey there! I've just completed my PhD in clinical psychology, but have friends across all different areas of psychology as well (and in different universities). Most psychology departments will expect a masters for entry onto a PhD- in our department, it is a formal requirement, even if you have a first class undergraduate degree. This is not true of all PhD subjects- straight sciences, for example, do not usually require a masters. But psychology PhDs are extremely competitive, so even if it wasn't a formal requirement, it's unlikely you would win funding for a PhD without one (unless you had a lot of previous experience). Of course, there may be exceptions to this rule, so if you have a specific university in mind, contact them and check! Also, a masters is a good way of getting a foot in the door at a particular department, and receiving support for an application for PhD funding, so if you can afford to do one financially then it's probably a good investment. Best, KB

Thank you, it has helped quite a bit in my decision, definitely going to do a MSc first. Thank you to both of you.

Research Experience! It's essential whether you do a masters or go straight from Bsc-PhD. One question: Can you afford a masters degree course?

I personally have opted not to do a MSc, I have an EU funded MSc just in case I didn't get a PhD, but luckily as I had a bit of research experience I got offered a fully funded PhD.

Can you talk to your undergraduate project supervisor or personal tutor?

I havent got any experience yet, but i will have a bit in summer next year when i next finish the year. I cant personally afford a masters, ill be getting a loan for it, or beg my parents.

Yes i can talk to them, should i just ask the same thing to them?

Keele University offer an EU funded MSc in the life sciences- basically you need to find tuition fees and accomodation for 3 months then the EU pay for the rest of it as you spend the remaining 9 months somewhere in Europe!

You could ask your Supervisor about what they look for in a PhD student...

That would be great, I'm at Keele as well. I will ask my tutor about that when I start back again. Thank you

I have just graduated from Keele! I got offered that EU course with £1000 off tuition fees and another £1000 off but I can't remember why! I would ask your supervisor or personal tutor as I found the careers service to be useless when I asked for help with a PhD application. I found my project supervisor was the best person to ask!

Keep a look out for the in-school careers events- Who is your supervisor?

It is still possible to do a PhD without having first done a masters, particularly if you want to study science. If finance is an issue then going straight to a PhD could be a good route. THere's nothing to stop you applying for PhDs whilst also trying to secure a place on a masters course as a back-up. YOu can search for Masters courses in neuroscience on FindAMasters. Have a look on FindAPhD for PhDs in neuroscience.

You may also want to consider a 4 year PhD programme. These are becoming much more common these days and include a large taught element in the first year which is equivalent to a masters qualification.