HELP!!!
I am currently working as a Research Assistant in a Developmental Genetics lab in Oxford after graduating with a 2.1 last year from Birmingham. My contract will be ending in July 2008 and even though I had the fixed idea of doing a masters in order to boost up my CV, learn lab skills and help me make up my mind into doing (the right) PhD, now I am unsure. I have spoken to one of my bosses and she thinks doing a master is a waste of money and time and she is willing to extend my contract and teach me more (and more valid) skills. What shall I do? I want to have a project for myself instead of helping and due to the work frenzy in here I might get stuck still doing the same stuff if I continue, but on the other hand this is a top lab and the work experience that I can keep gaining can help me quite a lot and my bosses are fond of my work...what shall I do? Any suggestions welcome!(PLEAAAASE! :) )

You don't need a masters to do a PhD if you have a 2:1 (pass for a masters is equivalent to 2:1).

Yes I know, but what I am trying to gain from the master is new skills, time to think about which way to go and for it to allow me to apply to higher PhD's as I would try to aim for more than a pass in it! (I already did enough slacking for most of my undergraduate degree)

well actually imperial, king's and ucl all require a masters degree before you can study for mphil/phd. I suppose it varies depending on where you apply, so if you are considering one of the more prestiguos universities make sure you look on their website for information. You could also phone them to ask if they would accept your lab experience in lieu of a masters.

good luck

check out the following links:

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus/studyzone/registrationforhigherdegrees

http://kcl.ac.uk/graduate/progs/qual/research.html

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/application-admission/general-entrance-requirement

Thanks for that!

I want to apply to a top university, which is why I thought that enhancing my degree with a master would be the best thing, as my 2.1 doesn't give me the biggest prospect when applying for a PhD. Sure I have my work experience but I am not sure how much it could help me as I would probably end up doing someting that is not related to what I am currently doing. But you know what, after reading your links (very appreciated!) and following your advice I think I am going to give it a go at contacting them and see if I am up for consideration with what I have right now.

I still feel strongly about doing a master before a PhD in order to be better prepared, but it would be good to know whether I will have a chance at it if I was to "jump into the river" straight away.

Thanks again