Hi all,

I am in the process of deciding what to do when I complete my degree and was after some advice. I should come out with a first or 2:1 and am looking to do a PhD as I want to go into research / lecturing etc. However I'm undecided whether to go straight into a PhD or do a 1 year masters then apply to Oxford or Cambridge.
I am a mature student (27) so time is obviously not my friend, but in your opinion is an Oxbridge PhD worth an extra years study?
I am studying astrophysics which is obviously quite a competitive field to get into which makes me wonder if it may be worth it to get the edge when applying for positions.

Thanks in advance,

Theinvoker

Something to consider - there is no point applying to Oxbridge for a PhD just for the name - you need to be interested in the particular areas of research that the relevant superviors undertake. Are you sure that these are the best places to pursue your particular interests?

Should have preempted that one :) Yes they both do the areas I'm interested in, often in out of the box ideas which I'm really keen on. That's not to say they are the only two, but Cambridge in particular is doing some great work in my line of interest not to mention the facilities they have available to them. If I was 21 I would do the masters and apply no question purely on the areas research they do, but its more of a question now of which is of greater benefit, a Oxbridge degree or a qualifying a year sooner.

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If I am assuming correctly, you are deciding on your choice of university based on status and general knowledge that they do the research you're interested in, in which case you may well be putting the wrong foot forward. IMO, you'd be better off contacting potential supervisors at both universities and sending a general research proposal to determine if they are interested in you and whether you meet their entry standards.

This will also give you the chance to determine which supervisor(s) you prefer, and whether you opt for another institution (e.g., after meeting a Cambridge supervisor and not liking the general vibe, I opted for another uni with a much better supervisor).

With respect to the masters issue, you may want to consider that many (if not most) students do not finish their PhDs bang on 3 years. While a masters will take an additional year, it may give you the knowledge/skills that will actually speed up the completion of your research and thesis in the long-run. Additionally, having a masters may also give you the additional edge for winning funding.

You say there is a chance you will come out with a 2.1, in which case your chances of getting into Oxbridge would be very slim for a highly competitive discipline without an excellent masters degree.

I think that's true of many uiversities - funding is so competitive these days. I don't know your field but I would imagine it is not as well funded as some areas of science. It may not just be Oxbridge that will require the masters. A lot depends on whether you are applying for a funded place or having to apply for funding seperately (you can get a PHD place (self-funding) at Oxbridge with a 2.1 and no masters and if your supervisor loves you you might get a ready-funded place but you won't get your own funding). If you are doing the latter, you will probably need a masters anywhere. Also bear in mind that if you get a 2.1 then you wil need a 1st/distinction at masters to raise your game. Might be worth approaching potential supervisors to get a better idea about the requirements and the funding situation.

I have been speaking to supervisors and discussing potential research areas over the last 2 years since I started my undergrad degree (I like to plan ahead). The feedback I have had is very encouraging, funding is never certain but should be fine, and I should get a first but there is an outside chance I will totally bodge the last bit and get a 2:1 but it is unlikely :)
It is pretty much down now to a straight choice of time vs name/facilities rather than funding, potential supervisors, area of research or any of the usual parts alot of people dont think about until their final year ;-)

Well then given that you are unlikely to get funding for a masters, I would just apply for a PhD and see if you can get a place. The worst that can happen is you need to do a masters later - and you can soemtimes get onto masters courses (self-funded) at the last minute so youcould probably still do one next year if you don't get the PhD place you want without one.

I doesn't sound as if you definitely need a masters - sounds like you would get on OK with 'just' a first ;-)