I'm doing Chemistry+Pharmaceutical&Forensic Science. I enjoy the molecular-biology parts best. If I would like to do a PhD in molecular-biology. Is a conversion MSc to a biological subject any good? I was advised that BSc-MSc-PhD doesn't look good-it suggests a poor BSc, the MSc was needed to do a PhD. I'm on my way to a first, and would like to do a masters before I decide about PhDs. Does a MSc really look bad? Will changing subject direction be frowned upon? Will this hinder chances of getting a PhD studentship?

To be honest, if you have a first on your CV then why should it make any difference? MSc are not frowned upon if they are done for good reason, like as a means to convert to a new discipline (like yourself). If you choose a good MSc which allows you to learn the lab techniques as well as the theory, then i cant see any probs.

...and you're right, an MSc can look dodgy if you have a 2:2, because then it just highlights the fact that you basically HAVE to do an MSc if you want to stand any chance of getting a PhD. I think you'll find that very few people with a 2:2 and an MSc actually get funding. It might not be right, but its just the way it is

An MSc is a GREAT way of changing disciplines from one science to another - it certainly wont be frowned upon by anybody recruiting students for a PhD in the Biological sciences. If you're interested in an MSc in molecular/cell biology, have a look at:
http://www.biols.sussex.ac.uk/pgteach/degrees/dcb/Index.htm

What about if it is to upgrade a 2ii? Is a 2ii + MSc really the same as a 2i?

Gavin - thats controversial. its all about how the funding bodies see it, because they are the ones that impose the 2:1 restriction (not the institution). However, a lot of them do state that a 2:2 plus an MSc does equal a 2:1 (e.g. BBSRC). But as im sure you can imagine, you would have a better chance of getting offered a PhD place if you had a 2:1 or higher.

An MSc won't look bad and would help you change disciplines. However you may find that it is unecessary, particularly if your final year research project involved/involves molecular biology.


If you want to do a masters degree before commiting to 3 years of a PhD, then an MRes may be a much better option. This will give you a much better idea of what a PhD will be like. You may also be able to convert to a PhD before finishing the MRes, thus saving yourself an expensive extra year in education.