Hi guys,
I am a student from Vietnam. I have a Master of Art at a University in Italy, where I graduated in 2015...After studying this master, I found my interest in doing research. I applied for many universities for PhD (count like more or less 15 unis). In 2015, I was rejected by 4 unis, in 2016 by 4 unis, one uni put me in a waiting list (they got 3 candidates but I was ranked 4), in 2017 this time I was rejected by 7 unis, there is one uni in Spain offering a slot in their PhD but without scholarship. Finally, I found a very big problem in my application is that:
- my master degree is not an academic master, it is a professional master so there is one of the reasons why I was declined.

So I am thinking of taking another master, I got the admission by a MSc program, but I am not sure it will help me or not. I think that maybe a Mres or MPhil could be better? Or maybe I will apply for the Phd in the US where students may not need the master to enter the PhD.

I am not quite sure at the moment. I feel that I am willing to give up just because I am going to be 28 in October and I am an Asian girl, people push me a lot on marriage.It is quite pressure and I really want to have a generous scholarship to finance my study in case I will study further. The MSc I mentioned above may provide me 6000 euro per year plus tuition fee and one more thing, it does not contain many research components, just coursework. So could you please give me some ideas?

Hi Haluong,

Can you complete some research modules or units as well as applied modules and units with your MSc? You might be able to do an independent research project that is the equivalent of an honours dissertation or similar on your course work MSc.

@Pjlu: thank you for your quick reply. Here is the list of courseworks.

What do you think about this?


Study Plan

I YEAR

Advanced Macroeconomics
Advanced Microeconomics
Data Mining and Computational Statistics
Financial Investments
International Economic Law
Mathematical Methods and Modeling
Risk Assessment and Management
Time Series Analysis

II YEAR

Decision Theory and Behavioural Economics
Financial Markets and Financial Crises: A Historical Approach

Total number of common CFU : 66


II YEAR

Asset pricing
Financial Contracts
Money and Finance

Total number of CFU at the end of each curriculum: 84
Students must earn 12 CFU for elective activities. and 3 CFU by selecting an Internship/Stage.
The preparation of the finanl disseration consists of 21 CFU which completes the 180 CFU.

It looks really comprehensive Haluong. I'm not sure exactly how many points of credit you need for each unit...sometimes in Australia these vary and most likely internationally they do so as well. It does seem though that you have a dissertation included worth 21 points of your total of 180? (Around or just under 12% of your course?)

With this MSc, does your university outline future pathways on their webpage for this course? Usually they will indicate whether the dissertation or project might lead to a higher degree research pathway.

I am very sorry, though, I don't think I can say anything more that would be helpful. Perhaps though some others might know more or have experience that helps here. Best wishes, your posts read as if you are really passionate about this, best luck with it all.

Hi,

I think you also need to think of another reason why your application has been rejected?. For example, are your marks good enough? and do you have some very supportive references attached with your application?

If you don't mind I can have a look at your application for you.

All the best
Henry

I'm sorry I am unable to offer advice on your study plan. I think you shouldn't focus too much on why your application was rejected!

I have a friend with three masters degrees; another with two masters degrees. The former did her 3rd masters because the amount of scholarship pay out was large (she wanted to save a huge portion of it to renovate her house). The latter did the 2nd master because he couldn't get a job. He really enjoyed going on both masters. Two happy friends.

If you really want to do a phd and you think another master will help you towards it AND you have the energy for it, yes go for it! At 28 the world is your oyster! You are still young plenty of opportunity out there for you. As for marriage, get married when you feel it is right for you not because someone is telling you about your eggs and basket etc.

good luck!!! post back n let us know how you get on

I agree with satchi. Do what YOU want to do here.

Also - as someone who has done an MRES, I highly recommend it. It will skill you up for a PhD and/or for other research related roles. It will also provide an opportunity to get to know academics who could then support your application for a PhD, or may even be part of the interview panel. Therefore, aside from time and money considerations (which will depend on your personal situation of course), you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing an MRES (in my humble opinion).

HI Haluong
I think you should go for your instinct. I would like to quote your sentence 'Or maybe I will apply for the Phd in the US where students may not need the master to enter the PhD'. From my experience of trying to apply to US universities, they require substantial Master level related courses to the PhD field of study. You could check with the website to see if your courses fit their requirements.