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Taught Masters |
Taught masters degrees are very similar to undergraduate degrees. The structure tends to be very similar, with assessment a mixture of examinations, coursework, and a dissertation/thesis. The big difference really is that you don't get any slack periods. Because they generally last one year (there are some 2 year masters courses) you tend not to get an introductory period where you can take it easy (as in the first year of an undergraduate degree). You will find that there is a constant stream of deadlines and that doing reading for exams tends to get pushed aside until later on. A masters course does tend to move on at a rapid pace and in that regard is very intense. |
That's not to say there is not time to enjoy the student life. Most masters courses have a small intake of students so its easy to get to know everyone on your course. There also tend to be more group projects on a masters which also encourages this. What's more if you are lucky enough to have a funded place then provided you keep on top of the work you can enjoy yourself just as much as an undergrad but without the debt. |
PhD |
PhDs are much less structured so you need to be able to set your own targets and deadlines and be more self disciplined than for a masters. You will also find that you will br responsible for training yourself in many new skills whether it be computer programming or statistical techniques. There is however an increasing trend towards providing more formal training for research postgrads. Most first year PhDs will attend some masters courses and skills based training is also provided. |
Studying for a PhD is by its nature a more solitary affair - you are unlikely to be undertaking group project work, though you may be collaborating with other members of a research group. The degree of social interaction you get may depend on your working environment. Those based in a laboratory are likely to be working alongside others much of the time, but if you are largely tied to a computer in a small office or in a library for your research then it can be much more lonely. Making sure you have a good social and professional network is important. |
Funding for postgrads is not great so most tend to help with teaching or demonstrating. This can be great fun and rewarding and the pay isn't bad but beware - though the rate of pay may be, say £10 an hour, most teaching requires a great deal of preparation so in effect this reduces your hourly rate as you can spend just as much time, if not more, preparing. On the subject of teaching though, if you can't get work at university, many towns and cities now have study services which provide tuition for 16-18 year old and postgrads are often recruited to work as tutors. |
Doing a PhD requires a great deal of thought and there are many issues. An excellent book if you are thinking of doing a PhD (and if you are already doing one) is "How to get a PhD" by Estelle Phillips and Derek Pugh, published by Open University Press. |