Can I Pursue Different Graduate Studies After Completing Undergraduate Studies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in a different specialization than that of undergraduate studies, specifically focusing on the transition from a bachelor's degree in physics to graduate studies in mathematics. The context includes considerations of educational systems in EU countries, particularly the UK and German-speaking regions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of applying for graduate studies in mathematics after completing a bachelor's degree in physics, particularly in the context of EU countries.
  • Another participant suggests that while crossover topics may exist, mathematics can be challenging due to the need for specific foundational knowledge, especially in pure mathematics.
  • It is noted that graduate studies depend on how the skills acquired during undergraduate studies apply to the desired topic, with examples provided such as mathematical biology where a physics background may be advantageous.
  • A participant mentions that some EU countries, particularly in the German-speaking regions, have strict prerequisites for switching fields, often requiring a bachelor's degree in mathematics before pursuing a master's degree in the same field.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about identifying specific areas of interest within pure mathematics and physics, questioning the purpose of undergraduate studies in providing foundational knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the flexibility of transitioning between fields for graduate studies, with some suggesting it is possible while others highlight strict prerequisites in certain regions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific requirements and flexibility of different educational systems.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the flexibility of graduate admissions across different EU countries and the varying prerequisites for mathematics programs, which may depend on specific universities and their policies.

hellbike
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Is it possible to apply for graduate studies in other specialization that under-graduate studies were passed?

After obtaining bachelor of physics i may want to go on mathematics graduate studies - is this possible?

I'm asking about EU countries, mostly about UK.
 
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Generally, yes, there are some crossover topics that will be available to you. Mathematics is a particularly tricky area to handle, however: there will be lots of areas (notably pure mathematics) that will be inaccessible because you won't have covered the necessary introductary mathematics in nearly enough detail (if at all).

In short, rather than depending on the overall 'subject', graduate studies depend on the way in which the skills you have gained from undergraduate might apply to the topic of study.

For instance, in a Ph.D you'd be able to do something like mathematical biology; where the relevant life-science background knowledge would normally be covered in a crash-course of sorts (possibly through attendance at low level undergraduate lectures). This is feasible because projects of this nature will potentially require only a basic understanding of biology to get underway, but need skills in things such as programming - something that you will have as a physicist.

If by graduate studies you also mean things like Msc/PgDip/PgCert, the scenario is similar. It depends on the topic of the individual course. If there's something you're interested in i'd recommend simply looking around various universities that have active research in that area, checking out their postgraduate prospectus' and finding out what they require for entry.

Is there a particular area that interests you?
 
I don't know if this applies to the UK, but I know that some EU countries are a lot less flexible when it comes to switching fields. Math - and pure math in particular - is one of those fields where universities insist on all of the prerequisites. Most universities in the German speaking part of Europe would ask you to complete a Bachelor's degree in math first before they would admit you for a Master's, and a Master's before they would let you start working on a PhD.
 
I'm going to study math on my own during my physical studies.

But i don't think i'll be able to tell what field in pure math is more interesting for me.

I don't think i will be able to tell that for physics either, even though i study that on university.

I though undergraduate is about obtaining most basic knowledge.
 

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