Programs Finding the Best Path for Aspiring Theorists: My Oxford Story

  • Thread starter Thread starter cheesemelba
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Best path Path
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics student at Oxford contemplating their fourth year, expressing concerns about the lack of advanced theoretical courses relevant to their PhD aspirations. They are considering alternatives such as an MSc at Durham or Imperial, part 3 of the maths tripos at Cambridge, or studying abroad in the U.S. Participants suggest focusing on potential PhD supervisors and programs that align with their research interests. They note that transferring during the fourth year of undergraduate studies is generally difficult, especially in the U.S., and recommend completing the degree at Oxford before pursuing a master's. The cost of living in the U.S. is mentioned as potentially lower than in the UK, and suggestions for other universities, including Cardiff and Amsterdam, are provided for master's options.
cheesemelba
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I'm about to start my 3rd year in physics at Oxford, and I want to do a theory Phd eventually. Unfortunately though, I don't think that the fourth year at Oxford is very good for aspiring theoreticians (there are no courses in string theory, QFT etc. the particle physics option is experimentally based, and the theoretical option is very strange, doing things like classical field theory and statistical mechanics). I'm currently considering going somewhere better to do my 4th year. The immediate possibilities are and MSc at Durham or Imperial, part 3 of the maths tripos at Cambridge, or going abroad to America. Does anyone know what the best path for me to take is?
Also, if I was to study for a year abroad and get all of the normal grants available, approximately how much would it cost for the year?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why don't you look at who you'd like to work with (or what field) and do a masters course at their uni - then there's a good chance of a PhD to follow.
 
I don't know what the rules are for stdy abroad programs, but in the US its extremely rare for a school to allow students going into their senior year to transfer to their school. but the study abroad programs may be different.

also I believe that the cost of living is cheaper in america than it is in britain
 
I am not physicist. But if I were you, I would finish my degree there. First year of master degree in US is very much like the 4th year of undergraduate. It is not easy to transfer during the 4th year of undergraduate.
 
leon1127 said:
I am not physicist. But if I were you, I would finish my degree there. First year of master degree in US is very much like the 4th year of undergraduate. It is not easy to transfer during the 4th year of undergraduate.

Agreed. Finish the degree and then go for your Master's degree.
 
By 4th Year he Meant Master degree.

Since this is your final year at Oxford, you should look at other universities prospectus and see what are your options like for the Master's ( 4th year ), Try looking at Cardiff, Durham, UCL and Cambridge.

Have you considered Amsterdam? yes they offer MSc in English medium.
 

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?'

I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Courses Edinburgh, Imperial, Oxford, Cambridge....?
Replies
10
Views
3K
What are the best universities for a theoretical particle physics MSc?
Replies
16
Views
4K
Admissions Nontraditional candidate for Cambridge part III
Replies
4
Views
2K
Courses What are my possible paths with a physics BSc?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Masters in UK or Masters abroad?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Programs Go to Oxford or stay in the US for undergraduate degree?
Replies
6
Views
3K
Admissions Advice on how best to spend my time for graduate school applications
Replies
15
Views
2K
What Should I Do After Completing My Physics/Math Double-Major BS Degrees?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Programs How To Keep Options Open For Astroparticle + Advanced Propulsion Physics?
Replies
18
Views
2K
Programs Which European Master's Programs Are Best for Theoretical Particle Physics?
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top