Should I Leave for a Master's Degree or Wait for a PhD?

[irycio]

Hi everyone!

I'm now doing my 3rd year of bachelor's study in physics at Jagiellonian Uni., Cracow, Poland. As good the university at the national scale as it is, I'm considering going for my master's degree somewhere abroad. Now, the pros are pretty obvious - almoste every European university is better known than this one (in general, not necessarily in particular fields) and being mobile kinda looks nice in a CV. In addition to, I'm slightly disappointed with some of my courses being almost straight from the textbook, with almost or no personal addition from the lecturer - it's hence hard to find a 'scientific idol' ;).

On the other hand, however, the level all in all is I believe pretty high, compared at least to what some of my friends are being taught i.e. at the Birmingham Uni. (I'm only speaking of the bachelor's degree). Moreover, I kinda like the atmosphere of my university, and there is always a risk of ending up somewhere, where it's far from being that nice.

So the question is, would you recommend leaving for a master's, or would you wait for a PhD?
Also, if leaving, can you recommend some universities in Europe. I gues I'd be particularly interested in mathematical physics, GR, numerical relativity, (magneto)hydrodynamics and things like that.

Thanks in advance for all your responses.

Edit: A friend of mine talked me into applying to Copenhagen University and in combination with Niels Bohr Institute they seem to be pretty strong. I've been also considering Vienna University, given Ervin Schroedinger Institute nearby, but VU seems to be quite low in rankings.

Edit 2: The languages of study under consideration are English and possibly German. And Polish I guess ;).

 

[physiker_192]

You may want to to consider the LMU in Munich:
http://www.theorie.physik.uni-muenchen.de/TMP/index.html

and ETH Zurich.

 

[Mépris]

ENS Ulm.

 

[irycio]

Thx for the suggestions, especially for Munich. But how about the other part of my question - is it worth it? I mean, leaving for a master's. Surely for PhD, but I do have doubts regarding master's.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand your desire to pursue a master's degree abroad. It can offer valuable opportunities for personal and academic growth, as well as enhance your CV. However, it is important to carefully consider your options and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Firstly, I would recommend researching and comparing the specific programs and universities you are interested in. Look into the curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, and overall reputation of each institution. This will give you a better understanding of the quality of education and resources available to you.

Secondly, consider your personal preferences and priorities. You mentioned enjoying the atmosphere of your current university and the high level of education you are receiving. These are important factors to consider when deciding to leave for a master's degree. Additionally, think about the potential challenges of living in a new country and adapting to a different academic system.

If you do decide to pursue a master's degree abroad, I would recommend looking into universities with strong programs in your areas of interest, such as the ones you mentioned - Copenhagen University and Vienna University. Also, consider reaching out to current or former students from these universities to get their perspective and advice.

Ultimately, the decision to leave for a master's degree or wait for a PhD should be based on your individual goals and aspirations. Keep in mind that you can always apply for a PhD program after completing your master's degree abroad. Good luck with your decision and future academic pursuits!