Master's and Ph.Ds in UK and Europe.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around postgraduate degrees in the UK and Europe, specifically focusing on the structure of Master's programs and the differences compared to the US system. Participants explore the nature of coursework, research components, and the options available for students interested in fields like relativity and fluid mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the lack of coursework options in their undergraduate studies and questions whether Master's programs in the UK and Europe include classes related to specialties like relativity and fluid mechanics.
  • Another participant challenges the characterization of the US system, suggesting that even in the US, research begins early in Master's programs, particularly for those with a thesis component.
  • A participant clarifies that PhDs are primarily research-focused, while Master's degrees (MScs) can be either taught or research-based, indicating that students should seek taught MSc programs if they lack prior coursework in their desired fields.
  • It is noted that there are different types of Master's degrees in the UK, such as M.Sci (coursework) and M.Res (research), with distinctions in their structure clearly stated by institutions.
  • A participant shares insights about the structure of Master's programs in Germany, indicating a common format of one year of coursework followed by a year of research, while also noting that funding for Master's degrees in Germany may be limited.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the structure of Master's programs, with some agreeing on the existence of both taught and research options, while others highlight differences in program formats across countries. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of coursework availability and funding across different regions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention variations in program structures across different countries and institutions, indicating that assumptions about coursework and research requirements may depend on specific programs and locations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering postgraduate studies in the UK or Europe, particularly those interested in physics or engineering fields, may find this discussion relevant.

Darth Frodo
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Hi guys,

I have a question regarding postgraduate degrees in the UK and Europe, particularly Master's.

If you do a master's, do you take any coursework or classes related to your specialty?

I can't take any relativity classes or fluid mechanics classes as part of my undergrad. I don't know yet, but I'm terrified that I won't have the option to do a postgrad in these areas.

I like the US system where you do classes and then research, but as far as I know, in the UK and Europe, research begins immediately.

If anyone could shed light on this I would be most appreciative, thanks!
 
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I don't know about the programs in Europe, but I wouldn't say the US system is as you've described... at first the research will be lighter, while you're taking classes, but you're still expected to be doing some research... especially for a master's with thesis, the entire program will only be about 2 years, so you need to start the research fairly early on.
 
As far as I know, PhDs are research, and MScs can either be taught or research - you chose. If you want to go into those fields and you haven't had any teaching I'd suggest finding a taught MSc in that area.
 
There are both M.Sci which are coursework and M.Res which are research (like mini doctorates).

It should say at the institution which one is which. M.Res will have no coursework, M.Sci will be all coursework (usually)
 
As far as I gather, in Germany at least, Masters are one year of courses, another year doing strictly research. There may be variations of this in different places. But I've talked to several students who are doing specifically what I mentioned. PhD would then be after the MS and is strictly research.

But beware, in Germany MS's are not funded.
 

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