Which is Better for My Future: PhD at Durham or CASM at Cambridge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision between pursuing a PhD at Durham University or the Certificate of Advanced Study in Mathematics (CASM) at Cambridge University. Participants explore the implications of each option, considering factors such as research opportunities, university reputation, and personal interests.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the PhD at Durham allows for immediate research engagement and is backed by a prestigious fellowship, though they express uncertainty about the fellowship's significance.
  • Another participant highlights the value of the CASM at Cambridge, mentioning its respected Part III mathematics program, which could provide a strong foundation for future research or alternative career paths.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of guaranteed PhD placement after completing the CASM, suggesting that this could lead to longer overall study time compared to the direct PhD route at Durham.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of the research supervisor's reputation and the alignment of research interests with the PhD topic at Durham.
  • There is a suggestion that attending a specific lecture at Cambridge while pursuing the PhD at Durham could be a potential compromise, although the feasibility of this idea is questioned.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the necessity of the CASM, arguing that it may not significantly enhance prospects for obtaining a PhD position.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the merits of the PhD at Durham versus the CASM at Cambridge. While some lean towards the PhD due to immediate research opportunities and supervisor support, others advocate for the potential benefits of the CASM, particularly in terms of foundational knowledge and prestige. No consensus is reached on which option is definitively better.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence the decision, such as the reputation of supervisors, personal research interests, and the perceived value of the CASM program. There are also references to funding challenges associated with the CASM, though the accuracy of this information is uncertain.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective graduate students considering PhD programs in mathematics or related fields, particularly those weighing the benefits of direct PhD routes versus preparatory programs like the CASM.

Sploosh
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Hi,
I would like to ask for your opinion.
I am between 2 offers. One is a PhD at Durham and the other one is Cambridge's CASM.
In Durham I can start right away with my research. It would take 3 years (at least in theory). And I got a fellowship which seems to be very prestigious and can be considered as an award (well, this is what they say, but honestly I don't know). However, I would still need to spend some time gathering knowledge in certain areas.
On the other hand, Cambridge has 1 (or 2) lectures that really interest me, and could help me in future research. The reputation of the university and the department are worldwide known. However, there is no secured PhD place after the CASM (at least not in Cambridge), and overall (including the PhD) this would take more time than in Durham.
I appreciate your comments.
 
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PartIII maths is pretty well known and respected, it gives you an out if you don't want to continue for a PhD - if you do it gives you a very solid grounding.
You might end up finishing quicker because of stuff you learned in part III - PhD's aren't guaranteed to only take 3years(!)

One problem with part III was that you couldn't get funding for it since it wasn't an ugrad degree and wasn't a PhD or a masters (the excellent one year CS course died because of this) - my info might be out of date though.
 
I would take the PhD at Durham, as long as the subject is of real interest to you and the supervisor has a good reputation for being helpful and getting his students past the winning post. Supervisors can vary greatly, from Dennis Sciama to ... well I won't mention names, I'm sure you can think of some in the 'not good' category. Email his current research students and see if they are happy bunnies.

I made the mistake of taking an Astronomy MSc at Sussex and had to suffer from taking some really naff courses, one of which I almost failed through sheer lack of interest. I should have just gone on to do a PhD immediately.

Durham, in general, has a great rep. For instance, John Barrow did his BSc there:

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/gr/about/members/barrow/barrow_jdbcv_nov07.pdf
 
If you know the exact area you want to work in and have a place - go for it and do the PhD directly. Good luck

The countryside around Durham is a lot nicer as well
 
I think part III is over-rated.
Phd places are really hard to get, especially with a fellowship. Just go for Durham if its an interesting research.
 
But I still believe none of mathematicians in Stanford would complain about ratings over part III
 
I appreciate all your comments!

I am inclined towards the PhD at Durham now. Yes, the topic is interesting, and the research group likes my own ideas, which I certainly like to explore. As I have seen, Durham has also a good reputation. Moreover, the supervisors - who I recently met- are quite enthusiastic and full of energy, so this is certainly positive.

There is this lecture at Cambridge that still interests me a lot, though. Perhaps I could speak with both depts. and just attend this single lecture for 4 months (or the time it takes) without any credit. Honestly, I guess it would not be possible, but maybe it is worth to try, no? ... What do you think?

Thanks again.
 
Hi sploosh,
I'm presently an undergrad at durham! Any general questions about the place etc. I'd be happy to answer on here :smile:
My own thinking about this subject, as someone who will be applying for PhDs next year: If I were in your position I'd take the PhD. Have a read of the section "particular points for Part III students" here, or look at the related threads below- as prestigious as the CASM is, I get the distinct impression that taking it in order to improve your position next year can backfire.
As an aside, I'd point out that if you're in the centre for particle theory there are examined graduate lecture courses: http://www.cpt.dur.ac.uk/GraduateStudies/Lectures/
 
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