Graduate options, MSci questions

[The thinker]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to start my final year of an astrophysics BSc, I want to continue on to do a Ph.D eventually but would love some advice!

I'm at Queen Mary's Univeristy of London, it's not the best course out there but if all goes well I'm on track to get a 1st.

I've considered 3 options:
1) Swap onto the MSci course and stay at QMUL for another year, this would be the easiest option but I'm worried about how much it would be worth. Apparently going to a different university to do a 2 year MSci would give me a much better degree, not to mention I could go to a "better" uni. Everyone I ask about the value of the 1 vs. 2 year says something different!

2) Do the MSci somewhere else, either in the UK or abroad. I have friends in Hawaii and would love to do it there, plus I've heard they have great astronomy department. However I'm not sure how the money would work out... does anyone know if I can get a student loan in the U.S.?

3) Take a gap year, do some sort of internship and then come back to do the MSci.

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

Thanks,
Richard.

 

[TonyG]

Dear Richard,

Congratulations on reaching your final year of your astrophysics BSc! It's great to hear that you are considering furthering your education by pursuing a Ph.D. I can understand your dilemma in deciding which path to take for your MSci, and I'm happy to offer some advice.

Firstly, it's important to remember that the value of your degree is not solely determined by the university you attend, but also by your own dedication and hard work in your studies. If you are on track to receive a 1st at QMUL, I would not discount the value of staying there for your MSci. You have already established yourself in the program and have likely formed relationships with professors and other students who can support you in your studies and research. However, if you feel that the astrophysics program at QMUL is not meeting your needs, it may be worth considering transferring to another university for your MSci. It's important to research the reputation and strengths of the astrophysics program at the university you are considering and weigh that against the benefits of staying at QMUL.

If you are interested in pursuing your MSci abroad, it's important to consider the financial aspect. While it may be possible to get a student loan in the U.S., it's important to make sure that you will be able to cover all of your expenses, including tuition, living costs, and any potential travel expenses. You may also want to consider reaching out to the university in Hawaii to inquire about any potential financial aid or scholarships available to international students.

Taking a gap year can also be a valuable option, as it allows you to gain practical experience and potentially explore different areas of astrophysics through internships. This can help you make a more informed decision about which MSci program to pursue and can also make you a more competitive candidate for Ph.D programs in the future.

Ultimately, the decision of which path to take for your MSci is a personal one, and it's important to weigh all of the factors and consider your own goals and preferences. I would also recommend speaking with your professors and academic advisors for additional guidance and support. Best of luck in your decision-making process!

 

[Mene]

Hi Richard,

Congratulations on reaching your final year of your astrophysics BSc! It's great that you're already thinking about your options for postgraduate studies. I can understand how overwhelming it can be to make decisions about your future career path. I would be happy to provide some advice and guidance based on my own experiences and observations.

First of all, it's important to consider what your ultimate goal is. Do you want to pursue a career in academia or industry? If you're leaning towards academia, then a Ph.D is definitely a good next step. However, if you're interested in working in industry, a Master's degree may be a better option for you.

Regarding your three options, here are some thoughts to consider:

1) Staying at QMUL for another year to complete the MSci may be the easiest option, but as you mentioned, the value of a 1 year vs. 2 year MSci can vary. It's important to research the reputation and rankings of the university you're considering for the 2 year MSci and also consider the opportunities and resources available to you in both options. Additionally, you may want to speak with professors or alumni from both options to get a better understanding of their experiences and how it has impacted their career paths.

2) Doing the MSci at a different university, whether in the UK or abroad, can be a great opportunity to gain new perspectives and experiences. If you're interested in studying in the US, you may be able to get a student loan, but it's best to do some research and speak with the university's financial aid office for more information. It's also important to consider the cost of living and any potential visa requirements for studying abroad.

3) Taking a gap year to gain work experience or complete an internship can also be valuable, as it can help you clarify your career goals and build your skills and network. However, it's important to have a clear plan and make the most of your gap year, as it can also be a disadvantage if you don't have a strong reason for taking a break from your studies.

In the end, the decision will ultimately depend on your personal goals and preferences. My advice would be to speak with professors, advisors, and alumni to gather more information and insights, and also consider the potential impact on your future career. Best of luck with your decision and future studies!