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On September 04 2013 23:00 NeThZOR wrote:
I need to make one of those dents.
Having just finished my own PhD, I would say that NeThZOR's attitude is the only good reason to pursue such a degree. It may be different in computer science (someone in the thread mentioned 1 day a week, which sounds incredibly optimistic to me), but in the life sciences it is an all-consuming activity. If spending your life doing novel research is the only way you see yourself being happy, then do it; if there is anything else, go in that direction. I would describe myself that way, so I do see my choice to enter a PhD program a good one, but it was probably not for some of my classmates. If you simply want to "learn more", then the masters is appropriate degree.
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On September 05 2013 02:21 Eschaton wrote:Having just finished my own PhD, I would say that NeThZOR's attitude is the only good reason to pursue such a degree. It may be different in computer science (someone in the thread mentioned 1 day a week, which sounds incredibly optimistic to me), but in the life sciences it is an all-consuming activity. If spending your life doing novel research is the only way you see yourself being happy, then do it; if there is anything else, go in that direction. I would describe myself that way, so I do see my choice to enter a PhD program a good one, but it was probably not for some of my classmates. If you simply want to "learn more", then the masters is appropriate degree.
I agree. Lots of people confuse wanting to learn more with wanting to do research. That said a Masters is always good to take that interim step.
I would be a cold day in hell before I let an undergrad on a DPhil.
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On September 05 2013 00:20 Deleuze wrote:Show nested quote +On September 04 2013 23:38 Hadronsbecrazy wrote:
Hey guys, Im considering doing a PhD but was wondering, what kind of degree did you get for your undergrad? a first class equivalent? (Im studying in the UK) I really want to do one just because im interested in learning more , but my grades arent great, Im nearing a First class but still not quite a first class and Ive got 2 years left. I reckon with hard work I can get that First class.
How does funding work for a PhD? Do you have to look for sponsors outside the universiy or does the university provide you with funding? Any advice you guys can give me? Do we need lots of research projects during the summer to help? Your first port of call is prospective Universities. For the past several years now Research Council funding goes directly to Universities in a ‘funding block’ which works out as a set number of PhD/DPhil studentships (in previous years individual students applied directly to the Research Council). If your University doesn’t have a funding block you will not get funding from a research council, and block funding is HIGHLY competitive. In addition to this Universities may also have their own partial or even full fee grants, sometimes available on a means-tested basis. Corporate or charitable sponsors may also approach Universities with money to issue a certain number of grants available to students, again there may/will be eligibility criteria. Currently there is no mainstream govern loan system for postgraduate study (Research Council funding is via a grant) in the UK. A career development loan from a bank would be an alternative, as would private sponsors such as employers or charities, but again they are likely to have eligibility criteria. If you are study Full-Time in the UK on a BA/BSc and are getting close to 1sts in your first year you should be well on track to get a 1st in your final result if you keep up the hard work and continue to improve; typically your first year’s grades do not count to your overall result, you only need to pass (however do check this with your institution). It will depend upon your field and expertise, and professional experience, but generally it would be expected for you to go from Bachelors to Masters and then to Doctoral study.
First of all, thanks a lot for your reply :D I've had a look around at some prospective universities and some of them were saying a First Class is required so I was wondering if it was the same for most in the field of engineering. On our course every year counts a little towards the final degreebut the next 2 years make up 67% of the degree so good performance in the next two years is vital. I've got little to no professional experience (a lot of rejected applications for summer student research posts and internships from companies), bt hopefully I can get something this upcoming summer.
Did you know what field you wanted to go into? Also did you know the professors who offered you a place well? What kindof questions do they ask in an interview? Does it look bad if you go to work for say 2 years after completing your masters then go back for your PhD ?
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On September 05 2013 00:40 spectres wrote:Show nested quote +On September 04 2013 23:38 Hadronsbecrazy wrote:
Hey guys, Im considering doing a PhD but was wondering, what kind of degree did you get for your undergrad? a first class equivalent? (Im studying in the UK) I really want to do one just because im interested in learning more , but my grades arent great, Im nearing a First class but still not quite a first class and Ive got 2 years left. I reckon with hard work I can get that First class.
How does funding work for a PhD? Do you have to look for sponsors outside the universiy or does the university provide you with funding? Any advice you guys can give me? Do we need lots of research projects during the summer to help? I got a PhD position with a 2:1, it's certainly possible. Deleuze pretty much summed it up, but I have one thing to add. The reason I got my PhD position was because I engaged my third year lecturers in debate and conversation and challenged them when they weren't explaining something properly. I don't mean during lectures with 200-300 people watching but during the smaller classes / practical sessions. That way I got to know one lecturer who was very successful and received a number of research grants every year (although I didn't know it at the time, I was just being stubborn). These research grants normally come with 1 or 2 PhD positions attached to them and low-and-behold I was offered one of them. tl;dr do a project/classes with a professor who publishes a lot of good papers and get yourself noticed
Cool thats great news, but im assuming you must have done a lot on the side too right? while at university. I will act on your advice this year , many thanks :D Did you have a lot of research experience? UROP or equivalent for students?
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On September 05 2013 03:24 Hadronsbecrazy wrote:Show nested quote +On September 05 2013 00:20 Deleuze wrote:On September 04 2013 23:38 Hadronsbecrazy wrote:
Hey guys, Im considering doing a PhD but was wondering, what kind of degree did you get for your undergrad? a first class equivalent? (Im studying in the UK) I really want to do one just because im interested in learning more , but my grades arent great, Im nearing a First class but still not quite a first class and Ive got 2 years left. I reckon with hard work I can get that First class.
How does funding work for a PhD? Do you have to look for sponsors outside the universiy or does the university provide you with funding? Any advice you guys can give me? Do we need lots of research projects during the summer to help? Your first port of call is prospective Universities. For the past several years now Research Council funding goes directly to Universities in a ‘funding block’ which works out as a set number of PhD/DPhil studentships (in previous years individual students applied directly to the Research Council). If your University doesn’t have a funding block you will not get funding from a research council, and block funding is HIGHLY competitive. In addition to this Universities may also have their own partial or even full fee grants, sometimes available on a means-tested basis. Corporate or charitable sponsors may also approach Universities with money to issue a certain number of grants available to students, again there may/will be eligibility criteria. Currently there is no mainstream govern loan system for postgraduate study (Research Council funding is via a grant) in the UK. A career development loan from a bank would be an alternative, as would private sponsors such as employers or charities, but again they are likely to have eligibility criteria. If you are study Full-Time in the UK on a BA/BSc and are getting close to 1sts in your first year you should be well on track to get a 1st in your final result if you keep up the hard work and continue to improve; typically your first year’s grades do not count to your overall result, you only need to pass (however do check this with your institution). It will depend upon your field and expertise, and professional experience, but generally it would be expected for you to go from Bachelors to Masters and then to Doctoral study. First of all, thanks a lot for your reply :D I've had a look around at some prospective universities and some of them were saying a First Class is required so I was wondering if it was the same for most in the field of engineering. On our course every year counts a little towards the final degreebut the next 2 years make up 67% of the degree so good performance in the next two years is vital. I've got little to no professional experience (a lot of rejected applications for summer student research posts and internships from companies), bt hopefully I can get something this upcoming summer. Did you know what field you wanted to go into? Also did you know the professors who offered you a place well? What kindof questions do they ask in an interview? Does it look bad if you go to work for say 2 years after completing your masters then go back for your PhD ?
Hi!
Engineering isn't my field I'm afraid so it's difficult for me to say. The BEST people to speak to would be PhD students at your current institution in your field, they'll have the best and most up to date info for you, and they'll be full of hopes and regrets - awesome combination. Even relatively junior academics will have an out of date experience of gaining a Doctorate.
A PhD is a serious research undertaking. You cannot (must not) fuck it up, it is very much more than a 'next step' up a ladder (I think I might imply this a little, apologies). While it is almost essential for an academic career, it is not a professional development qualification you obtain to get this role, rather it is an opportunity for you to attempt to start 'being'
an academic by undertaking research in a safe(r) environment; this is certainly the case when at the later stages of a PhD. If you succeed you should have something(s) you can publish.
What will get you your job is what you have done on the way: teaching experience, published work, professional experience where appropriate, the strength of your academic networks and your knowledge of the field. This is the kind of thing that you ultimately will want to get from your institution; some of it will depend upon your supervisor, but not all.
I can't advise on what would make you a better candidate, such as how much professional XP you should have - but in engineering I'd imagine this is looked upon very favourably. Speak to other PhD students and see what they say! I do like the masters-PhD route, but I may be wrong, don't take my advice over actual engineering PhDs.
I will say this though. Before ANYTHING you need to have (only the very roughest) idea of what you want to research. It's no good if you just want a PhD to become a Dr., you need to have the actual passion and interest to commit to your field. That always comes first, and regardless of how well you do at Uni this will determine whether you get a place on a PhD programme, whether you get funding, whether you will get bored and fail; yes, the strength of your prior accomplishments will demonstrate your ability to achieve your research aims, but they need to be worthwhile aims to begin with!
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In germany you get one by being a copycat.
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On September 05 2013 03:58 Vandrad wrote:
In germany you get one by being a copycat.
Zing!
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On September 05 2013 03:54 Deleuze wrote:Show nested quote +On September 05 2013 03:24 Hadronsbecrazy wrote:On September 05 2013 00:20 Deleuze wrote:On September 04 2013 23:38 Hadronsbecrazy wrote:
Hey guys, Im considering doing a PhD but was wondering, what kind of degree did you get for your undergrad? a first class equivalent? (Im studying in the UK) I really want to do one just because im interested in learning more , but my grades arent great, Im nearing a First class but still not quite a first class and Ive got 2 years left. I reckon with hard work I can get that First class.
How does funding work for a PhD? Do you have to look for sponsors outside the universiy or does the university provide you with funding? Any advice you guys can give me? Do we need lots of research projects during the summer to help? Your first port of call is prospective Universities. For the past several years now Research Council funding goes directly to Universities in a ‘funding block’ which works out as a set number of PhD/DPhil studentships (in previous years individual students applied directly to the Research Council). If your University doesn’t have a funding block you will not get funding from a research council, and block funding is HIGHLY competitive. In addition to this Universities may also have their own partial or even full fee grants, sometimes available on a means-tested basis. Corporate or charitable sponsors may also approach Universities with money to issue a certain number of grants available to students, again there may/will be eligibility criteria. Currently there is no mainstream govern loan system for postgraduate study (Research Council funding is via a grant) in the UK. A career development loan from a bank would be an alternative, as would private sponsors such as employers or charities, but again they are likely to have eligibility criteria. If you are study Full-Time in the UK on a BA/BSc and are getting close to 1sts in your first year you should be well on track to get a 1st in your final result if you keep up the hard work and continue to improve; typically your first year’s grades do not count to your overall result, you only need to pass (however do check this with your institution). It will depend upon your field and expertise, and professional experience, but generally it would be expected for you to go from Bachelors to Masters and then to Doctoral study. First of all, thanks a lot for your reply :D I've had a look around at some prospective universities and some of them were saying a First Class is required so I was wondering if it was the same for most in the field of engineering. On our course every year counts a little towards the final degreebut the next 2 years make up 67% of the degree so good performance in the next two years is vital. I've got little to no professional experience (a lot of rejected applications for summer student research posts and internships from companies), bt hopefully I can get something this upcoming summer. Did you know what field you wanted to go into? Also did you know the professors who offered you a place well? What kindof questions do they ask in an interview? Does it look bad if you go to work for say 2 years after completing your masters then go back for your PhD ? Hi! Engineering isn't my field I'm afraid so it's difficult for me to say. The BEST people to speak to would be PhD students at your current institution in your field, they'll have the best and most up to date info for you, and they'll be full of hopes and regrets - awesome combination. Even relatively junior academics will have an out of date experience of gaining a Doctorate. A PhD is a serious research undertaking. You cannot (must not) fuck it up, it is very much more than a 'next step' up a ladder (I think I might imply this a little, apologies). While it is almost essential for an academic career, it is not a professional development qualification you obtain to get this role, rather it is an opportunity for you to attempt to start 'being' an academic by undertaking research in a safe(r) environment; this is certainly the case when at the later stages of a PhD. If you succeed you should have something(s) you can publish. What will get you your job is what you have done on the way: teaching experience, published work, professional experience where appropriate, the strength of your academic networks and your knowledge of the field. This is the kind of thing that you ultimately will want to get from your institution; some of it will depend upon your supervisor, but not all. I can't advise on what would make you a better candidate, such as how much professional XP you should have - but in engineering I'd imagine this is looked upon very favourably. Speak to other PhD students and see what they say! I do like the masters-PhD route, but I may be wrong, don't take my advice over actual engineering PhDs. I will say this though. Before ANYTHING you need to have (only the very roughest) idea of what you want to research. It's no good if you just want a PhD to become a Dr., you need to have the actual passion and interest to commit to your field. That always comes first, and regardless of how well you do at Uni this will determine whether you get a place on a PhD programme, whether you get funding, whether you will get bored and fail; yes, the strength of your prior accomplishments will demonstrate your ability to achieve your research aims, but they need to be worthwhile aims to begin with!
Literally every professor at my college that I talked to about this agreed with a very concise summary of getting a Ph.D.
You shouldn't get a Ph.D. if you want to be an academic/researcher in X field for the rest of your life. The only way you will succeed at getting and using a Ph.D. is not if that's all you want to do with your life, but if you simply cannot do anything else. Your commitment has to be so thorough, so obsessive, that you just could not do anything else with your life.
And even then, it'll be hell to actually finish your dissertation.
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On September 04 2013 23:17 shaftofpleasure wrote:
My OCD kicked in when I saw those last few pictures, thinking: "Make it a perfect circle again! OMG!"
it's a big fucking fractal, not a heavenly sphere :p
In six years all of you have to address me as Doctor Zdat, I will insist on it. Wooo!
for whatever this data point is worth, in my cohort 8/12 have MA, but my program does not offer terminal MA. Kinda strange
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On September 05 2013 08:30 sam!zdat wrote:Show nested quote +On September 04 2013 23:17 shaftofpleasure wrote:
My OCD kicked in when I saw those last few pictures, thinking: "Make it a perfect circle again! OMG!" it's a big fucking fractal, not a heavenly sphere :p In six years all of you have to address me as Doctor Zdat, I will insist on it. Wooo! for whatever this data point is worth, in my cohort 8/12 have MA, but my program does not offer terminal MA. Kinda strange
the kids who end up not finishing their desertion are still going to get an MA, as every American PhD program gives you an automatic MA for the first year course work.
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On September 05 2013 08:30 sam!zdat wrote:Show nested quote +On September 04 2013 23:17 shaftofpleasure wrote:
My OCD kicked in when I saw those last few pictures, thinking: "Make it a perfect circle again! OMG!" it's a big fucking fractal, not a heavenly sphere :p In six years all of you have to address me as Doctor Zdat, I will insist on it. Wooo! for whatever this data point is worth, in my cohort 8/12 have MA, but my program does not offer terminal MA. Kinda strange
Yea its a bit weird that there is so much variation in degree paths. I took the route of getting my masters at a school that doesn't do PhD so now I am at my third school now for my PhD.... Kinda wished that I could have done a program direct PhD instead but there aren't many of those in my field (Bio Anthropology or just anthro in general).
On September 05 2013 09:14 Sub40APM wrote:Show nested quote +On September 05 2013 08:30 sam!zdat wrote:On September 04 2013 23:17 shaftofpleasure wrote:
My OCD kicked in when I saw those last few pictures, thinking: "Make it a perfect circle again! OMG!" it's a big fucking fractal, not a heavenly sphere :p In six years all of you have to address me as Doctor Zdat, I will insist on it. Wooo! for whatever this data point is worth, in my cohort 8/12 have MA, but my program does not offer terminal MA. Kinda strange the kids who end up not finishing their desertion are still going to get an MA, as every American PhD program gives you an automatic MA for the first year course work.
This isn't necessarily true. Some programs make you write a thesis to get your MA and if you don't finish then you can get a terminal MA or just drop.
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My dad completed a political science PhD, and has stated many times that it was an epic waste of time. Obviously it's just his opinion
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that's because political science is a bullshit field. You should know this because politics is obviously not science. Political science is where politics ends and we all become slaves of the election machine.
I think I have to take an exam or smth two and a half years in for the MA part. But I'm not sure everything about this is confusing, I'm just going to show up and think about literature and I'm sure it will work out.
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On September 04 2013 22:32 SoSexy wrote:
So, in few months I'll have to start considering where to go for a PhD in Philosophy. Since my goal is to become a professor, I guess this is the only way to go. I'm not afraid of moving to other countries/cities, but I wonder if it is really important where do you get your PhD.
Is it 'bigger' if you get it in, let's say, Cambridge than Helsinki? Paris or Milan? I'm believing that it's more or less the same, then if you become a professor you can publish more important stuff and maybe more prestigious universities will ask you to come to teach. Do you know if that's how it works?
Rutgers University in New Jersey has an absolutely exceptional Philosophy program.
Just sayin' 
I'm getting my PhD at Rutgers, although it's in mathematics education ^^
EDIT: From my experience, Deleuze is spot on with his assessment.
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I should have quit my phd when I was looking at projects and didn't find anything interesting. I finished, but I was miserable for 80% of it
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On September 05 2013 09:28 DarkPlasmaBall wrote:Show nested quote +On September 04 2013 22:32 SoSexy wrote:
So, in few months I'll have to start considering where to go for a PhD in Philosophy. Since my goal is to become a professor, I guess this is the only way to go. I'm not afraid of moving to other countries/cities, but I wonder if it is really important where do you get your PhD.
Is it 'bigger' if you get it in, let's say, Cambridge than Helsinki? Paris or Milan? I'm believing that it's more or less the same, then if you become a professor you can publish more important stuff and maybe more prestigious universities will ask you to come to teach. Do you know if that's how it works? Rutgers University in New Jersey has an absolutely exception Philosophy program. Just sayin'
That's been true for a decent while now, but lately they've been straight-up bleeding top philosophers with little in the way of equal replacement. My university is in the process of trying to poach yet another one from them. I'm starting to wonder if the department is getting funding cuts or something.
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The OP just looks like the life of a zit rising to the surface.
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PhD's know everything about nothing!
Edit: regarding the OP graphic...isn't it impossible to ever break that circular barrier? Every time you learn something that barrier increases in that direction, right? Meaning you could reach it and you could be responsible for pushing it furthur but never break through...
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nah, just read hegel and you too can have absolute knowing. You become the circle, looking in on it itself. You guys have read neuromancer right? 
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PhD = Doctor of Philosophy. You can obtain the title in a field other than philosophy...which I find oddly amusing.
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EPT
