Overview of basidiobolus on PostgraduateForum.com

Overview of basidiobolus

Signup date: 21 Jun 2015 at 1:40am

Last login: 06 Jul 2015 at 10:22pm

Post count: 3

Recent Posts

MSc in last year of PhD

basidiobolus 3 posts
9 years ago

Quote From marasp:
Hi,
I was still studying for an undergraduate degree on the first and second year of my PhD (I already had a first degree and a masters, but the second undergraduate programme was in an entirely different field, and it was via distance-learning). I took these programmes at two different universities in the UK, and yes, my supervisor knew about my studies in the other university. He actually liked the fact that I was multitasking, but was never happy when I delayed work! Meanwhile, I was working part-time. So, yes, studying for two degrees and working part-time.

Word of advice: think twice! Working on two degrees at the same time significantly delayed my PhD, and drained my soul... It nearly ruined my personal life too. Oh, did I mention that it also drained my wallet?

Thank you all for the responses, there seems to be a common theme: it is not against the rules but it may not be prudent.

@marasp, thank you very much for sharing your experience. I have decided to reduce the overlap by going for a January start, since I finish with the PhD in August. As previously mentioned, I have obtained 75% of my results and on track to finishing ontime. Hence, I should be starting the masters during my planned thesis writing time.

Thanks again.

MSc in last year of PhD

basidiobolus 3 posts
9 years ago

Quote From clairaN:
Hi,

Are you a full time or part time PhD student? Do you also work or have other commitments?

Personally I think this is a really bad idea. I'm in the process of doing a PhD and I have done a master's and I think if you were to overlap the two you would run the risk of failing them both, purely based on the amount of work involved in each.

I don't know about the funding issues, I wouldn't imagine you would lose your funding but I'm positive your supervisors would not recommend this. You would also be putting a whole lot of pressure on yourself which could damage your health.

Thank you for your response clairaN. I am a full time student and have no work commitments at present. I appreciate your concern about 'failing them both' and damage to health. My thinking is that: from my last progress review, I have good quality results for 2 chapters and currently working on the last chapter. Also, I believe I can do the minimum to get a pass in the MSc whilst devoting my full focus on the PhD.

My main worry is not getting a job immediately I complete my PhD. As a father, I am also reluctant to move my family around in search of a job, hence my question.

I assume from your response, that there are no rules against doing both, is this correct?

Thank you again for responding.

MSc in last year of PhD

basidiobolus 3 posts
9 years ago

Hello Guys,
Apologies if a similar question has been asked. I am currently in my last year of a Biosciences PhD, but wish to pursue an additional MSc in Computer Science or Statistics. I intend for this new course to overlap with my last year, so as to save time.

My questions are:
1. Is this possible in the UK? Obviously the second course will be with a different University and self-funded
2. Am I likely to lose my PhD funding ?
3. Should I mention this to my supervisors and/or University?

My reason for this is: I would like to bolster my credentials for a career in computing, I have a degree in Bioinformatics. I have recently decided against pursuing career in academia.

Thank you in advance for your responses.