The main question is (as PamW pointed out) is if you already have an MSc/MA before going to the PhD, because otherwise this would by your 2nd MSc degree. I'm assuming you dont have an MSc....in this case a masters program can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years and requires original research with a thesis. And I'm not aware you could start a PhD in electronics without an MSc.

Anyways if you already started a PhD....why get an MSc?

It depends on the University/institute where your doing the PhD and depends if your PhD is more research oriented or not.

In my case (EU funded project) the actual thesis chapters will probably each be a published ISI journal article (paper)...so that's 4 to 6 papers published in journals. Most universities do not require this at all.....however having published articles, conference proceedings and presentations will be a key element on your CV and landing a good job after the PhD in the field of scientific research.

======= Date Modified 10 Dec 2011 19:07:33 =======
======= Date Modified 10 Dec 2011 19:06:56 =======
This is my first post on the Forum....just wanted to say hi to everyone and share a bit of my new experience.

I have started 4 months ago with my Research Phd. I have to be honest I really love what I'm doing and get well paid doing it.

Its just that in these last few months a lot has changed for me. I moved to a new country, new language and people. After one month the honeymoon stage of Culture shock was over (google the stages of culture shock, if you dont get what I mean) and now I'm in that frustrated stage. Also had to get in the rhythm of working hours and living in a room in an apartment with 2 other undergrads....Some times I just feel very lonely, especially in the weekend. I try to keep myself busy with work, jogging, hiking, movies, also I meet with few friends/colleagues every once in a while.

But the worst thing is I miss my fiancee like crazy.... that lives 3000 miles away. We plan to get married this coming summer and she will come live with me. So I have to start looking for my own place, which financially wont be too difficult...ppffff there is just a lot of things on my mind....I tell myself I shouldn't have time to feel lonely but can't help it....I mean there is so much Research work to do, learning a new language and gonna plan for a wedding and bringing her over, a new place start a family...etc...etc. I'm sure things gonna work out, I just needed to get some of this crap off my back and write about it.

How do you manage living alone and doing a PhD (3 to 6 years) without a girlfriend/boyfriend, wife/husband. To be honest I cant imagine doing a 3 or 4 year Phd in a new place without my fiancee. I don't know how many of you cope with that......coming home to an empty house everyday. It must suck big time!!! Now a Phd is demanding no doubt, but I hear these stories of people not having a social life or anyone to share their life with while doing a PhD....I truly do not believe it has to be like this.