Advice needed: Postgrad studies in the US

[kheegster]

Here's the situation: I'm currently enrolled in an MSci Physics with Space Science course in the University College of London, and about to face my first year finals. This MSci (note "i" at end of title) is something like a honours degree; it's a undergrad course in which we do an extra year, and after that we can skip straight into phD research. As an overseas student, my parents have to fork out £10k (about $15k) in fees a year, and the living costs in London are through the roof.

I don't really feel comfortable spending my parent's money like that, and would like to minimise expenditure as much as possible. I am considering cutting the extra year on my course and do a usual BSc, and then doing a MSc, probably for astrophysics or planetary science. The rationale for this would be the possibility of me nailing a scholarship/grant for that MSc, and hence saving one year's fees on the course I'm currently on.

I know that there are lots of grants for phDs in a hard science like physics in the US, even for foreigners, but how about for MSc courses? I'm a fairly strong student, one of the top in my class, so I'm willing to work towards a goal.

Hope some of you guys can advice...

[Tsyroc]

I was looking through University of Arizona Graduate College website and I think it might be easier for you to first check with advisors at the school you're currently enrolled in about progams in the US and see if they can help point you in the right direction.


Certainly the programs of study you are interested exist but my concern is the type of grant you are looking for. Mainly are you going to be able to get enough money. There is a Financial Resources link on the UofA Grad page. There are some graduate fellowships and scholarships available.

[InnerBrat]

Here's the situation: I'm currently enrolled in an MSci Physics with Space Science course in the University College of London, and about to face my first year finals. This MSci (note "i" at end of title) is something like a honours coudegree; it's a undergrad rse in which we do an extra year, and after that we can skip straight into phD research. As an overseas student, my parents have to fork out £10k (about $15k) in fees a year, and the living costs in London are through the roof.

I don't really feel comfortable spending my parent's money like that, and would like to minimise expenditure as much as possible. I am considering cutting the extra year on my course and do a usual BSc, and then doing a MSc, probably for astrophysics or planetary science. The rationale for this would be the possibility of me nailing a scholarship/grant for that MSc, and hence saving one year's fees on the course I'm currently on.

I know that there are lots of grants for phDs in a hard science like physics in the US, even for foreigners, but how about for MSc courses? I'm a fairly strong student, one of the top in my class, so I'm willing to work towards a goal.

Hope some of you guys can advice...

wait a sec... how come I didn't know you were at UCL? (4th year Palaeobiology MSci)

If you can't afford to do 4 years, then bear in mind that a masters is not necessary for a PhD. You can go straight to a PhD with a good BSc. Especially with a BSc (hons) from UCL.
My advice... apply for PhDs or masters in your third year, and drop down to a BSc if you get one.

AND... see you in the Phineas on Friday?