MA to phD question....

Hi everyone,

To Quote myself in an email to a aquantaince studying at SOAS:

"Only one "burning" question left (at least these days lol.) Should my Masters programme be directly related to my possible PHD? The reason I ask is because I have two main academic passions: Political Science and the broad range of "South Asian" studies. Obviously, the main research
focus of a PHD is very very specific. My question is in regard to the comprehensive exam one takes upon finishing their MA. Is this exam "general" enough as to qualify  one for a PHD in another area of study; or will I have to pick my MA and "stick with it" through the PHD (if I go
for such study.)

Ie: If I got my MA in Diplomacy but decided to go for PHD
work/research in the South Asian field would that be feasible?

****

For those of you involved in postgraduate study, what is your take on this?thank you!

Samantha***

Hi Samantha,
well, at least in my case, my MA doesn't have much to do with the PhD program I am interested in...and I talked to the advisors over in the UK and they don't seem to have a problem with it. They seem to focus on what your research topic is and if you have a clear idea of how you want to conduct and organize it. As far as I know, they are willing to work with you on that. I think a lot of Ph D research are interdisplinary anyway so it actually helps to have a MA in different area.
Stella

Hi Stella!

Thanks so much for posting!  :)It seems that nobody is really clear on the "qualifications" for specific phD study in regards to a previous obtained MA---not even PhD stdudents at SOAS.

Either way its still ok, I think the academic grounding I am obtaining in my BA study (Double major: SA studies & Political Science) will mould themselves to any MA I end up going for.

I should say that, even I think it is slightly rediculous to be concentrating on such things so early in my studies ! I just figure when issues of immigration and money are involved, its never too early to start contemplating the possibilities!

I think you are in a very lucky situation...there is hella lot of money in way of scholarships for postgraduate students....have you been to the British council website? I can't recomend it enough.

Samantha***

Hi Samantha, you sound way mature than your age   (it is a compliment!) and you obviously are very focused on what you are doing, so I am certain that you will make it in England. I think there are some funding/research opportunity at master levels, so do keep that option open. I understand that it is very expensive to try to move over there, find money for your studies and support yourself at the same time. I think it is part of the experience and I would rather go through that than wondering later on in life. Have you look at the http://jobs.ac.uk/ site? They post studentship information there...so track of that. I will check out the British council site soon...thanks for the info and support!

Hi Stella!

Thank you for the link to the job website....it's definately worthy of careful scrutiny!

cheers and best of luck with everything!

Samantha***