Opinions on where to do a Phd

travstrong

Hi
I am facing a decision at the moment on where to do a Phd. I did my Bachelors in TCD and am currently working on a Masters by research also in TCD. This has been going well and has really whetted my appetite for further research.
I'm currently humming and hawing between TCD, UCD and DCU for doing a Phd.
There is funding available in all three institutions, and the funding is all of the same level. The only difference is that if I stayed in TCD I would be able to continue doing tutorials for undergraduates and this would supplement my income somewhat during the tough times. Also, if I progress into academia
I wouldn't want to harm my hiring prospects by only having the one institution on my CV
The downside of course is that I've been in TCD for nearly six years and its probably time to break out of the leafy confines and experience other things.
The project on offer in DCU sounds totally up my alley but I'm concerned about the general vibe of the place and conveyor belt style "degree factory" attitude to it all.
UCD is also doing some interesting research, in terms of location it is not the handiest at the moment but that could be remedied.
I'm also wondering if I am rushing into things too quickly, would it be a wise move maybe to work for a year and think things through, maybe even moving further afield?
I applied for a position in Queen Mary College, University of London and unfortunately did not get it and this knocked me back somewhat in terms of applying abroad. Edinburgh would be also a good bet for my research interests, I wasn't really that impressed with the place however, there didn't seem to be much of a music scene in terms of even here in Dublin, and the long dark Scottish winters would definitely take their toll.
I'm probably disregarding places for the wrong reasons, but if anyone has any advice or opinion on the situation, I would be glad to hear it.

H2G2

I think you are not using the best criteria. Personally, I would always use supervisor over and above institution in making a decision such as this. I did, I have never regretted it. Personally, I got 2 of degrees from DCU and 1 other in Ireland, so I had a preference to go elsewhere and looked for the best supervisor (in my area) in the UK to do my PhD. This sounds like a similar situation to yours.
As for the DCU “degree factory" bit… well I am biased as I work there and I understand what you mean, but I honesty don’t think this applies to PhD level.
If your choice is between DCU, UCD and TCD, then how about ranking them by: 1. Supervisor quality; 2. Lab / research group; 3. Physical environment; 4. Institution; 5. TCD change.
At the end of the day , there is no wrong decision, just varying degrees of ‘goodness’ !

Rosita

H2G2 wrote: »

As for the DCU “degree factory" bit… well I am biased as I work there and I understand what you mean.

What does he mean?

My understanding of TCD is that if you slip them a few bob they automatically upgrade your Bachelors to a Master's. I had that down as the ultimate in degree mass production.

What happens in DCU? Do they put you into a machine and you come out at the other end four years later with a cap and gown on you?

newestUser

I also don't agree with the DCU 'degree factory' comment. I'm coming from the opposite direction that the OP is: I did my bachelors and masters in DCU, and my PhD in Trinity.

DCU is more science, computing and business oriented than Trinity and UCD. There's a strongly vocational bent to the courses offered, there's not that many humanities type courses, unlike Trinity or UCD. Therefore, it attracts a different crowd than these colleges, more career/vocation oriented and I think this means there's a slightly different vibe to the place. I had the best years of my life in DCU, I've very fond memories of the place. It's what you make of it, and the 'degree factory' jibe is something I've been hearing for over 10 years now. It's overplayed, it's a stereotype, and it's a largely unsubstantiated argument. That said, I can see how you may feel like a fish out of water if you're a humanities PhD student in DCU.

I also did tutorials, grinds, etc. in DCU to supplement my income. Those opportunities are there also.

No offence, but, unless you study music, wtf does the music scene have to do with where you study?!? If you're going to let issues like this sway you, you're being influenced by the wrong criteria and may end up quite unhappy in your PhD. As you say yourself, you're disregarding places for the wrong reasons.

There's a lot of variables. Can't really advise you based on the info you gave, but I can say that your issues re DCU are a bit groundless.

Rosita

Rosita wrote: »

What does he mean?

My understanding of TCD is that if you slip them a few bob they automatically upgrade your Bachelors to a Master's. I had that down as the ultimate in degree mass production.

Yep, the magical MA. It's a strange one, but it's not just Trinity that do it.

It's not a 'real' masters though.

Rosita

Myth wrote: »

Yep, the magical MA. It's a strange one, but it's not just Trinity that do it.

It's not a 'real' masters though.

Nevertheless, if we are talking degree factories...............

Rosita

Rosita wrote: »

Nevertheless, if we are talking degree factories...............

... yes?

Rosita

Myth wrote: »

... yes?

Sorry I assumed the rest was implied.

If we are talking degree factories a university that actually bangs them (it goes without saying that they are not 'real' - the scandal is that they exist at all) out for sale must be first in line. So any Trinners student buys into this practice on day one, and it's a bit disingenuous to be getting precious about alleged (an as yet unsubstantiated allegation it has to be said) 'degree factories' elsewhere.

H2G2

H2G2 wrote: »

IAs for the DCU “degree factory" bit… well I am biased as I work there and I understand what you mean, but I honesty don’t think this applies to PhD level.

I suppose I should explain my comment and let op explain his/hers?
I think it is fair to say that DCU has an (unfounded) reputation as being a ‘no fun’ place… a bit of a factory. Personally, I don’t think so. I did 2 of my 4 degrees there and have since returned to an academic post there. I love the place. My personal experience is its as much of a fun place as any other University…

Anyhow all that’s a little off point of this thread: If the op wants to make a decision re institution to study for a PhD, I stand over my comments… choose based on supervisor first and foremost. All else is secondary.

Red Alert

Guys can we keep the discussion civil, this is an interesting thread and I don't want to have to lock it :pac:

travstrong

Strong reactions from the DCU crowd it seems, I didn't really mean to be too harsh about the place. I've actually just been offered a place there and it's fairly likely that I will take up the offer.
I agree that some of the reasons quoted originally do seem a bit random, the music scene thing is basically just as I would be interested in playing gigs and getting bands together and the like, don't want to be driven completely mental by the Phd and it's nice to have another outlet away from the academic life.
At the end of the day, its really the subject area that will probably influence my decision, which I guess is the most important thing, I just want to be sure that I pick something that I won't regret choosing a year or so down the line.