Masters Options

Seanh111

Hello!

I graduated in 2013 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiology, I have worked since then in office/admin work, but it's highly unlikely I'll find employment with my degree. I'm hoping to go back to college this year to complete a masters and have a few ideas on what I'd like to do (but employment options post graduation are a big concern). Hopefully someone here can shed come light on the following ideas?

Physiotherapy (pre-registration) - Many of these programmes in the UK but difficult to get into. I've always has this career path in my mind but getting full time work may be difficult?

Biotechnology - There seems to be some work in this area but not sure in what industries? Maybe a lot of competition for work? More suited to me as I'm not a fan of research.

Bioinformatics - Seems to be a growing area but more than likely a research career?

If anyone has any information on the above programmes I really would appreciate it, a little bit lost at the moment!

Dingle_berry

Have you considered becoming a clinical physiology technician? I'm not sure if the exact title but the job websites always seem to have vacancies for cardiac catheterisation technicians etc

challengemaster

Forget job prospects for a second - What do you actually want to do? What are you passionate about?

What parts of Physiology did you find most interesting? CVS? Neuro? Pathophysiology? Immunology?

Seanh111

Thanks for the replies! I have seen a lot of those jobs yes but have not seen a conversion MSc programme, going back to start a second degree wouldn't be an option unfortunately.

I particularly enjoyed muscle physiology to be honest, but this would more than likely lead to a research career which I don't want. We did a few bioinnovation and plant biotechnology (recombinant DNA etc.) modules earlier in my degree which I found very interesting. I'm considering Biotechnology as it seems to be an industry based application of my degree, a lot of these MSc programmes have medical device and even business electives which I would be keen to take.

I understand the need to do something you're passionate about, but you have to balance that with realistic job opportunities. Biotechnology seems to be a diverse career so I could have scope to work in a biological setting more in line with my BSc (which I do intend to use), or am I reading it completely wrong?

challengemaster

Just out of curiosity when you say you're not a fan of research, what exactly do you mean? What don't you like?

Seanh111

I just didn't enjoy the research aspect to my undergrad. Working in a lab, reading hundreds of peer reviewed papers and publishing my own research papers doesn't appeal to me.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'd prefer to work in industry/private sector than in academia! To get back on point, would a masters in Biotechnology be beneficial in that sense? Employment opportunities?

Dingle_berry

Seanh111 wrote: »

Working in a lab, reading hundreds of peer reviewed papers and...

Every graduate, especially science graduates, should be reading peer reviewed papers continuously in order to maintain their knowledge. A degree only gives you a set of skills, which should include self-directed learning.

If you don't like wet/bench lab work then you should look for qualifications that will get you into areas like regulation, compliance, quality Management, etc. I've no experience with the field but I have heard that WIT has an MSc based on quality.

username26!

do you want to stay in ireland or go abroad?