Lots of people wonder if they can get a PhD without a master’s. Is it possible? Some students believe that a master’s degree is a waste of time and it is not cheap to run. This is why individuals wonder if it is possible to transition from BSc to PhD without having to go for Masters. This article will answer the agelong question and also show how you can start the process.
Can You Get A Doctorate Without A Master’s Degree?
The answer to the question is yes; you can get a PhD without having to go through a master’s degree. However, there are some important points to note before making the decision to bypass a master’s degree.
In the past, it was normal to get a PhD without a master’s in certain countries like the UK. Many undergraduate degrees in other countries may still require a Master’s degree program. Now there are many universities offering PhD without masters.
How To Apply For A PhD Without Master’s Degree
Universities do no openly claim to offer PhD degrees without the M.Sc. degree. But you can find the ones that accept this by going through the core beliefs of the institutions and weigh your chances. Getting accepted to any university for PhD without an MSc degree depends solely on the way you tender the application.
Just like a normal PhD application, it is important to check the requirements of the universities. All universities have different rules and guidelines. While some schools may offer you admission, other schools may still require a master’s degree, especially when you are studying abroad.
Ensure that you fill the application properly and emphasize on the fact that you would complete your doctoral degree without an MSc. Also, include some concrete analogies as well as proof that you are academically sound.
How To Cope With Starting PhD Without Master’s Degree
If your application is approved, you may have a hard time settling in. Be sure to ask your supervisor if he/she can read a voluminous piece of work. This way, you can take your final work from undergraduate days or a dissertation of 20,000 words.
During your first term, study the research proposal thoroughly and review it. Research evolves, but you should try to maintain your purposed research. Also, follow up university workshops on PhD research. Some run short skill sessions daily to teach students how to manage projects, thesis, or communication. Try not to become over-occupied with extracurricular activities because you need to reserve some time for your research.
Also, you need to get acquainted with other researchers. You would learn a lot from them, and it could also be a great way to network and meet new people.
Ensure that you set clear goals for your first term. When your first term is structured properly, it would give you enough time as you break your project work into smaller chunks. That will allow you to stand out despite not having a Master’s degree. You may also choose to get writing help if you are choked up.
While it is possible to apply for a PhD without a master’s degree, is it the right course of action? Here are some factors to consider before deciding to jump the stage.
1. Readiness
Master’s degrees help check your readiness to run a PhD program. The bachelor’s degree program often allows you to know the course and focus on your final project work. You can’t be an expert on a particular field of study until you do more work on it. In simple terms, you need about six years of concentration if you choose to jump the Master’s program.
A research-oriented master’s program gets you ready for a PhD program. This is something that a bachelor’s degree can’t offer. With the right motivation, study routine, and time management, you become prepped for your PhD program.
2. Master’s Degree Gives You An Edge
Before deciding to jump from the Master’s level to PhD, remember that a master’s degree opens you up to more opportunities as a PhD. As a master’s degree holder, you are considered two years ahead of a bachelor’s degree holder. Also, graduate schools prefer applicants with a master’s degree, even though it isn’t a requirement.
For students who had a low grade on their bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree can boost this grade. It will remove any negative effect the bachelor’s degree would have had on your records.
3. Flexibility
Master’s degree programs can be used to change study fields in PhD level. If you have plans to change your course of study, the master’s degree program is a perfect avenue to do so. However, if you jump this process, you may not be able to change the course.
4. Masters Could Facilitate A PhD Program
A Master’s degree may take up to 24 months in some schools. However, this time isn’t exactly wasted. Countries like Canada and the USA allow you to push some credits earned in Masters to PhD. This would generally reduce the time you would need to finish your PhD.
Everything’s In Your Hands
Can you go from a bachelor’s to a PhD? The answer is yes. However, you should consider the pros and cons before doing so.