From B.Sc straight to Ph.D?

[pcocp]

Can someone with a 1/1 hons degree in one of the life sciences proceed straight to Ph.D?
Is it a case that if the department thinks you're good enough, it's possible?
There is, I assume, an interview?

Salary while doing a PhD is pretty dismal I know, are there any options for PhD students to supplement their income, within the uni I mean? teaching,etc?

 

[shesells]

It depends on the university but generally it is possible to go straight into a PhD with a first. However, you need to be sure that you're ready to commit to another extended period in academia, and that you can work on your own.

Regarding teaching, again it's up to the uni but generally there are demonstrating jobs available for practical sessions. Not highly paid either but useful.

In general it's rare to get a PhD student teaching a life science course, more so than some of the more artsy courses. I suppose that while you don't yet have your PhD, you still only have the same degree that the new students are working towards.

 

[pcocp]

ok, thanks.
Is there flexibility in it though, I mean up to what point are you your own boss, if any?
Can you set your own hours, of course at times this wont be possible but if it is can you do it?
Or does this largely depend on the supervisor?
Would 3 years be the norm for PhD?

 

[Padraigb]

Things vary from one university to another. It's probably better to ask somebody in the institution that you have in mind -- perhaps not through official channels if you are still working towards a primary degree (you might want to avoid giving an impression of being cocky) but you could have a conversation with one or two post-graduate students and get the general picture.

 

[noel_c]

Can someone with a 1/1 hons degree in one of the life sciences proceed straight to Ph.D?
Is it a case that if the department thinks you're good enough, it's possible?
There is, I assume, an interview?

It's not at all unusual to go straight from degree to PhD in Ireland. In some fields there is a shift from a 3 to 4 year model at present where the first year sometimes involves taught courses that would be similar in some ways to a specialised masters. But it is very likely that you'll need to interview for the position. Also consider that you'll be competing with (and maybe eventually working with) students from abroad who may have several third-level qualifications.

Salary while doing a PhD is pretty dismal I know, are there any options for PhD students to supplement their income, within the uni I mean? teaching,etc?

PhD stipends in Ireland are actually very competitive in comparison to most of Europe, at least in the science and tech areas. The fact that they're tax free is particularly attractive right now. You may be able to do some teaching assistance but it will depend on the department.

Is there flexibility in it though, I mean up to what point are you your own boss, if any?
Can you set your own hours, of course at times this wont be possible but if it is can you do it?
Or does this largely depend on the supervisor?

It really depends on your supervisor and the culture in your lab. Some supervisors will be very insistent on a 9-6 setup. Others will be happy for you to work whatever hours you choose as long as you deliver what is required of you. At least some overlap with the hours of your colleagues is pretty essential. But when it comes down to it, you will be very much working for yourself.