What's the difference between the Scottish system and the US system?

[gunlesswonder]

Hi all-

I've posted this elsewhere, but am hoping that the wonderful people in our forum can help out. I'm still waiting to hear back from one of my schools, but I hold very little hope of getting into the program because of low GRE's. Everything else I have rocks- peer reviewed publications, presented at several big European and US conferences, lots of research experience ect. Thus it now appears that I have a couple of choices. I can wait and reapply for next year, and retake the GREs (I did poorly on this round in part because I was sick and jetlagged). Not a bad option, but it would mean start paying back some of my loans, which sucks. Finding a job might also be very difficult.

I'm now looking at applying to an anthro ph.d program at University of Aberdeen, which has later deadline and does not ask for the GRE. While I've spent my entire college career going to school outside the US, it's always been in the American system and I know that the UK pedagogy is very different. Has anyone had any experience with university level studies in Scotland? I know that it's generally a shorter time to ph.d, but other then that I've have no real idea what I might be getting myself into and what sort of expectations there are. Can anyone clue me in, or comment on the University of Aberdeen? The program is fully funded, so that's not a worry.

I really do feel that that reason that I'm not getting in my scores, and I know that I can improve on that. Moreover, the programs that I applied to seem to be a great fit and all made me very excited. The U of A program would mean changing the research design a bit, but is something I'm still really interested in. And I must admit, the thought of getting my ph.d done earlier would be great. My worry is that I will get there and not do well because the pedagogy is so different.

So what say you all? Wait, try getting into Scotland? Thanks!

Edited February 25, 2011 by gunlesswonder

[Bukharan]

What do you mean by 'different pedagogy'?

U Aberdeen is one of Britain's seven 'ancient universities' and as such is very respected.

In any case, you already know that a doctoral path is much shorter in the UK. You are most likely to spend the first year learning research techniques, studying methodology, attending workshops, compiling bibliography lists and also beginning your research.

You will dedicate your 2nd and 3rd years primarily to doing research and writing up a dissertation.

I would perhaps do more research on their funding. Sure, many students are fully funded. Are all? If you are outside of the EU, you are not eligible for UK research council funding, particularly ESRC. Funding is not guaranteed in the UK - it is one thing to get into the programme, to get funding is the next issue. Also, full funding is normally for 3 years. I am not sure about the availability of additional funds if you stay for more than 3 years. By NO means am I discouraging , I am just saying that getting into Britain is not easy and funding is a problem, especially in the current economic climate.

If I were you, I'd contact their current students and ask lost of questions. Funding, placements (!!), research emphasis (they seem to be doing a lot of stuff on the Arctic), teaching opportunities in the department.

I wish you the very best with your decision! Scotland is awesome and if you choose to come here, I am sure you will enjoy it immensely. If you have any questions about student life in Scotland, feel free to PM me.

Edited February 25, 2011 by Bukharan

[a fragrant plant]

I don't know anything about U of Aberdeen, but I know the city is ranked as the best Scottish city in terms of quality of life. According to the BBC report, Aberdeen is the British city best-placed to grow out of the economic downturn.

I've had a quick look at the anthro dept's website. It looks like it will be a fantastic place for you if you are interested in religion, environment and material culture. Not a bad option if you don't want to wait till next year to reapply.

Are you in Egypt or in the US now?

Edited February 25, 2011 by Peanut

[gunlesswonder]

What do you mean by 'different pedagogy'?

U Aberdeen is one of Britain's seven 'ancient universities' and as such is very respected.

In any case, you already know that a doctoral path is much shorter in the UK. You are most likely to spend the first year learning research techniques, studying methodology, attending workshops, compiling bibliography lists and also beginning your research.

You will dedicate your 2nd and 3rd years primarily to doing research and writing up a dissertation.

I would perhaps do more research on their funding. Sure, many students are fully funded. Are all? If you are outside of the EU, you are not eligible for UK research council funding, particularly ESRC. Funding is not guaranteed in the UK - it is one thing to get into the programme, to get funding is the next issue. Also, full funding is normally for 3 years. I am not sure about the availability of additional funds if you stay for more than 3 years. By NO means am I discouraging , I am just saying that getting into Britain is not easy and funding is a problem, especially in the current economic climate.

If I were you, I'd contact their current students and ask lost of questions. Funding, placements (!!), research emphasis (they seem to be doing a lot of stuff on the Arctic), teaching opportunities in the department.

I wish you the very best with your decision! Scotland is awesome and if you choose to come here, I am sure you will enjoy it immensely. If you have any questions about student life in Scotland, feel free to PM me.

Thanks so much for the info Bukharan! I will be taking you up on the offer of PM if I get in!

When I was asking about pedagogy, I meant the difference in the style and system of teaching. In the US system for example, you are strongly guided by the classes that you are taking; most of the work you do is for those classes. It's my understanding that in the UK system, you are pushed to be a much more independent researcher. You meet with your advisor, you talk things over, and then go do work on your own. I know that there are some differences between Scotland and the UK in terms of schooling, but I'm not sure how big those differences are.

When you say "You will dedicate your 2nd and 3rd years primarily to doing research and writing up a dissertation," am I correct in thinking that you are talking about doing fieldwork outside of the university? Do most people finish a ph.d program in three years?

The programs I'm looking at have specific fellowships attached to them that are open to both UK/EU and international students, so the funding is not as tricky as it might otherwise be. I hope!

Do you have any recommendations about things to stress on the SOP or the app process?

I don't know anything about U of Aberdeen, but I know the city is ranked as the best Scottish city in terms of quality of life. According to the BBC report, Aberdeen is the British city best-placed to grow out of the economic downturn.

I've had a quick look at the anthro dept's website. It looks like it will be a fantastic place for you if you are interested in religion, environment and material culture. Not a bad option if you don't want to wait till next year to reapply.

Are you in Egypt or in the US now?

Thanks for the link Peanut! I'm in Egypt, and let me tell you the thought of rain makes me very happy. Aberdeen looks like a lovely city, and the department looks good and the interdisciplinary ties are fantastic. I figure if I don't get in, meh, and if I do it's on more option to put on the table.

[a fragrant plant]

gunlesswonder, your perception of the British pedagogy is pretty accurate. I've studied anthropology in both UK (postgraduate) and US (undergraduate) systems so I'll put my two cents in. I like the US undergraduate system, and I assume that you will receive more guidiance at the graduate level in a US school. There are few useful coursework in a British research degree. I've never studied for a taught master so I can't comment on the quality of teaching in the British system. The good thing is, the UK system really pushes you to be an indepedent researcher. Although my experience of the UK education system is not great, I've grown a lot intectually. I become very proactive in my study and I learn to create opportunities/network for yourself because nobody is here to guide me. I've had a very hard time at first (so are many Americans who are used to the American system) but I kind of get used to it. I'm staying in the UK to do my PhD because I was rejected by my dream school in the US, but forunately being accepted into the top program in the UK. My prospective supervisor seems fantastic, too. I'm also appealed to the fact that I may be able to obtain a PhD in 3-4 years. Eventually I would hope to do a postdoc in the US.