Prospects in US with a UK PhD

[Francophile1]

Hello all,

I would like to ask what prospects one would have with a PhD from Uk in Literature. I am contemplating whether to do my graduate studies there, but since getting an academic job is difficult as is, and getting sponsored in the UK might be difficult I want to first find out whether a PhD from the UK is viewed differently in the US market?

I assume that a PhD from such prestigious institutions as Oxford and Cambridge would be fine but what about other highly regarded institutions which might not be that well known in the US?

[hj2012]

Hi Francophile,

 

Generally speaking, you will be better off with a PhD from an American institution if you're interested in eventually working in the U.S. This has to do with prestige and name recognition, but also because a UK PhD will likely not give you the requisite teaching experience that American hiring committees look for. Also, from what I understand, it is quite difficult to secure funding as an international student in the UK. All in all, an American PhD will probably serve your needs better if you're looking to compete for a teaching position at an American university.

[Francophile1]

Yes I understand that teaching experience is the main problem, but what about if I have already gotten an MA from a US university and student taught 2 years...would that be viewed more favorably?

[m-ttl]

Yes I understand that teaching experience is the main problem, but what about if I have already gotten an MA from a US university and student taught 2 years...would that be viewed more favorably?

 

It's not that you'd lack any experience in that case, but that there would be US-based job applicants with years of teaching experience over you. (The potential for 5+ years as opposed to only 2 from your MA). I think that would be my concern, at any rate. 

[hj2012]

m-ttl hit the nail on the head. Furthermore, as an MA student you probably didn't have the opportunity to design your own class or teach upper-level seminars. Because you will be competing with American students who spend 5+ years working on their CVs, a UK PhD will likely have fewer conference presentations, publications, and other professional experiences that help candidates stand out. 

[rock34]

I know in my sub-field of humanities, employers look for those who have had coursework at an advanced degree level in addition to the teaching experience that others have pointed out. Both coursework and teaching experience are required in the US PhD programs.

 

For this reason, do you think that Canadian PhD programs that require coursework and teaching experience will be viewed equally with US PhD programs assuming that the the two are equal in terms of rank and reputation? I will be starting a PhD program in Canada that is considered top tier this fall where I would be required to take courses and gain teaching experience, so I am hoping that the answer to my question is yes.

[Bleep_Bloop]

Another factor to consider here is networking, which, after your research, will probably be the most important factor in landing a job. If you only attend conferences in Canada/UK and only publish in journals there, then you won't have any name recognition on the US market. The same is true for your thesis adviser and those writing your recommendations. A good supervisor not only advises you but also "sells" you to the field and helps you build a network. UK/Canadian institutions may be able to do that for you in their respective countries, but they might not know as many people or be as well known on the American market.