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Tess Watt, aged 22, has recently embarked on her PhD journey in Computing at Edinburgh Napier University. Having graduated with honors from a BEng program, she decided agnst pursuing an industry career and instead took the advice of her supervisor to skip the traditional Master's degree route, opting for a direct transition into doctoral studies.
Her story highlights the possibility of jumping strght from undergraduate studies to a PhD without requiring additional graduate education. After careful consideration about her future prospects and preferences, Tess discovered that her passion for research and self-study was well-suited for an independent learning environment that she found stifling in industry settings.
Tess's supervisor played a pivotal role in preparing her for this unconventional academic path by providing crucial guidance on how to approach the PhD process. This included helping her secure funding through starter grants, which not only funded her project but also gave her invaluable experience in securing research funding and submitting papers to academic conferences.
Navigating the academic landscape with less formal trning than those who have completed a Master's degree was a challenge for Tess, as she had to demonstrate expertise in areas such as project management and publishing. However, having a strong rapport with her supervisor helped her overcome these hurdles by preparing her through advanced coursework on research methodologies, grant applications, and conference submissions.
Addressing imposter syndrome was another key aspect of her journey. Despite her academic achievements, she faced questions about her age and the appropriateness of pursuing a PhD directly after undergraduate studies. To counteract this self-doubt, Tess educated others about the legitimacy and value of her path, emphasizing that it too required dedication and years of hard work.
For students considering a similar academic leap from undergraduate to PhD without a Master's degree, Tess offers this advice: Prepare as much as you can but don't hesitate. The jump is big, but so are the rewards. A PhD lets you delve deeply into your field of interest with flexibility in your schedule and showcases your skills independently.
, Tess's experience in pursuing her PhD directly after undergraduate studies demonstrates that unconventional academic paths are not only possible but also valuable for students passionate about research and independent learning.
All opinions expressed here are solely those of the individual author and do not represent The PhD Place Ltd.
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Direct PhD Path Skipping Masters Degree Independent Learning Journey Academic Leap Advantages Research Funding Skills Imposter Syndrome Overcome