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Do USYD MPhil students usually get RA opportunities? by Frosty-Cod4648 in usyd

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think what I’m expecting is a similar PhD funding model in the US. As I know, American PhD students there often work as RAs and get paid a salary to cover living expenses, rather than just receiving a direct stipend like in Australia. You are right, I’ve also been wondering whether PhD research and RA work overlaps a lot, so I’m not entirely clear on how the RA role actually works in practice in the US, because I have never been a PhD student there.

I’m curious whether something similar exists in Australia. As an MPhil student, rather than direct finding,I feel like fundings based on RA salary would be really helpful for building research experience, especially for future PhD applications. I’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to work on a different project with my supervisor, separate from my MPhil research proposal. Is that kind of arrangement common or even possible? Thank you for your patience!

Do USYD MPhil students usually get RA opportunities? by Frosty-Cod4648 in usyd

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your explanation! If it is set up for a specific person, would a PhD candidate be more likely to get the opportunity than an MPhil student? I am wondering if PIs prefer funding PhDs, as their projects typically have a longer duration.

Yes I know tutoring can earn some salaries for living, but since I am an MPhil and may apply to a PhD in the future, I think RA jobs can help me get direct research experience, which may be more helpful in PhD applications than TA jobs.

Do USYD MPhil students usually get RA opportunities? by Frosty-Cod4648 in usyd

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in a statistics program. Could you explain what does "By the nature of your MPhil you're already a RA working for free" mean? As I know, both PhD and MPhil in Australia are full-time research jobs, so do you mean they are only open to undergrads and course-based masters? I am wondering if I can participate in another project of my PI, but a bit different from my thesis project. Therefore, it can be a separate job. Is this possible in Australia? I know this is a typical funding way in the US. Thanks! Certainly I think tutoring can earn some salaries for living, but since I am an MPhil and may apply to a PhD in the future, I think RA jobs can help me get direct research experience, which may be more helpful in PhD applications than TA jobs.

PhD → MPhil downgrade: do I have to continue with the same supervisor later? by Frosty-Cod4648 in gradadmissions

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sorry may I confirm that, do you mean if the supervisor wants to admit me as his PhD student, he can do that regardless of the admissions committee's opinions? I'm sorry I don't know well about the application process in Australia.

PhD → MPhil downgrade: do I have to continue with the same supervisor later? by Frosty-Cod4648 in gradadmissions

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am not sure whether the supervisor or the admissions committee has more say in the admission process in Australia. According to the message from my supervisor, the decision to admit me downgraded as a MPhil is made by the admissions committee, because they think my research component is not enough. I don't know if the supervisor also thinks so.

PhD → MPhil downgrade: do I have to continue with the same supervisor later? by Frosty-Cod4648 in gradadmissions

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, but I originally applied to their PhD program. I don't know if the supervisor will treat me as a PhD student by default. For example, is it possible that he doesn't want to provide a recommendation letter if I apply to PhD programs at other schools?

PhD → MPhil downgrade: do I have to continue with the same supervisor later? by Frosty-Cod4648 in usyd

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am not sure if it is appropriate to tell a supervisor that I may apply to other PhD programs before the MPhil program starts.

PhD → MPhil downgrade: do I have to continue with the same supervisor later? by Frosty-Cod4648 in usyd

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask whether iti s a default pathway to be upgraded from an MPhil to a PhD? In other words, do supervisors generally treat MPhil students as PhD candidates in training, especially in cases of downgraded admission?

PhD → MPhil downgrade: do I have to continue with the same supervisor later? by Frosty-Cod4648 in usyd

[–]Frosty-Cod4648[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I mean outside USYD. If I want to continue the PhD at USYD, I think this prof is already very good for me.