How long did it take to qualify? – MRC Festival Zone 2018

Joey Shepherd answered on 6 Jun 2018:

I went to University to do an undergraduate degree (a BSc) which took three years. Then I did a Master’s degree which was another year, and a PhD which took around 3 and a half years. So about 7 and a hlaf years in total? But I did work as a Research Technician for a University for a couple of years between my Masters and my PhD so I didn’t do it all at once. I also have another qualification, FHEA which is a higher education (University) teaching qualification as I’m a lecturer, which took a few months, but I did that while I was working. It all depends on what job you want though and what you want to qualify for – you can work as a scientist without all those qualifications, although for the most part you will need an undergraduate degree (3 years).

Laura Hemming answered on 6 Jun 2018:

For me, I did a BSc (Hons) undergraduate degree which took 4 years because I had a placement year in the middle (though you can do Psychology degrees without this placement year which take 3 years). I then worked for a few years, and am now doing a PhD which will take me 3.5 years. I would say though that there isn’t really any one particular route into science. I would say that it’s pretty important to get an undergraduate degree in something research related, but after you’ve got your degree you can kind of pick the route you want to take – some people just go straight into industry working as a scientist and work their way up the chains without ever doing any more study. It just depends what you want to research and the options that are available to you.

Alex Haragan answered on 6 Jun 2018:

A long time! And you never stop learning.
As you have seen already there are many routes and options available to you – some take longer than others, but the important thing is to enjoy the process. Don’t be hung up on reaching targets or you’ll wish your life away!
But to illustrate my torturous route (which represents several changes of heart, periods of great uncertainty, jobs I didn’t care for and sometimes having no idea what direction my career was taking – but thats true for a lot of people and I’m happy now so it all worked out!)
I spent 3 years doing my BSc. hons degree (Biomedical sciences), figured I didn’t want to do pure research or work as a biomedical scientist so did another 4 years in medical school (standard medical degree is 5 but I skipped the first year – less likely these days but when I did it first year medicine was mostly basic science which I already learned). Graduated as a doctor and worked a few years as a junior. I wasn’t 100% sure what kind of doctor I wanted to be – but knew I wanted to do research and science with it. I did a MSc (masters in pharmacology) for a year, then applied for pathology which is what I am now working as.
Currently Im working as a pathologist but also undertaking a PhD. So I still haven’t really finished qualifying yet!
I’ve only really spent a few years not having some sort of time at uni – to make me seem really old to you – I started my first degree in 2005! (and have been at uni in form of another for a total of 9 years…. and counting)

Lauren Burns answered on 7 Jun 2018:

It was a roughly similar process for me; 3 years doing an undergraduate degree (BSc), 2 years doing a Masters part-time, now just starting my 3 year PhD (so will be 8 years at the end!). However, it does not feel like it in all honesty, it just goes so quick! Also, you don’t have to do this all in one go, or even at all, if you feel you are on the right path then continue down it, or if you fancy a change or doing something different then that is great too!

Nathan Clarke answered on 7 Jun 2018:

The different paths into research can vary quite a bit. If you’re very determined (and perhaps a little lucky), you can get onto a PhD program straight out of an undergraduate degree. Personally, I took a bit longer… I did two undergraduate degrees and because one had a clinical placement component, I effectively spent 7 years as an undergraduate. 1 more year for my MSc. 3 years for my PhD. 11 years total. That seems like an eternity on paper. An important thing to remember is that life goes by between education. I’ve had jobs and done other interesting things, but the amount of time that I’ve spent near education has made me realise the importance of being a lifelong learner 🙂

Ashley Akbari answered on 7 Jun 2018:

After school and college, i studied for my BSc for 3 years and then my MSc for a further 18months. Following that I have continued to develop my expertise and experience in data science for a further 10 years – and I am always learning and developing and complete continued professional development on a regular basis.

Camille Parsons answered on 7 Jun 2018:

I initially went to university for 4 years to do a BSc(Hons), as I had a working placement during my degree. However you could complete my degree in 3 years rather than 4.Then I completed a masters degree, which took me a year. At that point I began working as a statistician, so you could say 5 years to qualify. However I have since completed a PhD, however I remained working and did this part time which took me another 4 years.

Claire Donald answered on 8 Jun 2018:

I did 4 years at the University of St Andrews to get my undergraduate degree (its 4 years in Scotland instead of 3 in England)

A one year Masters of Science at Edinburgh Napier University

Finally, a 4 year PhD at the University of Glasgow ( I started my PhD at the University of Edinburgh but then my lab moved to Glasgow so technically I have 3 degrees from 4 universities!)

So a total of 9 years…..

Hannah Farley answered on 10 Jun 2018:

I’m still not qualified :O I have another year and a bit before I will have my PhD, my undergraduate degree took me three years.

Question: How long did it take to qualify?

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