M.Sc. by distance learning

Have you considered doing a PhD full time? Part time PhD programs can go on for quite a long time. When I was doing mine I bit the bullet and did it full time (not in astronomy though). I'm glad I did. You get much more out of it (unless you have to work that is). You would probably get in with a 2.2, or start with an MSc and transfer to Phd after the first year.

johnomahony wrote:

Have you considered doing a PhD full time? Part time PhD programs can go on for quite a long time. When I was doing mine I bit the bullet and did it full time (not in astronomy though). I'm glad I did. You get much more out of it (unless you have to work that is). You would probably get in with a 2.2, or start with an MSc and transfer to Phd after the first year.

You can't really do an astronomy PhD part time. It's quite a dynamic and competitive field that you really need to do it full time. You can do a PhD in something like the history of astronomy but that didn't appeal to me anyway.

I'd have to give up work in order to do the PhD; which is the main reason I didn't continue.

I know two other guys doing part time PhD Astronomy projects with Open University UK. All three of us specialize in planetary science, in particular
minor planet studies. I agree with Al, if this is for a career in astronomy, then do it full time.

Eamonn A

www.kingslandobservatory.com

I do intend to do a full time PhD eventually (hopefully in Germany) but I can't go straight into one so I have to do a masters first.

Is it possible to work part time while doing the Swinburne course? How big is the workload? I never worked while I was in college because I didn't want it to interfere with studying time, but the only way I can afford this is if I work.