Masters in Research?

[nomodestbear]

If you did this, what did you go on to do?

I'm currently doing a related masters part-time and am considering exiting with a postgraduate certificate to swap to the MRes full-time. It's really piqued my interest and would potentially give me a change of direction. It'll be a big decision to leave my current job though so I'm curious as to what my options might actually be!

Thanks!

Imo if you currently have a job it would be unwise to give it up. The academic sector is a mess and there are virtually no jobs for researchers (and certainly no well paid ones).

Ah. Very helpful. I tend to latch on to these 'great ideas and wonderful plans' so it's useful to have a balanced perspective. Thank you.

I did an MSc in research methods, then a PhD and am now unemployed. There are mitigating factors and you could easily convince yourself that it couldn't happen to you, but it really could. I'd stick with the bird in your hand.

I did an MRes then PhD. After a post doc and some fixed term roles I did become a lecturer, but have just left academia for an outside role (policy and research). Less pay, but far better working conditions I hope.

Are there other options for you? Part time MRes over a longer period? Would give you more time to think and experience postgrad study (next natural step would be a PhD).

Lifeofpies, not to hijack the thread but wondered what sector you have moved into?

OP - do lots of research. Do you have a partner whose job is mobile? Do you need to earn a reasonable salary? Are you passionate enough about your subject that it really makes up for all the downsides, particularly during the early career stages? You also have to be very thick-skinned to deal with the constant rejection. There is uncertainty over pensions at the moment and significant cuts proposed.

The Chronicle of Higher Education and many blogs discuss these career features endlessly - make sure you're fully-informed.

Yes, I think resilience is the most important characteristic of an academic, Toyrd!

I’m going into the civil service. Pretty impressed so far, family friendly (enhanced shared parental leave for dads for eg) and good pension scheme.

I also looked at think tanks, charities, research councils...

Isnt an Mres going down the route of phd's and academia?

Thanks everybody. Will look into those blogs mentioned.

Didn't want to out myself but here's a little more info. I am an experienced teacher and the MRes has a social and educational focus. While yes it would give me the opportunity to go on to do a PhD, it would give me research experience that could be put to use elsewhere. I live within commuting distance to a large number of Scottish universities and the Scottish Parliament.

Oh okay, that sounds more promising location-wise! You are not then counting on being hired by a single institution post-Phd and have a good set of potential options.