second masters degree then phd or mphil?

[dobblebubble]

Hi,

I am looking to switch careers. My undergraduate degree is in biochemistry and I have a postgraduate masters degree in the same field.

I am thinking of having a career in public health or epidemiology and working for either NHS or pharmaceutical companies.

Would you recommend me doing a masters degree in epidemiology or biostatistics then a phd in epidemiology or biostatistics. Or would it be more beneficial for me to do an mphil in epidemiology/biostatistics as I already have one masters degree already?

It really depends on the jobs you are going for. If you already have an undergraduate degree and masters then why not try to work for a couple of years in a related field or area, or in the kind of organisation you might like to work in in the future before getting further training?

At your stage with a postgraduate degree behind you I would try to go for something paid rather than more training.

Ah, re-reading? When was your masters, and what have you been working as since then?

There is some flexibility but in my experience employers are more keen to employ someone with the skills they need for the job. Have a look at your "I would like to be doing that job in a couple of years time" job adverts. What are they asking for?

What kind of role would you be looking for in pharma?

What is it about public health / epidemiology that appeals to you? Why do you want to switch from biochemistry?

(I'm wondering why you don't go for NHS clinical scientist type roles in biochemistry - you might have good reason!)

an Mphil is sometimes awarded to people who 'tried to do a PhD but dropped out'. I don't know anywhere that offers an Mphil as a distinct course.

Start with an MSc (or MRes if you find one) and use the year in that course to investigate your next career options very carefully. Many jobs don't need a PhD, and just the MSc might be enough. Especially if you have good data science skills from elsewhere.

Re: Biostatistics - have you joined the allstat mailing list? This is a really good place to look for jobs and course. Also statsjobs.com and www.datascientistjobs.co.uk/

@parietal

an Mphil is sometimes awarded to people who 'tried to do a PhD but dropped out'. I don't know anywhere that offers an Mphil as a distinct course.

Start with an MSc (or MRes if you find one) and use the year in that course to investigate your next career options very carefully. Many jobs don't need a PhD, and just the MSc might be enough. Especially if you have good data science skills from elsewhere.

Cambridge does for one.

Goldsmiths does too

I would go straight to a phd, personally, if you are able to and are sure you want to do more training. I am a PI and take PhD students from all types of backgrounds. Learning curve in year one can be steep but that’s ok!

HOWEVER, I would try to get a paid job or internship in the field first to see if you really want to commit to it

www.onlydatajobs.com also worth a look.