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Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

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Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#1
Hey HN,

I'm a 2nd year MS student and I'm looking into applying for PhD programs. I've gotten my dual Master's in CS and Biology, and I'm looking into doing a PhD. I have a very specific idea of what I want to do, focusing on Neuroscience inspired ML architectures, and I've found potential advisors at Oxford and a few US universities. What do you think are the advantages of doing a degree at one or the other?

Also, I'm a US citizen! Went to undergrad in the US and am currently attending a US university for my masters

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#2
It might help to know which country you're a citizen of. For example, having to deal with visa issues or adjusting to an unfamiliar culture could be a distraction from your PhD work. Also, trying to finish up a PhD while interviewing for jobs in a different country might be stressful.

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#3

It might help to know which country you're a citizen of. For example, having to deal with visa issues or adjusting to an unfamiliar culture could be a distraction from your PhD work. Also, trying to finish up a PhD while interviewing for jobs in a different country might be stressful.

Ah of course, I'm a US citizen! I went to UCSD for undergrad, and am attending Harvard and Georgia Tech for my master's

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#4
You may also wish to compare the funding situation for the various advisors. Each country and university has access to different grants and other sources of funding. You have to keep in mind that doing a PhD is a full-time job. You won't be able to have a part-time job and do quality research, so unless you are able to self-fund, the money aspect is critical.

I believe that, in general, PhDs take longer to complete in the USA, especially with the top universities. And of course, the cost of living varies with different cities.

When you write "potential advisors", have you actually engaged in communication with them? Typically principal researchers have a clearly defined programme, often tied to specific grants, funding contracts. They will only take on advisees whose proposed work dovetails into their group's work. In my experience it is very difficult to be accepted when you propose specific research and it is outside any existing scope.

To better understand the "potential advisors'" situation, I recommend that you locate recent papers by them, read those papers and compare their current and recent work with your intended work. When you contact them, you could frame your proposal to align with their research programme.

I am not a ML expert, so I can only comment generally. I would expect that post PhD opportunities in industry would be better in the USA. However, academic opportunities might be more comparable.

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#5
post #3

It might help to know which country you're a citizen of. For example, having to deal with visa issues or adjusting to an unfamiliar culture could be a distraction from your PhD work. Also, trying to finish up a PhD while interviewing for jobs in a different country might be stressful.

Ah of course, I'm a US citizen! I went to UCSD for undergrad, and am attending Harvard and Georgia Tech for my master's

You posted this clarification while I was writing my response.

Based on the additional information, I would suggest that a USA PhD research op would present more advantages.

Notwithstanding that, if you are attracted to the adventure of studying at Oxford and are able to secure a well-funded research position then it could be a fantastic experience.

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#6
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ah of course, I'm a US citizen! I went to UCSD for undergrad, and am attending Harvard and Georgia Tech for my master's

You posted this clarification while I was writing my response. Based on the additional information, I would suggest that a USA PhD research op would present more advantages. Notwithstanding that, if you are attracted to the adventure of studying at Oxford and are able to secure a well-funded research position then it could be a fantastic experience.

My apologies, and thank you, your advice makes a lot of sense!

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#9
UK will not only be faster (you concentrate 100% on research with no extraneous busywork) and you will get to tick the “international experience” box at the same time.

Re: Ask HN: PhD in the UK or US?

#10
I recall reading some article about someone who got into a pickle financially in part because they went to school overseas, so their American student loans were due while they were in college overseas because being in college elsewhere somehow didn't count for deferring payment or something.

Make sure you understand that angle. Find out before you go overseas whether or not that has material impact on your student loan situation, assuming you have student loans.

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