<p>In many places (certainly most of USA and Canada) a master's is not required before a PhD. There it is fine, and probably recommended, to just apply directly to PhD programs from undergrad. I am not sure if the situation is the same in the U.K. or elsewhere in Europe. In any case, it's a good idea to meet with one of your math/CS professors to ask for advice on this process.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T21:18:14.917Z
Thank you. That's probably what I should have tried out first. It just made sense to me since I've spent a considerable amount of time on this forum and so I thought I should probably ask those that have gone down the route I'm intending to. Please see my comments in regards to the situation in the UK.
someone111
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T21:01:36.353Z
2018-11-30T21:01:36.353Z
usul
<p>I am currently studying a bachelor's in (joint honours) Mathematics and Computer Science in the UK. I am intrigued by the sorts of problems present in theoretical computer science and I want to entertain the possibility of pursuing a PhD. However, I must first of course pursue a master's degree. The issue is I cannot find a master's degree with a focus in theoretical computer science in the UK (if you accept the notion of a master's degree being a specialist degree). In turn, I am not sure what sort of courses I should be looking for that would adequately prepare me for this field. </p>

<p>After browsing this forum for some time, I have found a mathematics background is paramount to theory. I will have what one may consider a formal background in mathematics by the time of graduation but I am not sure as to what exactly I should be doing. Would a pure mathematics master's be the best route?</p>

<p>Any insight or clarification into this would be appreciated greatly! </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T21:11:50.130Z
I will have covered 60% of each subject as if you were to have taken a single honours route so I will definitely have at least all the basic CS courses as well as mathematics courses. In the UK, top universities like Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford and Edinburgh require a master's degree (or undergraduate integrated master's which would equate to the same).
someone111
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T21:14:52.987Z
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/computing/prospective-students/courses/phd/phd-application-guidelines/ "Applicants are expected to have a First Class/Distinction Masters level degree, or equivalent, in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as computer science or mathematics. Candidates who have only a Bachelors degree will not normally be considered.."
someone111
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T21:45:45.453Z
Try looking for MPhil programs. MPhil courses at many British schools, like Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc. certain allow you to do coursework and research in theory.
xrq
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-30T22:56:32.590Z
The ones at Oxbridge and Edinburgh appeal the most to me but they're also the most competitive. Going abroad is something I am willing to explore but that's an entirely new domain.
someone111
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-12-01T12:24:11.687Z
Have a look at the French MPRI.  Loads of courses to choose from, and I believe English is always available.
Michaël Cadilhac
<soft-question><career>
Graduate school for CS theory?
someone111
# Graduate school for CS theory?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-11-30)

I am currently studying a bachelor's in (joint honours) Mathematics and Computer Science in the UK. I am intrigued by the sorts of problems present in theoretical computer science and I want to entertain the possibility of pursuing a PhD. However, I must first of course pursue a master's degree. The issue is I cannot find a master's degree with a focus in theoretical computer science in the UK (if you accept the notion of a master's degree being a specialist degree). In turn, I am not sure what sort of courses I should be looking for that would adequately prepare me for this field.

After browsing this forum for some time, I have found a mathematics background is paramount to theory. I will have what one may consider a formal background in mathematics by the time of graduation but I am not sure as to what exactly I should be doing. Would a pure mathematics master's be the best route?

Any insight or clarification into this would be appreciated greatly!

**Tags:** soft-question, career
> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: I will have covered 60% of each subject as if you were to have taken a single honours route so I will definitely have at least all the basic CS courses as well as mathematics courses. In the UK, top universities like Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford and Edinburgh require a master's degree (or undergraduate integrated master's which would equate to the same).  
> **username_0**: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/computing/prospective-students/courses/phd/phd-application-guidelines/ "Applicants are expected to have a First Class/Distinction Masters level degree, or equivalent, in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as computer science or mathematics. Candidates who have only a Bachelors degree will not normally be considered.."  
> **username_1**: Try looking for MPhil programs. MPhil courses at many British schools, like Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc. certain allow you to do coursework and research in theory.  
> **username_0**: The ones at Oxbridge and Edinburgh appeal the most to me but they're also the most competitive. Going abroad is something I am willing to explore but that's an entirely new domain.  
> **username_2**: Have a look at the French MPRI.  Loads of courses to choose from, and I believe English is always available.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2018-11-30. Score: 4

In many places (certainly most of USA and Canada) a master's is not required before a PhD. There it is fine, and probably recommended, to just apply directly to PhD programs from undergrad. I am not sure if the situation is the same in the U.K. or elsewhere in Europe. In any case, it's a good idea to meet with one of your math/CS professors to ask for advice on this process.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Thank you. That's probably what I should have tried out first. It just made sense to me since I've spent a considerable amount of time on this forum and so I thought I should probably ask those that have gone down the route I'm intending to. Please see my comments in regards to the situation in the UK.  

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