Post: #1

Hey guys,
I kinda messed up my college experience in America. I ended up doing really well and getting high grades but I did an interdisciplinary major. Meaning, I don't have a specialization. I really like philosophy and I friend told me to go London and apply for a masters degree there. I am only planning on studying 2 years. But I would like some input.

Post: #2

You'll need a lot of cash to live in London as a student.

There are plenty of good universities outside of London though.

Why do you want to do a Masters?

And why Philosophy? Will it lead to a good job?

Post: #3

(11-17-2015 06:16 PM)Lizard King Wrote:  You'll need a lot of cash to live in London as a student.

There are plenty of good universities outside of London though.

Why do you want to do a Masters?

And why Philosophy? Will it lead to a good job?

Since I didn't have good undergraduate preparation as a philosopher. I want to pursue philosophy seriously and then decide if I want to do a Phd in the subject or follow another discipline.

I don't think it will necessarily lead to a good job. However, my family is relatively wealthy, so I don't really need one. I do want to learn philosophy for my own interest. But right now I am leaning more to becoming a writer or politician.

Post: #4

Well London will expose you to a new group of Global friends; friends from elite circles if you choose your university carefully.

Most Masters in the UK are 1 year long. To be honest, they are open to anyone who can pay the fees these days.

Post: #5

Why do you want to waste money on a masters degree? Do you have a job right now or aspirations for academia?

A master's in philosophy would be wildly useless outside of academia.

At least with an undergrad you can finish it and check off the BS/BA box on HR requirements. A master's degree however is more complicated. It isn't a means to an end.

What are your long term goals?

Post: #6

If he can afford it and wants to spend a year exploring philosophy, why not?

It sounds like a grand way to spend 12 months

Post: #7

(11-18-2015 05:07 AM)The Beast1 Wrote:  Why do you want to waste money on a masters degree? Do you have a job right now or aspirations for academia?

A master's in philosophy would be wildly useless outside of academia.

At least with an undergrad you can finish it and check off the BS/BA box on HR requirements. A master's degree however is more complicated. It isn't a means to an end.

What are your long term goals?

The purpose of studying philosophy is surely to unmask the - perhapsy wholly unwarranted - assumptions contained in this very statement and others like it, namely, that the study of a subject has to subserve some "use" or other.

Post: #8

delete

Post: #9

(11-18-2015 07:41 AM)Feldeinsamkeit Wrote:  

(11-18-2015 05:07 AM)The Beast1 Wrote:  Why do you want to waste money on a masters degree? Do you have a job right now or aspirations for academia?

A master's in philosophy would be wildly useless outside of academia.

At least with an undergrad you can finish it and check off the BS/BA box on HR requirements. A master's degree however is more complicated. It isn't a means to an end.

What are your long term goals?

The purpose of studying philosophy is surely to unmask the - perhaps wholly unwarranted - assumptions contained in this very statement and others like it, namely, that the study of a subject has to subserve some "use" or other.

Because a man has to eat. Can I get a master's in philosophy too?

I kid i kid, you're honestly right.

I can call up my parents and ask for free money for anything I want too. However, instead of needlessly wasting mom and dad's money on those hair brained life plans of ones youth a little planing can make their free money go farther.

OP, instead of wasting time in higher indoctrination camp why don't you join the peace corps, volunteer, or get some work experience under your belt doing whatever. If you do the Peace Corps you can then parlay that experience into more elite institutions.

Honestly, if you want to get a degree with free money, make sure you get it from a school that is worth the free money (ie a top tier one). Don't waste it away in a 2nd tier school.