Postgrad UK 2008/2009 - (Page 63) www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK Science and Engineering 63 Maths market Niyati Jhalaria from India is studying an MSc in Statistics at the School of Mathematics at the University of Manchester. After having completed my BSc in Statistics, the next logical step for me was to do my MSc in the same subject, to achieve a better understanding of it. I was also aware of the extensive use of statistics in various fields, which made me want to find out more. ADDED VALUE An obvious advantage of train students to work in any industry, which was appealing to me. On the Masters we concentrate more on the practical applications of the subject rather than the theory behind it. The course here also introduces us to the latest developments in statistics. The projects that we do teach us how to apply everything we have learned to a given data set. I hope to have a full-time job in the banking sector in the UK once I complete the course. WEIGHING UP THE BENEFITS There are many pursuing an MSc in the UK is that it is a one-year course, as opposed to two, like in the US. I was clear that I wanted to pursue my Masters abroad and hence the UK was the best choice. I had attended a couple of study abroad fairs, which were for undergraduate study, but it enabled me to find out more about studying abroad. I gathered more information by going to educational consultants but I had heard through word of mouth that the University of Manchester is one of the best universities in the UK. The course description for the MSc in Statistics indicated that the topics covered would have a lot of practical application too, and that the aim of the course is to advantages of studying in the UK and more attention is given to practical application of your study and the professors are involved in research, which means they are aware of the latest developments. The disadvantages are the cost of living (it can be quite high in the UK) and the challenges of trying to find employment (it is harder for international students). I have found part-time work, though, with West One Catering Consultancy. I am allowed to choose my shifts, thus, if I find that I can afford to work on a particular day I call up and book a shift. If I have to study or complete a project I don’t work until I am free. Adapting to life in Manchester is not very difficult, since there are a large number of Indians and international students alike. There is enough Indian food available around, so actually there wasn’t much to adapt to. The accent people speak here requires a little getting used to, but otherwise, I did not find it too hard. I do think postgraduate study is a bit pricey for international students. When you add the accommodation costs as well as living costs, it is costing me around £20,000 for a year which is fairly considerable. That said, I like the independent lifestyle that I lead here and I am enjoying my course very much. I do not regret my decision to pursue further study here at all. And one can definitely be assured by the quality education in the UK. So if one can afford it, it is a good opportunity. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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