Ingrid in grids
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- Sep 1, 2009
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Not sure what will come of this, but I thought I’d put it out there anyway to see if I get any helpful advice. I don’t have many people in my life I can talk to about this who are not invested in me choosing one way or another.
I should say from the outset that my ultimate goal is to work as a film academic and teach cinema at tertiary level. I also want to be involved more directly in the film industry, working part-time or seasonally in development, screenwriting, and research.
Background
I have two bachelor degrees from a prominent university in Australia: a BA majoring in Film Studies, and a BSc in Medical Sciences/equivalent to a Pre-Med degree.
In terms of student loans, the Australian system is generous and gives its students interest-free loans. These are paid back along with taxes once the student is earning over a certain threshold. I owe about $25k USD all up (both degrees included).
I am about to move to London for a few months to intern in film development. I was employed for about two years as a video editor during my studies, but post-production work isn't really my bag. I'm more passionate about concept and writing.
...
At the moment, I am trying to decide between two pathways:
Option A
I return to Australia next year and undertake an Honours year. An Honours year has a specific meaning in Australia and doesn’t seem to translate well to the US or the UK. It’s essentially a research year that involves a thesis equivalent to an MA thesis, along with some coursework. An Honours year enables me to jump directly into a PhD in Australia.
I am also very fortunate that I am well liked by my faculty. I have been given a soft guarantee of a teaching position during my PhD at my home university. Prospects of a FT teaching position after that look good.
As for costs, the Honours year is relatively inexpensive and the PhD is virtually free. On top of this, I would qualify for a scholarship, which would cover my basic living expenses during the PhD.
The main issue is that the film industry in Australia is very small and very seasonal. I have struggled up to this point to get meaningful work experience working in production/development. I feel like if I stay in Australia, it will be very hard to move forward with my other aspirations.
tldr;
Option B
I stay in London and study a MA that is structured similarly to the Honours year—same course length, same thesis length, better coursework component. The MA I am most interested in, and believe I would have a strong chance of being accepted to, is at a leading university and tailored to my research interest.
With the MA, I would be able to both return to Australia and do my PhD there if I wanted, or do my PhD elsewhere in the world.
However, the course costs more as I would be an international student (roughly the same cost as my undergrad), and I would not be entitled to the same loan scheme I have enjoyed in my home country. I might qualify for a scholarship. However, while my grades are good, there seems to be slim pickings available in the way of scholarships for Australians seeking to do an MA at this institution.
I would also have to adjust to a slightly higher cost of living, I'd be away from my main support network (family and friends), and I would be leaving behind a faculty that I have built relationships with over the past four years.
However, the film industry in London is much more happening, and I would be able to continue developing this aspect of my career while studying. I haven't had any issues seeking out opportunities there, even from abroad.
tldr;
Thanks to anyone who manages to read through all of this. I'm particularly interested to hear from people who have pursued or are currently pursuing postgrad.
I should say from the outset that my ultimate goal is to work as a film academic and teach cinema at tertiary level. I also want to be involved more directly in the film industry, working part-time or seasonally in development, screenwriting, and research.
Background
I have two bachelor degrees from a prominent university in Australia: a BA majoring in Film Studies, and a BSc in Medical Sciences/equivalent to a Pre-Med degree.
In terms of student loans, the Australian system is generous and gives its students interest-free loans. These are paid back along with taxes once the student is earning over a certain threshold. I owe about $25k USD all up (both degrees included).
I am about to move to London for a few months to intern in film development. I was employed for about two years as a video editor during my studies, but post-production work isn't really my bag. I'm more passionate about concept and writing.
...
At the moment, I am trying to decide between two pathways:
Option A
I return to Australia next year and undertake an Honours year. An Honours year has a specific meaning in Australia and doesn’t seem to translate well to the US or the UK. It’s essentially a research year that involves a thesis equivalent to an MA thesis, along with some coursework. An Honours year enables me to jump directly into a PhD in Australia.
I am also very fortunate that I am well liked by my faculty. I have been given a soft guarantee of a teaching position during my PhD at my home university. Prospects of a FT teaching position after that look good.
As for costs, the Honours year is relatively inexpensive and the PhD is virtually free. On top of this, I would qualify for a scholarship, which would cover my basic living expenses during the PhD.
The main issue is that the film industry in Australia is very small and very seasonal. I have struggled up to this point to get meaningful work experience working in production/development. I feel like if I stay in Australia, it will be very hard to move forward with my other aspirations.
tldr;
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive
- Close to my support base
- Soft guarantee of teaching position and good future prospects at home university
- Very few opportunities to work or gain experience in the industry in Australia
- Honours degree does not qualify me to study a PhD abroad - would have to take additional MA if I wanted to do PhD abroad
Option B
I stay in London and study a MA that is structured similarly to the Honours year—same course length, same thesis length, better coursework component. The MA I am most interested in, and believe I would have a strong chance of being accepted to, is at a leading university and tailored to my research interest.
With the MA, I would be able to both return to Australia and do my PhD there if I wanted, or do my PhD elsewhere in the world.
However, the course costs more as I would be an international student (roughly the same cost as my undergrad), and I would not be entitled to the same loan scheme I have enjoyed in my home country. I might qualify for a scholarship. However, while my grades are good, there seems to be slim pickings available in the way of scholarships for Australians seeking to do an MA at this institution.
I would also have to adjust to a slightly higher cost of living, I'd be away from my main support network (family and friends), and I would be leaving behind a faculty that I have built relationships with over the past four years.
However, the film industry in London is much more happening, and I would be able to continue developing this aspect of my career while studying. I haven't had any issues seeking out opportunities there, even from abroad.
tldr;
Pros
- Ability to continue developing my career in the industry while studying
- MA is tailored to my specific research niche
- MA broadens my options and qualifies me to do PhD in Australia or abroad
- Prestigious university
- Away from support network (friends and family)
- Would have to take out a study loan to cover course fees
- Slightly higher cost of living
- Teaching position not guaranteed
Thanks to anyone who manages to read through all of this. I'm particularly interested to hear from people who have pursued or are currently pursuing postgrad.