Computational Physics with Computer Science PhD (transfer, software, internet, program)

[Irish student 2011]

I am currently doing my MSc in Computer Science and am thinking on doing a PhD as there is no work in my country at the moment. While I have studied Computer Science, and have done well at it – I have never officially studied Physics, but have had a lifelong interest in it from reading books / internet articles etc, and ghosting some of the Physics classes in my university to pick up some stuff.

If I am going to be doing a PhD I will need a thesis, or area of study to justify funding for taking on a doctorate, so I am wondering would anybody be aware of the conditions for doing Computational Physics. Would I have to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Physics to apply Physics matters to software programs, or would my interest in this area allow me to transfer this knowledge into producing Computational Physics software.

Thank you.

[broadbill]

Why would you get a PhD if there aren't any jobs?

Interesting article:
Doctoral degrees: The disposable academic | The Economist

In many fields, there isn't a premium in salary/earning with getting a PhD versus a Masters alone. In some fields, a Masters is worth more.

Be careful what you wish for!

[Irish student 2011]

Hi, and thanks for your response.

Originally Posted by broadbill

Why would you get a PhD if there aren't any jobs?

Well that's actually my incentive for doing one - there's no work in industry at the moment, so I may as well try out a PhD before the economy picks up again.

Interesting article:
Doctoral degrees: The disposable academic | The Economist

In many fields, there isn't a premium in salary/earning with getting a PhD versus a Masters alone. In some fields, a Masters is worth more.

Be careful what you wish for!

Interesting article indeed. I'll admit that the article is quiet peculiar, but this is not actually the situation in my country because graduates with Bachelor's degrees (Honours) earn on average €21,000-€25,000 (roughly $28,000-$34,000), whereas people with Doctorates/ PhD's earn on average €45,000 + on graduation (roughly $61,000+). That and unlike in the US, our doctorates in science only take 4 years.

Source: http://www.independent.ie/education/...r-1905884.html

Also most of my education, like the rest of the students in the country has been cheap because there university education is cheap as the government/ state helps out.............so I wouldn't be in any financial debt/ or in need of payments for loans etc.