A reader writes:
As a prospective graduate student weighing offers between schools in the UK and the US, I was wondering if you (or your readers) could answer a question. I have seen read on various blog posts comparing UK and US grad programs that UK programs train their graduates to be much more research-oriented, whereas US programs are more focused on teaching. Does this seem accurate to you? Since publishing is such an important factor in getting a job, it would be an important consideration to make.
It seems right that UK programs are more exclusively research-focused than US programs, but there is considerable variation in US programs, with many wealthy private universities requiring very little teaching over the course of a 5-6 year degree. But it would be useful to hear from students and faculty about some of the pertinent differences for students thinking about UK vs. US doctoral programs.
