8. Work in pairs asking these questions. Give both short and full answers.

EXAMPLE: - Is your work associated with experimenting?

- Yes, it is. My work is associated with experimenting.

1) Did you carry on research in a students’ group or society while being a student?

2) Do you apply your knowledge of the theory to your experimental work?

3) Will you be engaged in the solution of some particular problem?

4) Are you interested in research?

5) Does the head of your department encourage research?

6) Did your supervisor encourage you to read a paper at the conference?

7) Are there any scientists of international reputation working at your University?

8) Does your research cover a wide range of subjects?

9. Ask as many questions as possible based on the following sentences.

1) They devote much effort to experiments. 2) My friend has already passed his examination in philosophy. 3) I usually consult my supervisor twice a week. 4) He works under Professor Sokolov. 5) They are interested in the production of new coatings. 6) My sister took up a postgraduate course last year. 7) He graduated from our University four years ago. 8) I have been doing my research for three years.

*10. Answer the following questions about yourself and your postgraduate studies.

1) Where are you from? 2) Where did you receive your education? 3) When did you graduate from the University? What is your specialty? 4) Did you do some further studies after the graduation? 5) What activities are you engaged in at present? 6) Are you a research student or a postgraduate student / a full-time or part-time postgraduate student? What year are you in? 7) When did you take a postgraduate course? 8) What entrance examinations did you pass? 9) Do you attend classes in English and Philosophy? 10) Do you combine studies with your work? 11) What field of science do you carry on your research in?

Unit II. Postgraduate Studies in England

Postgraduate studies at an English University can be undertaken in the form of a taught course or by research.

Taught courses lead to one of three qualifications: Certificate, Diploma or Master. Many can be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. Part of the taught programme is made up of coursework with other students (lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory work). The remainder involves independent study for a supervised dissertation or project to be submitted by a particular date. Both elements are examined. In some cases, satisfactory performance in the first part will determine whether students can proceed to the second. A number of departments require students to undertake a taught course before assessing their ability to pursue research.

The principal research degrees are Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Research degrees involve independent study, assisted by a supervisor, and the production of a thesis. The essential difference between the Master and Doctoral levels lies in the quality of a successful PhD thesis, which must be the result of original research, an addition to knowledge and worthy of publication either in full or in an abridged form. The award of either degree also requires a pass in an oral examination. Postgraduate students are granted the Master’s degree after a minimum of one or two years of advanced studies. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy regarded as the highest one is awarded after a minimum of two or three years’ research. Tuition fees for postgraduates usually cover registration, tuition, examination and membership of the Students’ Union. They do not include accommodation, other living expenses or re-examination fees.

For international students who can study in England a good grasp of the English language is essential for coping with the intellectual demands of postgraduate study, in whatever field. Equally, competence in the language helps postgraduates adjust more easily to life in the country and cope with the demands of living in a new environment.