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Same in France: all the PhD students in computer science I know have finished in 3 years, or 3 years and 6 months (you can request a 6 month extension). You can

Same in France: all the PhD students in computer science I know have finished in 3 years, or 3 years and 6 months (you can request a 6 month extension). You can't carry on after that duration because you have to be funded and be full-time (so no side job).

emeryberger 11y ago
FWIW, these (IMHO absurdly) short PhD programs basically mean you need to do a postdoc for your CV to even be competitive with US CS PhDs -- assuming you want to do research in a top institution or research lab. So it's far from an obvious optimization.
- alphydan 11y ago
  That was not my experience. I did a PhD in quantum physics in the UK (Imperial College) in 3 years + 6 month extension. I collaborated with Oxford University and I was able to publish in Nature Physics, PRL, etc ... (in other words, the top journals in the field). I was offered post-doc positions but eventually went to industry. I really enjoyed my PhD as a time to learn and think about deep and difficult questions. Regarding employment, I think it shows that you can commit to a problem. It shows perseverance and drive. And those are good skill to have at any technical job.
  - emeryberger 11y ago
    My comments should be interpreted as applying to PhD studies in Computer Science.
- JupiterMoon 11y ago
  The view from Europe is that since students in US PhD programs spend their first two years doing courses they come out with similar actual research experience.
  - emeryberger 11y ago
    The view is wrong. In computer science -- at least at top programs -- students begin research immediately.