Mathematics major vs mathematics degree?

What are the advantages/disdvantages of obtaining a graduate degree in the pure sciences/mathematics in a top-tier English University (i.e. Cambridge, Oxford) vs. an American one (i.e Harvard, MIT)?

• Answer:

  Time. The European PhD system usually takes 3-4 years, the American one takes 5-6. The difference in time is due to: 1) The American system often requires classes for 1-2 years. The European system usually requires a masters degree, so you come in with classes already done. 2) The American system usually gives students lots of flexibility in picking / coming up with dissertation projects. The European system works by having professors design projects for the graduate students, and hiring students specifically for completing the project. Student designed projects tend to take a lot longer to get off the ground, and likely have a higher failure rate, but the students learn so much more about experimental design and the "big picture" scope of the project than just diving right into a project that has already been designed. Granted, these are more broad generalizations based on how the systems are designed. Specific labs in each region may vary widely in the amount of input the students have in designing the project. I think the extra freedom, flexibility and experimental design skills that students are more likely to experience in the American system are totally worth the extra 2-3 years.