Is it possible for me to do a Masters?

[Username12345]

I'd like to do a Masters course but I'm worried my past will hold me back.

I grew up in a poor environment and did badly at GCSEs, Ds and Es. Had to do GNVQ - no A-levels. Got my head and life together and went on to do an Access course to get into Uni to do a Bsc - Got a 2:1.

MSc application is asking for School leaving qualifications. For me that would be GNVQ, right?

Will that look badly for me. Is it likely I wouldn't get in?

[LEMmingaround]

I did gnvq then access course. Did degree got 2:1 and then did phd. I can't imagine it would be a problem.

[LEMmingaround]

My gnvq only gcse level too.

[LEMmingaround]

I left school with no gcse at all.

[Username12345]

Oh LEM, I'd love to do a PhD but was told I'm more likely to get a place if I do a Masters first.

[AMumInScotland]

I'd say your pattern of qualifications shows that you have worked hard and put a lot of effort into getting where you are now, so it shouldn't count against you.

Is there a section on the application where you can write in a general statement? If so, you can explain there in more detail.

[toothlessoldhag]

I don't think you should be too concerned. I used to run a Master's at a good university and I can say for a fact that I never paid attention to secondary school results, mainly as most of our students were from abroad, so it wouldn't have meant much to me. As far as I know, nor would the admin people who do the first sift, though they would want to check your degree is from a bona fide university.

What's essential is the 2.1 minimum, that your academic track record has an upward trajectory and is relevant to the Master's you're applying for.

Make sure the statement demonstrates (in addition to the advice above) that you've researched the course and it's staff, so you show you understand it's content; explain it's relevance to your interests and career plans.

And do avoid the word 'passion'!

Ps I know of someone with a similar background who sailed through his MSc and is now nearly through a PhD. You can do it.

[toothlessoldhag]

Its, not it's, obviously

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Dh left school at 16 with a handful of gcses and is now (aged 35) doing a masters. I've no idea how he managed that tbh but it's obviously possible! Can you call the admissions office and enquire?

[toothlessoldhag]

And yes, you really do need a Master's first.

[LEMmingaround]

You don't need a masters to do a PhD. I didn't have one. Just a 2:1 degree. However, if i had my time over again i would absolutely doa masters first. I spent the first year finding my feet and not really having a clue but my friends that did a masters hit the floor running on their phds and were actually getting results in their first year

[MumBoots]

I've got crap GCSEs (only four passes) and shocking A Level results. I got into university somehow and got a 2:1. I did a MSc 4 years ago (in my thirties).

The application asked for all my quals, but they were ultimately only interested in my degree grade and how I came across at interview. I doubt very much they will worry about your previous qualifications

[threepiecesuite]

Do you need a 2.1 to do a Masters?

[LEMmingaround]

Three peice it depends on the course. Some of the masters degrees offered in my department required a 2:1 whilst others only a 2:2. The Msc needed a 2:2 whilst the MRes a 2:1. The Mres was a taught program and the msc research only. Again it varies on the course.

[threepiecesuite]

I got a 2.2 12 years ago but have since worked in education and I want to do a teaching and learning Masters.

[Blithereens]

IME the universities have much more discretion when it comes to accepting people for post-grad. They are much more likely to base it on the interview/your degree and academic references/any work you submit than your old school grades. At my interview they told me they sometimes accept people who have no qualifications at all if their work is good enough. Don't let it stop you applying!

[toothlessoldhag]

Just to add to what LEMmingaround says: 2.1 is a must at my university, but it may not be at another university. At the risk of being flamed though I'd personally prefer a university with higher entry requirements as it means it will be more demanding intellectually, though I appreciate a more applied Master's may not have that as first criterion.

And to expand on my earlier message: although it's not universally so, it is increasingly rare for people to be admitted onto a PhD programme without a Master's, for the simple reason that a Master's is seen as the standard for establishing research skills.

Lastly, in case you're not aware of it. have a look at findamasters.com, where there's a wealth of useful information: www.findamasters.com/search/courses.aspx?CID=GB.