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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask your advice regarding my degree?

124 replies

StudentInACrisis · 26/04/2015 02:03

Would be very keen to hear your advice and honest opinions.

To cut a long story short, I am studying for a dual language MFL degree at a RG uni. Currently in my final year, with exams starting imminently.

One of the languages has posed a huge problem to me since the beginning of this year. Actually, problems started to become apparent in my second year but I brushed them off and carried on as normal. It's worth mentioning that I achieved a 2.1 grade in my past three years of study btw, with occasional firsts in module marks.

Although I have tried to tackle the language this year, tbh I have found things quite overwhelming and actually buried my head in the sand about it, if I'm honest. This has impacted my other modules and I am on course to do a lot less well than I had hoped.

I feel that if I achieve a 2.2 this year (which is looking more and more likely), it would throw the past four years' work down the drain... This is going to sound childish but I did well in my A levels and GCSEs too, and I just feel like degrees should if anything represent an improvement on existing grades... Feel like if I achieved a 2.2 (and I honestly do think this would not reflect my potential) it would just undermine everything I've done so far :( BTW this is absolutely NOT a criticism of anyone who has this mark. I'm really not trying to sound snobbish, just trying to convey my current situation and the fact that I have tried so hard in other years...

I have been debating taking a year out (now it would only be a few months obviously) to focus solely on the language, and essentially re-start things, since the beginning of this year but something has always stopped me. My uni have confimed that it would be fine (although unorthodox) but I guess I'm most worried about people's reactions - would they feel as if I was 'giving up'? Would they judge me for the fact that I'm only doing this to improve my grades, as it's not like I have a 'real reason' i.e. a hospital stay? - as well as the fact that maybe later on I'll regret it.

WWYD???? I feel like it is even worse that I'm potentially choosing to do it now, ie just before exams, when I have actually finished all the relevant courses - I really wish I hadn't let it get this far. Obviously it is rooted slightly in exam panic but equally because I just feel deep down that this year as a whole has been terrible, and not representative of my true abilities at all. Am I being a coward?? Please please help, I literally have a matter of hours to decide

OP posts:
AyeAmarok · 26/04/2015 16:23

I only know one person who has done a Masters with a 2:1, everyone else has a 2:2, or even a non-honours degree. And these are good universities too, as well as questionable ones.

Jackieharris · 26/04/2015 17:08

Do the maths and work out exactly what marks you need in each module/exam to get a 2:1 overall.

I was in this situation and needed 70 in one and 40 in another. I got 70 & 41! 2 x 69 and I would have got a 2:2.

Given the career you want it is important you get a 2:1, but employers aren't stupid- they will notice you took an extra year.

niceandwarm · 26/04/2015 17:27

If employers notice that you've taken 4 years rather than 5 (and I really doubt they will notice or care) you are more likely to get an interview than if you get a 2.2 as many job adverts stipulate the degree grade eg must have a 2.1 or above so you would automatically meet that criteria. Once you are at interview, and the question crops up, you have the opportunity to explain/sell yourself.

I am in the university sector and don't know any mainstream university that does not ask for a 2.1
To answer your question - I don't think a 2.1 over 5 years would be regarded as dubious. I completed a PhD in 5 years instead of 4 and not one person has ever picked me up on it (and I have worked at Oxbridge and a number of other unis)

TroutQuintet · 26/04/2015 17:35

Aye, are you able to give me any recent examples? I do have a particular interest as one of my DC is about to graduate (hopefully!), probably with a 'Desmond' and is interested in doing s further degree. I didn't realise getting a 2ii was such a big deal, as compared with a2i - I am probably old fashioned, but I would just think that the 2ii student had a better life at uni IYSWIM.

However, the idea of improving the overall impression by taking a Masters sounds like a good one. Surely, whatever it may say in the prospectus, when it comes to further degrees, don't the unis need 'bums on seats' to pay their way?

Certainly with undergraduate degrees, whatever they may say on their website about wanting 3 x A grades etc, a lot of prestigious unis were offering places through clearing last year at below the published grades.

AyeAmarok · 26/04/2015 17:52

Trout off the top of my head:

2:2 in Engineering from Imperial, did Phd at a RG uni in an engineering subject.

2:2 in engineering from RG uni, did a Masters in a physics subject at the same uni.

2:2 in geology, did a Masters in another earth science type subject at an RG uni.

2:2 in biochemistry, did a Masters in some sort of blood science subject (can you tell I'm not a scientist Grin )

2:2 in Law and MFL, did Masters in some political subject, at an RG uni.

LOADS who got 2:2s and then did a teaching PGCE.

Ordinary degree in psychology (didn't finish final year), did Masters in nursing.

This is all in the last 6-8 years.

AyeAmarok · 26/04/2015 17:57

Sorry, I mean this is all between 1-6 years, and the PhD was 6 years ago.

whois · 26/04/2015 18:10

A 2.1 absolutely matters in the graduate milk round type jobs. It isn't the end of the world of you don't get a 2.1, but it is very helpful in the near term.

Personally I would take the extra time, get up to speed with your language and redo your final year.

LoganMountstuart · 26/04/2015 19:06

LotusLight, I reckon a 2.1 with a year out is better than a 2.2. For a lot of grad job applications, you really need to be able to put 2.1 otherwise it will be automatically binned. Plus, if you do something cool or unusual on your year out (living and working abroad is a good one) you can talk about that at interview, plus it will appeal to international companies and firms.

My opinion is based on having done the training contract milk round a few years ago and looking at my fellow trainees now. A 2.2 would be really hard to overcome imo.

TheWintersmith · 26/04/2015 19:32

I'm doing a masters at a very good uni, and I got a third. So it is possible.

I have a 10 yr track record working in the field and a relevant profession qualification, but my point is it is completely possible to lose a poor degree result, and get onto a masters.

TheWintersmith · 26/04/2015 19:34

Having said that, a year out doing something relevant would be a sensible choice I think.

toothlessoldhag · 26/04/2015 21:05

TheWintersmith the key point in your case is that you had significant industry experience to make up for your third. I have to reiterate that normally a 2.1 is the prerequisite for a Master's at a good university and anyone saying different is likely to be reporting on exceptions to the rule.

Out of curiosity I checked on the situation at Imperial, mentioned above, and although they do say 2.2 is the bare minimum, they go on to say the 2.1 required by many departments. www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/requirements/

Original poster
StudentInACrisis · 26/04/2015 21:21

Hi all,

thanks very much for your thoughtful advice. I have asked to have this thread deleted as it contains a lot of identifying info, but will definitely take note of your comments and opinions. Thanks again

OP posts:
SolomanDaisy · 26/04/2015 21:51

There is no way you could be identified from the information on this thread, but MNHQ seem to be really lax about that now so will probably delete it anyway. It's a bit of a shame for all the people with useful information who took time to give you thoughtful advice.

Original poster
StudentInACrisis · 26/04/2015 22:08

Sorry Soloman, I probably should have specified further - one of my tutors has actually identified me as a result of information given on this thread, and for that reason, I feel it might be a good idea for it to be removed. This is an unfortunate coincidence I know.

I hope I don't come across as ungrateful in any way. I do hugely appreciate the time and trouble that people have gone to in giving my answers, and you have all really helped me.

OP posts:
DisappointedOne · 26/04/2015 22:58

Bollocks, OP. It's because you're quite clearly the student that was having hassle with her flatmate and boyfriend earlier this week.

Original poster
StudentInACrisis · 26/04/2015 23:00

Sorry Disappointed, I am not sure what you mean? Are you referring to an existing thread? This is the first time I have posted on this forum and perhaps I was naive in thinking I could get posts removed

OP posts:
Original poster
StudentInACrisis · 26/04/2015 23:02

Also I have a problem with the your language. This is a public forum, as far I'm aware I have been following the rules so please don't speak to me like that...

OP posts:
JanineStHubbins · 26/04/2015 23:03

Are you saying one of your university tutors contacted you to say he/she had read your posts on MN?

I think that's bollocks as well.

Chippednailvarnish · 26/04/2015 23:15

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

rootypig · 26/04/2015 23:26

I'm confused Confused
Do people think this poster is not genuine?
Or is asking for the thread to be deleted because it may be connected with another, incriminating thread?
Since MN is broadly predicated on anonymity (took me longer than it should to spell that Grin), even if OP is trying to protect herself because she has said things that she might seriously regret, isn't that what the deletions policy is all about?

sleeponeday · 27/04/2015 01:40

Jesus, will you lot wind your necks in? Why be so gratuitously spiteful? Hmm

Good luck, OP. Hope it all works out okay.

sleeponeday · 27/04/2015 01:41

rootypig - well put.

TroutQuintet · 27/04/2015 05:47

Thanks Aye, that's very interesting although the majority seem to be science types, whereas my DC is on the arts side. However, it shows that it is possible.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 27/04/2015 07:57

Do what you need to get a 2 :1....it.does matter now... Years ago it didnt! Pals of mine who dipped under the borderline kicked themselves... As they were always having to explain away getting a 2:2.

As someone said - calculate EXACTLY what you need to score in early module-you may be surprised! Our uni was 30:70 between year 2 and 3. Ensure your calculations reflect this!

Can you take ANY exams this year? And just defer the ones you're having difficulty with?

Can you do the 'repeat' year without attendance and just go and immerse yourself in the language?

You wouldn't have to take a whole year!
Can you take your exams with the resits? Presumably September this year? You would still have several months to improve!

SolomanDaisy · 27/04/2015 09:12

The tutor who managed to identify you from this thread is early some sort of genius textual analyst. I'd ask for their help.

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