Course asks for a 2.1 or higher, i have a 2.2 Honours Degree is that good enough?

[Joy5]

I might come across as being very stupid here in not knowing the answer to this question, but i'm thinking of re-training as a librarian (briefly my marriage ended, i'm working par-time as a library assistant so hopefully i can get a better paid job).

I studied for an Open University degree while giving birth to my 3 sons and graduated with an Honours Degee, my degree is a 2.2.

The course asks for a 2.1 above, will my Honours Degree count as higher then this, or will i still be classed as a 2.2.

Hope this can be understood, not sure how to explain it more clearly, but not sure who else i can ask!

I would just apply tbh

An honours degree is a normal degree - it's a really misleading term. If you had a 2.1 or a first, it'd also be an honours degree. So no, a 2.2 is lower than a 2.1.

I'm not sure there's harm in applying if you fit the rest of the criteria and can find a good explanation for why you have a 2.2 but would be a good candidate, though?

Given you had your children while studying, it shows you are committed and more mature than many applicants who had no other commitments would be, so why not?

Call the university running the course and ask them.

I would apply, its worth a try.

Most degrees now are counted as honours degrees so I'm afraid it probably wouldn't be enough, however there is no harm in enquiring as some of these boundaries are flexible if you can show relevant work experience etc. It does though depend on the likely jobs. As libraries isn't a major growth area even if you get the masters there may still be 15 people applying for the job who have a masters and experience and a 2.1 or higher. It is then hard to justify giving you the job over the 15 other people. I would discuss with your manager etc before committing to added course expenditure.

My understanding is that most degrees are honours degrees, so I would think that they would regard you as a 2:2. Can you contact the course administrator and see if there might be concessions for a mature student?

Eek not sure I'd retrain as a librarian given how many libraries are shutting and/or being staffed by volunteers!

Any degree that has a classification is an honours degree by definition. Honours just means better than a bare pass so is fairly meaningless tbh.

However, most departments are happy to consider applications from "non-traditional" applicants, e.g. Mature students or student parents, and may waive the academic requirements if they feel it is appropriate.

The best thing to do is probably to call the department and ask to speak to the admissions officer responsible for the course (probably the postgraduate admissions officer).

I work in higher education btw, and I know we are always interested in potential students who have more to offer than a typical 21 year old graduate with a 2:1, even if on paper they don't have the grades.

Good luck!

Fragglewump - to be fair, they are often librarianship/information management degrees so doesn't just limit you to working in a local authority library.

2.2 is lower than a 2.1, but I would apply anyway and write a stellar personal statement about why they should give you a go.

As other posters have said a 2.2 is lower than a 2.1.

You can still contact the university and ask if they would accept your application though.

Not relevant to the OP but do remember that in Scotland an ordinary degree as opposed to honours means that they only completed 3 not 4 years, but is a recognised stopping point. To gain honours of any class you need to finish the final year (although with v good grades at entry you might be able to skip the first year).

You can get an ordinary degree with 300 credits I think, and need 360 for an honours.

Thanks for the info everyone.

I'll give the Uni a ring and ask if they'd consider me. Know public libraries are closing big time at the moment, but work in a uni library and really enjoy it.

Now my situation has changed it seems such a good idea to re-train as a librarian with my experience, just worried i'll not be eligible for the course with my 2.2.

It may depend on their funding - I was all set to do a PhD with Research Council funds, but it required a 2:1. Got a 2:2 after illness, and despite the institute wanting me, the RC wouldn't pay for me - I had to do a MSc first (where they liked a 2:1 but would negotiate).

Firsts, Seconds (2:1 or 2:2), and Thirds are all classes of honours degree in England - usually you only get an ordinary degree if you don't pass well enough to get a Third.

I don't think you can usually get funding for a Master's these days anyway, not easily.

Don't give up hope. If you have experience of working in a library then the university may overlook your 2.2. Especially as you are a mature student and doing an OU degree with three small children is really hard.

I suggest you contact the university and ask.

They might take your age into account if you're in your forties for instance. A 2/2 was what most people got (I did, too) if they did a university course years ago. Prince Charles got a 2/2. Sue Lawley got a Third.

The requirement for a 2/1 is probably based on the expectations of someone who is young, so it's a bit of a nonsense really.
And another thing... in my day, almost no-one got a First. Apparently now, it's about 14 or 15%. That's one student in seven. Allocation of high grades is more open handed now.

Also emphasise it was an open uni degree. I've heard that these are well thought of as it shows motivation, etc.....not sure if this is true but worth trying.

?Prince Charles got a 2/2. Sue Lawley got a Third.?

As did the very clever mathematician Carol Vorderman who also got a Third. But why worry when even a Third can help you earn tons of money later on?

It just goes to prove whatever Class your degree is doesn?t really matter. It?s a question of how you present yourself to the outside world with whatever you have (or don?t have) that counts and which may escalate you to dizzying heights in due course.

Go for it!

Try! Try to explain in a statement your circumstances. Good luck.

It's worth a try.

Yes, on paper you don't meet the requirement, and you might get bounced just for that especially if there is a strong field of other candidates who do meet the spec. But why bet your future on what these other candidates are like? If you have a strong personal statement, and as you are a mature student (for whom they're likely to be a bit more ready to extend flexibility) and if you can manage to have some personal contact explaining who you are any why you're worth it, then a 'near miss' on paper is a position worth trying from.

Well i rang the University and they said i was ok to apply even though i didn't mean the requirements, did the best personal statement i could and then pressed 'send'.

Didn't hear anything until today so thought i was unsuccessful, and i've heard today i've got an interview later this week!!!

So now i'm panicking about the interview. Can anyone give me any tips on an interview for a MA please.

I would discuss things with some of the librarians in your university library so that you are knowledgeable about current issues in higher education libraries.
What is the job situation like now for university librarians? Are there plenty of trainee opportunities? If not, you may also wish to consider working in other sectors or being prepared to use your skills to work in information areas not normally described as libraries.

Not in work until Wednesday but was starting to think about a chat with the librarians at work too.

Job situation in all libraries is pretty dire at the moment, especially public ones, but think its a risk i've got to take if i'm lucky enough to get a place on the course. Separated from my ex nearly 2 years ago, so living off my small salary and tax credits, just want to be able to earn more money so i can give my sons the standard of living they used to have again.

Make sure you know what aspects of librarianship their course covers. you wouldn't be the first person to turn up for an MA interview, say you're interested in children's librarianship, and then find that it's not a module they offer.

Are you planning to study part time whilst continuing to work? There may still be some bursaries around for 1st library qualifications but you'd generally have to be 2:1 or above for your undergraduate degree.

And it's a fab job, so go for it!

Oh well done OP - I remember this thread from a while ago, and didn't post because I'd only have been echoing everyone else with "worth a try, they can only say no".

Good luck, and think about what your USPs are - what knowledge and skills you have that are applicable to the course and your longterm career. What was your degree in?