OT post grad course - asks for 2:1 but only have 2:2...

[HuckleberryFields]

Hi there just wondering if anyone has applied for a post graduate course with lower grades than they're asking for and been successful? I'm really interested in this course and think my current job role would be valuable experience.

Also if anyone has applied for student finance after using it for the undergrad will there be any available does anyone know?

I'll do my own research as well but wanted to ask for others' experiences too.

Bump

There is a separate Government Postgraduate Loan available to those who already have a first degree.

How long is it since your first degree? If decades ago an institution is less likely to care about your previous degree classification as long as you have convincing recent experience / expertise. If you graduated a couple of years ago it might be harder to compete with other recent graduates who meet the exact requirements. But postgraduate institutions generally can exercise some flexibility when presented with otherwise impressive candidates. All you can do is enquire, as early as possible. Presumably there’s more than one course available? Find out what each of them asks for and contact those that seem the best fit.

(I know nothing about OT in particular. Obviously if there are any external professional regulations that might exclude you, you’ll know about them.)

Thank you for sending that link. I had come across it and found it a bit unclear but I think it makes sense now! I think I may as well just apply and see what happens. I graduated 10 years ago (just worked that out, eek)

You should be able to apply for the postgrad loan. Give the student loan company a ring.

I don't know about OT, how competitive it is etc but I did get accepted onto 3 health related masters courses at prestigious unis with a 2:2 (went with the least expensive in the end).

I just made a strong case for myself being a good candidate based on experience and what I wanted the masters for.

I spent quite a bit of time actually talking to the relevant admissions person on the phone at each uni to find out how strict they were about the 2:1 and what might help mitigate my shortfall. Also why they ask for it and how to demonstrate those attributes in your application otherwise.

I had a reason for not getting a better grade (ongoing health condition) and explained this, can't remember if I needed to provide evidence. I don't actually think so, it was more about showing how my experience since had made me a strong applicant.

I think I may as well just apply and see what happens.

Well, don’t do this until - as Beingadiv suggests (and it’s always my advice as well) - you have spoken to the relevant department at each institution you’re considering. This really is vital for any prospective mature student wanting to return to academic / vocational study. Speak to someone (preferably someone who’ll be teaching you) and find out whether the institution seems a good fit. This conversation should lead to your having a clear idea, before you apply, of whether your application is going to be successful, or not.

”I’ll just see what happens” is far too passive for this sort of thing. You need to be more focused and proactive in getting yourself to the right place, (and to avoid wasting energy on places that are not interested in having you).

I will contact the uni on Monday. I didn't think they would be able to give me any advice as I've called before years ago about a different course and was told to just apply and see what happens.
I did my undergrad at this uni so I'm hoping that counts for something and I'll be sure to do some more research over the weekend.
Thanks both for your advice.

There are a few Facebook groups for OT practitioners and students. Would be worth asking on there for up to date, relevant experiences. Best of luck with your studies, it's a great job.

Thank you @Tront Facebook groups are a great idea.

No worries. You'll get some good answers there, OTs are by and large a helpful bunch who love welcoming new people into the profession :-)

I'm doing a Masters in OT, I have a 2:1 but my gut feeling is they would take your relevant experience over your grade any day. But that obviously is just my gut feeling!! OT is one of those professions that badly needs more qualified staff, we've been told we will get jobs with no problem after graduating.

Also, I believe post grad courses are less subscribed due to the intensity of study mostly ruling out working at the same time (obviously different if doing part-time study). On my course there are only 2 weeks summer holidays as opposed to the 4 months on my undergraduate course.

Lastly, the financial situation is quite good. The post grad course is treated as an undergraduate one so full student loan, tuition fees, extra grant for parents is all taken care of. Plus you get the NHS Learning Support Fund of £5k a year (£7k if children under 15).

Good luck!!

Ah really appreciate these replies, feeling even more motivated now! 😊

One thing we should mention though: the bottle green uniform pants are awful...

Other than that, very best of luck with it, enjoy every moment, even the tricky ones, and you'll not look back once you're qualified and changing people's lives for the better, day in day out!

I'm an OT (qualified within last 5 yrs) and there were lots on my course with previous degrees and 2:2s. They were very keen on having work experience though or some time shadowing an OT (or even just a meeting with one over coffee to discuss the job). Some people didn't even have qualifications or had lost certificates and they did 'alternative entry'. Usually they would have a lot of life or work experience.

While it was a different course I enrolled onto a masters with a 2:2 even though the requirements was 2:1 and they based it off my experience and want to do it.

I flopped undergrad massively and I was honest about it, I finished my masters with a distinction.