Degree classifications for healthcare subjects

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 21/07/2023 07:05

They don’t care. I used to be a manager in the nhs and interview and I never bothered looking what the degree classification was.

ShiteRider · 21/07/2023 07:08

No. Worked in the field (including as a lecturer) for over thirty years. Never once looked at what mark anyone got when interviewing and I don’t know anyone who does.

cptartapp · 21/07/2023 07:09

I got a first in health studies twenty five years ago and it doesn't mean a thing.

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 21/07/2023 07:09

If you are applying for your placement trust the most important thing is your reputation during training. The students I have known not get jobs were the lazy ones on placement, the ones who rocked up late, had lots of sickness, etc.

Lastminutebride · 21/07/2023 07:11

As long as you have the relevant degree it doesn’t matter what classification the person has when employing them. It used to be that you needed a 2:1 or above if you then later wanted to complete a masters degree

Idrankyourbananamilk · 21/07/2023 07:12

We always prioritise interviewing people with 2:1 or 1st. Any interview space left, people with 2:2 get slotted in the gap. Then it’s purely interview performance.

It’s an indication not only of academic ability but also sometimes of work ethic.

Idrankyourbananamilk · 21/07/2023 07:13

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 21/07/2023 07:09

If you are applying for your placement trust the most important thing is your reputation during training. The students I have known not get jobs were the lazy ones on placement, the ones who rocked up late, had lots of sickness, etc.

oh yes this too! We had a lovely placement student who we would never employ because she was always late and then wandering off to do something else or have a chat!

BoBoHill · 21/07/2023 07:14

I don’t think it makes a difference. I got a first in a healthcare degree but I wanted to do my best for myself. I would say always work to your best. Also, I was very worried that if I slacked off a little I might slack off too far and fail.

ThisWormHasTurned · 21/07/2023 07:15

I did a post-grad course in a healthcare subject. Our qualifications were graded as pass or distinction (only one person on the course got the latter), I can’t even remember what my average grade was! I did the best I could, I don’t find academic study easy.

No-one ever asked me about my degree grade (other than meeting criteria for my Post-grad course) or post-grad pass level and I’ve been qualified 16 years! They just wanted to know that I was qualified and about my experience. I think when you’re looking to join elite companies, your grade matters. For healthcare, generally my experience is no.

damekindness · 21/07/2023 09:22

I think the only advantage to a 'good' degree in healthcare subjects is a boost to self esteem. Employers are desperate to fill vacancies - I regularly do references for newly qualified nurses and only ever get asked - did they complete the course?, any outstanding disciplinary issues!? When can they start?

I would point out that I've never seen a student with a good degree who wasn't excellent clinically - but I've seen plenty with bare passes with sub optimal clinical ability

Original poster

Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 18:16

Idrankyourbananamilk · 21/07/2023 07:12

We always prioritise interviewing people with 2:1 or 1st. Any interview space left, people with 2:2 get slotted in the gap. Then it’s purely interview performance.

It’s an indication not only of academic ability but also sometimes of work ethic.

Thanks! Could I ask what subject/job is this for?

I really hope you're right, because whilst I realise experience and personal attributes are important, surely it is the degree that demonstrates your knowledge and like you say, work ethic.

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Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 18:18

BoBoHill · 21/07/2023 07:14

I don’t think it makes a difference. I got a first in a healthcare degree but I wanted to do my best for myself. I would say always work to your best. Also, I was very worried that if I slacked off a little I might slack off too far and fail.

That's a really good point - I'm a very 'all or nothing' type of person, I'm worried that if I didn't try my best, then I would slip too far the other way and risk failing!

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Original poster

Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 18:19

Thanks for your comments, they're all really helpful. Does anyone know if it is any different for private employers than NHS?

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weaselwords · 21/07/2023 18:22

Our trust is so desperate for band 5s that the degree classification is irrelevant. I doubt it’s different in the private sector.

Idrankyourbananamilk · 21/07/2023 18:25

Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 18:16

Thanks! Could I ask what subject/job is this for?

I really hope you're right, because whilst I realise experience and personal attributes are important, surely it is the degree that demonstrates your knowledge and like you say, work ethic.

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Scientific staff in hospital laboratories.

Slicedpeaches · 21/07/2023 18:35

I am training to be a nurse, every placement I go to staff say how much it doesn't matter what classification you get because nobody ever asks them what they got. Same as nobody cares where your degree is from as all the courses are so heavily guided by the NMC.

I want to do well for myself though and so I know that I got as much out of the course as I could. Also it does matter if you want to do further study, as masters and PGDip courses take into account undergrad grades. At my uni need you to have at least a 2:1 to take a masters.

Mama05070704 · 21/07/2023 19:24

I’m about to do go into my third year of a midwifery degree. I’m told your degree classification is irrelevant, however, I’m aiming for/am on track for a first. I figure, if I’m going back to uni in my 30s, why not aim as high as possible. I also want to go on to study at postgraduate level which I won’t be able to do, without a minimum of a 2:1.

Braveheart35 · 21/07/2023 19:55

Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 06:53

Hi, does anyone know if potential employers take your degree classification into account when hiring new graduates from healthcare degrees? I've heard so many people say that it doesn't matter. My friends at uni and I are all working hard with the goal of achieving firsts/2.1, but I'm wondering what is the point if this is true.

Nope. DD graduated with a nursing degree 6 months ago and then travelled. She has applied for a grade 5 position in a London hospital. Only interested in confirming that she had her professional registration pin. BTW she was offered the role.

Original poster

Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 22:03

Mama05070704 · 21/07/2023 19:24

I’m about to do go into my third year of a midwifery degree. I’m told your degree classification is irrelevant, however, I’m aiming for/am on track for a first. I figure, if I’m going back to uni in my 30s, why not aim as high as possible. I also want to go on to study at postgraduate level which I won’t be able to do, without a minimum of a 2:1.

Thanks, that's my attitude as well, and I'd also like to study for a masters soon after qualifying (physiotherapy) 🙂

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Maztek · 21/07/2023 22:07

Depends what subject your doing? Nursing? Doesn’t matter. They’re so desperate for nurses. Psychologist? It absolutely matters because the places are like gold dust and so competitive.

Original poster

Thirtiesphysio · 21/07/2023 22:13

Maztek · 21/07/2023 22:07

Depends what subject your doing? Nursing? Doesn’t matter. They’re so desperate for nurses. Psychologist? It absolutely matters because the places are like gold dust and so competitive.

Thanks, physiotherapy. So far the impression I get is that for NHS band 5 newly graduate jobs it doesn't really matter, but further along the line for post graduate study and if you wanted to work in private practice then it matters more, but I could be wrong! I'm still not really sure.

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