Research Degree without a 1st

jay11_2

I've always hoped to continue studying (part-time whilst working) upon completing my honours degree. However the last 2 years have been really awful (family stuff) and just sticking with the course has been a huge challenge. As a result I'm looking at achieving a 2:2, if I'm lucky! I really could cry when I look at my old essays (beginning of 2nd year) and the great feedback and grades on them! Still, life goes on. But..oh, research is soooo needed in my field, and I love it so, I wish I could begin the last 2 years again!!!!

So now I'm in the unenvieable position of being an older mature student, desperately wanting to do a PHD, and knowing that, with a bit of prep to bring my skills up to scratch I'm more than capable academically. But I don't have the qualifications to be accepted on a research degree. I'm lucky that there are numerous learning possibilities in my chosen field--health related so I have to maintain a portfolio of continued learning.

So my question is...should I just count my blesings and settle for what I have, or is there an alternative? I'm already 40 years old, maybe I've missed my chance? Maybe I just want too much?

Voyager2002

When do you graduate? If you are now entering your final year, you still have time to bump up your grades. It will be so much easier if you can turn that 2.2 into a 2.1

Otherwise, if you are willing to do a PhD part-time and pay your own fees, you are likely to be accepted somewhere. But doing a part-time PhD is a real slog (unless you can get a job as a research assistant on a related project).

Personally, I scraped a third in my BSc and much later went on to do a PhD. However, in the meantime I financed myself for an MSc in something completely different, and it was a decade after that that I started my PhD. I was given full funding for it by the Open University, and so studied full time for it. I did not put my BSc degree class on the application form, and at no stage did anyone ask about it.

The_One_Who

If you are doing a science degree then it matters less since there are fewer people wanting to do them. And if you are going to self-fund it then you could well be offered a place. You'll probably have to do a Masters first though. Use your personal statement to explain your situation and hope they're sympathetic.

[Deleted User]

I got a 2:2 in genetics.. then self funded an MSc and eventually ended up as a research assistant. 2 years later, was made a research fellow...

You can do science with a 2:2!

melancholly

it is possible, but you will certainly need a self-funded masters to have a chance. it won't be the 'usual' line of going straight into a phd after graduation. is there any chance you can get some experience with some lecturers in your department doing research? doesn't have to last long but would be a great early start to filling out your CV.

it sounds like you have a year left - which will be the year that counts the most, so i'd certainly agree with voyager to aim for a 2:1 - that will make things a lot easier.

and don't worry about age - research much judges you on your ability without anything else factoring in much.

jay11_2

Voyager2002 wrote: »

When do you graduate? If you are now entering your final year, you still have time to bump up your grades. It will be so much easier if you can turn that 2.2 into a 2.1

Otherwise, if you are willing to do a PhD part-time and pay your own fees, you are likely to be accepted somewhere. But doing a part-time PhD is a real slog (unless you can get a job as a research assistant on a related project).

Personally, I scraped a third in my BSc and much later went on to do a PhD. However, in the meantime I financed myself for an MSc in something completely different, and it was a decade after that that I started my PhD. I was given full funding for it by the Open University, and so studied full time for it. I did not put my BSc degree class on the application form, and at no stage did anyone ask about it.

Thanks. I graduate this year, just busy polishing my dissertation and some other pieces of work. I submit it all in a few days, just trying to get as many extra marks as I can. Sorry for the confusion, I was referring to the last 2 years because first year grades don't count in the degree classification. I'd be ok if they did, but that's life. It's promising to know that you managed a PhD, and full funding, wow!

Thanks for the advice everyone else too, I was planning to self-fund anyway, I'd obviously put bids in but wasn't relying on it. I enjoy working too much to study full time, trouble is I love research too. Luckily I don't mind late nights / early mornings, OH is happy with his stuff and cool with me being busy a lot, and the kids are nearly grown.

I'm doing an allied health degree, so not strictly science, and research courses are limited, plus I can't just up sticks with a hubby and teenage kids, lol. I think doing a masters first would be advisable anyway to improve my study skills, and though I'd love to try for a PhD straight away I'd be daft too, much better to be slow and steady.

Thanks again guys, I feel much more hopeful now (I'd pretty much given up, and just posted on here as a last resort really, hoping someone would have advice). I'll start researching options as soon as I hand my work in.

Jay