how to afford a masters degree?????

Oldernotwiser

WhiteHorse wrote: »

Your issue was with regard to the availabilty of funding, additional or otherwise.

Why should anyone fund someone with a 2:2 ? You yourself admitted that it's a "rubbish degree" ...

You won't convince the OP. She always thinks she knows best, whichever name she posts under!

Lara44

I do agree with the fact that most public funding should go to people with better academic grades. This is and should be the way the system works.

But - I do think it should be possible to get funding with a 2:2 if like some others in this thread you have worked hard to address any issues, or you have gained relevant experience in the field of work, or if you have a mitigating reason for not achieving better academically etc. There should always be an option for people with worse grades who can make a convincing case for a second chance to fulfil their potential.

Oldernotwiser

LaraHoust wrote: »

I do agree with the fact that most public funding should go to people with better academic grades. This is and should be the way the system works.

But - I do think it should be possible to get funding with a 2:2 if like some others in this thread you have worked hard to address any issues, or you have gained relevant experience in the field of work, or if you have a mitigating reason for not achieving better academically etc. There should always be an option for people with worse grades who can make a convincing case for a second chance to fulfil their potential.

And what about all the people who have worked hard and got higher grades - do we fund all of them too?

[Deleted User]

A 2:2 is a good result so do not listen to those scoffing at your mark, I hate the comments that those with this mark did not work hard, I worked very hard for mine. Similarly I know those with 2:1's who rarely went to lectures and left everything to the last minute!
I know several people who got a 2:2, one is doing graduate entry medicine and another has successfully completed a masters and got a distinction. I got a 2:2, I was very close to a 2:1 but I was let down by 2 units. I could have kicked myself, but it will not stop me from doing an MA in Social Work so it does not matter to me because I can still do what I want to with it. I am also thinking of doing some other post grad stuff through open university, for my own interest. But this will have to wait until I find a job as there is no way that I can afford it at the moment.
I am not sure about tips to earn enough for tuition or living costs but there is a thread on up your income about turning your trash into cash. Lost of people flogging their crap on ebay and buying things to sell on for a profit. Also people working from home and doing things like Avon to increase their income, it all helps! I would look on "up your income" anyway for ideas to top up your earnings and help you to afford your studies. Good luck!

Oldernotwiser

drinkupretty wrote: »

A 2:2 is a good result so do not listen to those scoffing at your mark, I hate the comments that those with this mark did not work hard, I worked very hard for mine. Similarly I know those with 2:1's who rarely went to lectures and left everything to the last minute!
I know several people who got a 2:2, one is doing graduate entry medicine and another has successfully completed a masters and got a distinction. I got a 2:2, I was very close to a 2:1 but I was let down by 2 units. I could have kicked myself, but it will not stop me from doing an MA in Social Work so it does not matter to me because I can still do what I want to with it. I am also thinking of doing some other post grad stuff through open university, for my own interest. But this will have to wait until I find a job as there is no way that I can afford it at the moment.
!

A 2:2 has never been more than an adequate degree classification, even years ago before grade inflation. Nowadays nearly 60% get a first or 2:1.

You don't get awarded grades for effort but for achievement. It's quite easy to get a place for post grad study; it's the funding that's difficult.

[Deleted User]

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

A 2:2 has never been more than an adequate degree classification, even years ago before grade inflation. Nowadays nearly 60% get a first or 2:1.

You don't get awarded grades for effort but for achievement. It's quite easy to get a place for post grad study; it's the funding that's difficult.

My point was that some were basically mocking the OP for the 2:2 they achieved when my point was that it has little bearing on their ability to study a masters. I know it is difficult to get funding hence why I directed the OP to the "up your income" forum so they could get ideas of how to boost their finances themselves so they can better afford the course as few can rely on getting funding for a masters.

Oldernotwiser

drinkupretty wrote: »

My point was that some were basically mocking the OP for the 2:2 they achieved when my point was that it has little bearing on their ability to study a masters. I know it is difficult to get funding hence why I directed the OP to the "up your income" forum so they could get ideas of how to boost their finances themselves so they can better afford the course as few can rely on getting funding for a masters.

I don't think anyone was mocking her, just agreeing that a 2:2 is pretty much a rubbish degree, as she said herself.

payless

My point was that some were basically mocking the OP for the 2:2 they achieved when my point was that it has little bearing on their ability to study a masters

I would say attaining a 2:2 has a lot of bearing on their ability to study a masters ( I might give a bit of a leeway if from top 4 uni ) .. thats not to say that most uni's won't take someone on a Masters, but its usually about the money !!!!

dmg24

drinkupretty wrote: »

A 2:2 is a good result so do not listen to those scoffing at your mark,

No, it is not. It implies one (or both) of two things - that the student did not put in the required work, or that they just were not capable.

payless wrote: »

I would say attaining a 2:2 has a lot of bearing on their ability to study a masters ( I might give a bit of a leeway if from top 4 uni ) .. thats not to say that most uni's won't take someone on a Masters, but its usually about the money !!!!

I agree entirely, as demonstrated by the high proportion of non UK/ EU students on Masters courses, who are clearly not there due to outstanding academic ability.

melancholly

well yes - pretty much anyone can get on a masters as they have to pay the full fees and the uni gets a chance of making some money to subsidise the massive losses they make on undergrad courses..... getting funding is where it's difficult. if there is funding on a course for those with a 2:2, then grab it and run! it is very rare to get funding even with a 2:1 as there is so little around - you normally need a first.