2.2 Physics

Susan1942

Advice please My Grandson graduated July 2017 He was disappointed to end up with a 2.2 but from an excellent University.
Problem is he didn't enjoy physics as his degree progressed .
Would have chosen Engineering or Computer Sciences if he had his time over.

My dilemma is how can I help him.He applied for Post Grad Computer Sciences but only to his own university. He left the application very late
Yesterday he was informed that his application has been unsuccessful. To late too apply elsewhere for this year.
Problem is he is not sure what he wants to do. He is obviously going to seek employment.
He is a very shy young man and finds it difficult to talk to his parents etc.
He is coming to see me today and I am wondering what I can say or do to help him. I was going to find him for that year.
I am unsure if he is depressed. Spends most of the time in his room and is very unconfrontational. My Daughter sadly is. What worries me is the incidence of suicide among young men particularly
Any advice would be very much appreciated
Sue

agrinnall

I very much doubt if it is too late to apply for postgraduate courses starting in the forthcoming semester, so he should look more widely than at the university he has just graduated from. And some universities now have two postgraduate start dates each year, often September and January, so if he wants to take a bit more time he can look for courses with a January start.

Susan1942

Thanks for that . The applications had to be in by 31st August from what I understood. He is coming to see me this afternoon so will discuss this with him.
He particularly applied to his University as a lot of his friends had a year in Industry and are back completing their degrees.
I really appreciate your help. Sue

IAmWales

He'll meet new people if he starts elsewhere.

Because of the 2.2 his postgrad options are more limited, but if a course has places they may well still consider him if he contacts them quickly. It's more money for them! What I would say about postgraduate studies is to make sure they are worthwhile, it's a lot of money to spend if it doesn't add value career wise.

Many graduate schemes are opening their 2018 applications around this time. The 2.2 means he will not be eligible for some but he should have a good search to see what is available. That would give him an opportunity to go into a different field also.

IAmWales

https://www.thecalmzone.net

This charity is committed to supporting younger men with mental health difficulties. You could pop it on a little note for him, just in case he needs someone to talk to?

Mrs_Soup

I work with postgrad students and we would just about accept an application now from a UK student (has to be longer for overseas as they need a visa) so it might be worth him applying elsewhere if he gets on and does it pronto (today if it can be done online). However a lot of universities will require a 2.1 for entry to masters study. Lower classifications might well be considered though with a bit of relevant work experience to back it up, does he have any experience in a relevant field he could use to back up his application? However if he wants to stay with friends he presumably won't want to do this.
It is difficult to know what else to suggest if you don't know what else he would like to do. If he wants to work in IT he doesn't actually need a computing degree, lots of techies come from other backgrounds like maths or physics (my OH has degrees in chemistry but has always worked in IT as a programmer) so he could just try getting a job in his preferred field. Does his university need any IT staff as that is an area where he would have an advantage having been a student there?

Susan1942

Thanks for all the suggestions. Foolishly he did speak to the Computer Sciences Department but rather just submitted an application.
He spends a lot of time in his room playing computer games which I believe is not unusual.
He had his girlfriend here for 5 days 2 weeks but but I didn't meet her.
Normally during the summer at home he plays cricket but not sure about this year? My SIL tells me he was out with friends last week at a pub quiz.
To date he has not put a foot out of place.
He has 13 GCSE all at A plus Physics Maths and Further Maths at A too
Some areas of his degree he did very well This year his project Problem Solving to do with Space I believe Presentation etc scored 84% Other areas he found more challenging
I am grateful for all your advice as a concerned Grandmother
Thanks again Sue

steampowered

Lots of young people are in this position. I certainly know a few.

I think the main things to re-assure him that the world is his oyster. He could find a job (almost anything), go travelling or apply for more study.

It actually doesn't really matter what he does next. Since he could always choose an entirely different path in a year or 2 years time.

He could always try to find a job (it doesn't really matter what it is) and re-apply for a post-graduate course next year if that is what he wants to do.

BrassicWoman

I would strongly nudge him to the university careers service - more expert than you or I! and seconding work experience.

Susan1942

I have had a lovely time with my Grandson He says he is disappointed about the course but said he more or less didn't expect to be accepted there for now. Says really be more or less knew they would be looking for a 2.1.
He has got a couple of applications for jobs in IT more or less ready to send off. He is going to speak to the Careers at his University He says he probably would have been accepted at a few minor Universities but that a qualifying from them would not be worth having. He would possibly apply next year should be still feel it was worthwhile doing. He was very open about his intentions to me. Going on holiday to Barcelona on Tuesday with his girlfriend.
Once that is over he is going to take some bar work while applying for jobs. Says he has identified several he intends to apply for.
I have asked why he finds it difficult to speak to his parents Says there is a lot of negativety so sees little point in doing so
I have tried to encourage to spend a bit more time with the family. I am not concerned about his mental health now that I have spent the afternoon with him
I would like to thank everyone for their kind and positive suggestions
He is a lovely young man and I am very proud of him
Sue

WobblyDog

I reckon if he has a strong aptitude for IT, then his degree grade (or subject) won't be a long-term hinderance. The challenge will be landing his first IT job, once he has done that and got a couple of years experience under his belt, then his degree grade will be less important. Playing computer games is probably not a good use of his time at present, better to spend the time studying the technologies used in the jobs he's applying for.