Does an MSc override 2:1 in job specs?

gracie83

For my first degree I only managed to achieve a 2:2 which has made applying for graduate positions very difficult as everyone wants a 2:1. However I now have an MSc. Does anyone know if the MSc qualification allows me to apply for positions requiring a 2:1 degree?

__lsx__

There's no straight answer... It generally depends on the employer. Some will see the MSc as a sign you are 2:1 capable, others will see it as an attempt to patch up a 2:2. I think most would consider you if you did very well at the MSc and got a distinction rather than a pass, but it's getting past the application form that I've found the most difficult thing. If someone is sifting through application forms and weeding out weaker candidates, you can only hope they don't just look at the first degree results and discard you purely on that.

I think it's a case of applying despite the 2:1 requirement and seeing what happens. I got put off even applying for 2:1 jobs because of how downbeat I felt about getting the 2:2 shortly after graduating. But the MSc I did required a 2:1 and I got accepted with a 2:2 using good references & 2:1/1st module results for the final year.

If you don't try you'll never know:)

Good luck

dmg24

Many of the grad schemes I looked at would not accept an MSc to override a 2:2, but _lsx_ is right, you need to look at the individual scheme requirements.

Voyager2002

How long does it take to fill in an application form? All that is certain is that if you do not apply, you will not get the job.

I never include my BSc degree class (third) on applications, and once I had an MSc I found most employers just assumed that I had done well at undergraduate stage. I have had the experience of being asked about my degree class in interview, even though by then I had got a PhD as well. This kind of experience can be painful, but fortunately is rare.

svmitche

It's always worth applying, but I work for a University and if the job description here says 2:1 then that's what you must have - regardless of what you have done since.

I'm certainly not saying that this is common for all employers and I think it's damned unfair - life experience and continuing personal development should always be considered, which is why I think it's always worth filling in the form - your prospective employers might only use the 2:1 as a guide so why not for a little bit of your time, the price of a stamp or an email??

[Deleted User]

I've got an MSc, 2:2, 2 1/2 years academic experience (research assistant/fellow) and now 2 1/2 years of IT consultancy (Now a Senior Analyst)

I'm still getting turned down for things because they require a 2:1... oh those short sighted fools.

However, my current workplace also asks for 2:1s.. they let me in because they thought my experience and MSc would make me a good candidate - which I hope it has

EDIT: My MSc course also had a 2:1 requirement.. haha, all it took was a little sweet talking and I got on the course

Blacksheep1979

depends what your msc is in and where it's from

antuk

Ive found from experience that having a 2:1 when a job just asks for a 2:2 is still not good enough because i dont have enough UCAS points, grrrr! Hoping things will change after i finish my MSc....

punkrockprincess

I am thinking of going on for an Msc, after I get my Masters Degree. What will my second Master's be worth? Is an MSc not that good? coz our uni was bigging them up no end.

celyn90

antuk wrote: »

Ive found from experience that having a 2:1 when a job just asks for a 2:2 is still not good enough because i dont have enough UCAS points, grrrr! Hoping things will change after i finish my MSc....

A friend of mine had this problem - she got so fed up she did another A-level at night school to plug the gap.

antuk

celyn90 wrote: »

A friend of mine had this problem - she got so fed up she did another A-level at night school to plug the gap.

Does that work? I thought they would only look at the ones first time round? Seems a bit stupid that you graduate and then have to do another a level to get a grad job!!