The Student Room Group

Possibly a generic PhD Q

Does a 2:1 in Undergrad matter if in MSc, a distinction (or very high merit) is achieved in most modules and distinction in dissertation?
You need to be more specific with your question. Universities are free to set their own admissions criteria.
Reply 2
For Oxbridge then possibly LSE entry.
Are we supposed to guess what subject you're thinking about? Have you checked the university webpages?
Are you pursuing the MSc now, and thinking of PhD entry? In that case (and to echo Duncan's point, it will very much depend on subject), you probably won't have too many problems being offered a place with those grades. However, you may struggle to attract funding without a first and/or MSc distinction overall - many applicants will have both. But again, this is very subject-dependent.
Reply 5
In addition to the caveats mentioned above, if you have additional professional experience in your field, this may also be taken into account and work in your favour.

It really is subject, uni and department-specific though. Most funded PhDs will specify any minimum requirements, but as gutenberg says, the criteria for being offered a PhD and winning *funding* for a PhD, can be two different things. Also, just meeting the minimum requirements is no guarantee of success if other applicants have exceeded them. If you have 2:1/Distinction or First/Merit, it won't do you any good if the majority of other applicants have First/Distinction.

In my field, funding is rare as hen's teeth so you need the First/Distinction combo to even be long-listed for funding. One of my colleagues had First/Merit (missing a Distinction by 0.2%). They won six PhD places - including Oxford - but had to turn all of them down as they failed to get any funding. It's a harsh world out there.
(edited 8 years ago)
Reply 6
Very helpful thank you all. Field = Social Sciences.

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