23, no qualifications, are my days over?

Probably because it's a lot of work and these days an awful lot of money in loans.

I've just dug up my results and at first glance they are not as bad as I first thought, still bad though!

GCSE's:

Maths - D
English - C
English Lit - C
Food Tech - D
German - D
History - E
Science - C
Additional Science - D

GCSE Short Course:

Citizenship Studies - C

Any ideas where I can go from those results? 3 GCSE's A-C (4 including short course) but only a D in Maths.

Exactly. The OP seems to think uni will magically lead to riches - far from it.

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How did you work that one out? In no way whatsoever over the thread have I stated anything that sounds close to 'UNI WILL MAKE ME RICH'. If anything, I'm well off now. I had my own flat at the age of 21 and earning comfortable money as it is.

Obviously you've had or having a bad experience with money or your studies so I'll refrain from upsetting you further, or better still, just stop clicking on this thread?

I don't think that qualifications are necessarily the be-all and end-all of one's employment prospects, but - no offence intended, OP - someone who's stuck in a miserable job at a carpet factory isn't exactly going to waltz into any other better jobs, nor are they likely to work their way up in the business. The OP has three options that are more likely to lead to a more fulfilling job: (1) look for something else he can get into despite poor qualifications (e.g Police), (2) starting his own business, or (3) improving his qualifications. (Sorry, OP, if you're female; assumed you're male!)

OP: If option 1 or 2 appeals, go for it. But I think option 3 has a lot to offer, assuming you're motivated to put the work in. It gives you the opportunity to discover and develop your interests over a few years, rather than having to immediately commit to a specific career. Imo, it's better to think about what you want to do and find a path to help you get into it, rather than limit yourself to the options that might be available with your current qualifications. Apart from the mortgage (which has been discussed previously), there's not really anything holding you back, so why not go for it if it's what you want to do?

most offers will ask for a certain amount of credits at distinction and a certain amount at pass.

Well I have two masters with distinction and can't find a job as well. You're not alone.

Usually, they will offer a mix of distinctions and merits rather than distinctions and passes. I'd like to expand on what you were saying, though. Many of the top 30 unis will ask for a mix of distinctions and merits (and sometimes just merits depending on the course*), but many universities—and I'd go as far to say most—ask for merits or less. It's important that prospective Access students don't think they need to be the top in their class in order to go to university, which I felt your post might have impressed.

*Nottingham has a whole bunch of them which specify merits only, such as archaeology.

I've just dug up my results and at first glance they are not as bad as I first thought, still bad though!

GCSE's:

Maths - D
English - C
English Lit - C
Food Tech - D
German - D
History - E
Science - C
Additional Science - D

GCSE Short Course:

Citizenship Studies - C

Any ideas where I can go from those results? 3 GCSE's A-C (4 including short course) but only a D in Maths.

Is it because there is not job market for your master degree.

I didn't know that. Thank you.

The first step is to get Maths GCSE - you can do free evening courses at an adult learning centre.

I think the OU is a good idea as you can do it bit by bit and you won't have to sell your flat or get into debt.

Would that be enough to kick on for HE?

OU?

Then the many computer courses I'd also be interested in.