Because Essex isn't the best uni, would Cambridge expect a First?
In general, Cambridge (and Oxford) usually expects an applicant to their postgraduate course from other universities (even from top RG unis) to have a first but not always the case.
Best thing for you to find out how they'll deal with your case is to contact the postgraduate admission office of the department you're thinking of applying as application for PG varies a lot. Also, this is a forum mainly for Cambridge undergraduate students and applicants. There's a separate forum for postgraduate in TSR, so you'll probably find useful info for you more there than here.
In general, Cambridge (and Oxford) expects an applicant to their postgraduate course from other universities to have a first. Best thing for you to find out how they'll deal with your case is to contact the postgraduate admission office of the department you're thinking of applying as application for PG varies a lot. Also, this is a forum mainly for Cambridge undergraduate students and applicants. There's a separate forum for postgraduate in TSR, so you'll probably find useful info for you more there than here.
I think the min they accept is 67% because they appreciate the "near missers". On track to get a First but suffered from depression in my final year (got a low 2.1, missed a First by 2 marks in my dissertation).Grades in my 1st and 2nd year are significantly better than my 3rd.
I think the min they accept is 67% because they appreciate the "near missers". On track to get a First but suffered from depression in my final year (got a low 2.1, missed a First by 2 marks in my dissertation).Grades in my 1st and 2nd year are significantly better than my 3rd.
You need to speak to them if you want to know. Send them email.
It can be very important. Reference can plays a bigger part in application for PG course than UG. And where you're from (= quality of teaching you had and by who) can affect the application.
It can be very important. Reference can plays a bigger part in application for PG course than UG. And where you're from (= quality of teaching you had and by who) can affect the application.
There's an FOI request from Cambridge showing prior universities before doing a Masters, Essex is represented. The range of universities is actually extremely diverse.
There's an FOI request from Cambridge showing prior universities before doing a Masters, Essex is represented. The range of universities is actually extremely diverse.
Does it show number of students from each university and their individual details? Of course their PG courses are not exclusive only to a first holders from top RG unis , but I think it's fair to say they are a large majority. Also, if it's a research degree, my *impression*'is that their entry requirement is not as strict as a taught-degree. And people on part-time course seem to come from more varied backgrounds, often with a few year's career in the real world between, so a university they got their UG degree from matters much less. But it does if you're applying straight from UG uni.
It is quite good to get good reference from someone who knows you well AND in the field of study you're applying for, probably someone in your university. If he/she is someone who is highly regarded in the field, it can help a lot.
I wasn't specifically referring to you with that post. Essex is a good uni and has improved a lot in recent years. I was referring to bottom/ low middle ranking unis.
I think if you have a good CV you'll definitely have a good chance.
Average offer rate across all preceeding universities prior to applying for a Cambridge masters is 36%. For Essex specifically it's 24%, so a bit lower but by no means insurmountable...