Is a 2:2 a good degree?

lol, that is funny!!!

Seriously though, in my opinion getting a 3rd is pretty much a failure. A 2ii might be satisfactory for a few people that really struggle with academia, but the majority of people should really be aiming for a 2i, with a small proportion of them hitting a first.

Sounds harsh but then so is the real world. With so many people having a 2i, anything below that is definitely very sub-standard!

It depends on what you can achieve, if you can get a first but get a 2ii then that is a really poor degree, if on the other hand you scrape a 2ii after putting your heart and soul into it and trying your best then that is exceptional.

And nikk is right in saying that most graduate employers won't even look at people with anything less than a 2i .

I love selective quoting!

sat·is·fac·to·ry Audio pronunciation of "Satisfactory" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (sts-fkt-r)
adj.

Giving satisfaction sufficient to meet a demand or requirement; adequate.

I still think most people would agree that they wouldn't call a 2ii a 'good' degree, and nor would they say that a 3rd was satisfactory. Would you be satisfied with a third?

Definately for research postgraduates and some taught courses - however there are masters degree programmes at Oxford that you can get on with a 2:2 (generally more vocational or discipline hopping ones), I did read the graduate studies prospectuses before posting my last post btw. It highlights the big problem with master's degrees really. There are those that are further study beyond degree level (either by taught or research) and then there are those that are "vocational" or "retraining" for graduates and these are generally of a lower standard and are a good earner for universities, which is why they all have them. Nottingham is particularly bad I think for this.

What is your point? I still think most people would agree that they wouldn't call a 2ii a 'good' degree, and nor would they say that a 3rd was satisfactory. Would you be satisfied with a third?

I believe Fluffy is a graduate medic and has said that there are a number of people with 2:2s on her course.

There are, but not with 'only' a 2ii. Of the three I know well, one has AAAA at A-Level, one has a 2ii from Cambridge (so I am assuming AAA type A-Levels), and the other has a distinction level masters as well as 5 years of working overseas on an aid project.

Well, if you're doing graduate medicine I'd imagine you have 'life experience' to offer as well. Again, a given, I'd hope.

You miss my point - they didn't get in with a 2ii, they got in with excellent A-Levels. I mentioned the massess of w/e for my one friend, as BL don't usually take a masters to 'boost' a 2ii... i.e they are exceptions, not the rule...

No, I didn't miss your point. I got that. Thanks. No need to be quite so supercilious.

Then what was your point about saying that we take 2iis?

And don't call me arrogant, that's a very superior and anal view point to take, and one that I find disdainful.

We as in Barts and The London.

And what's wrong with being straight to the point - 'plain English' and all that. You can dress it up all you want, but a wolf in sheeps clothing is still a wolf...

One thing that I hope people are not perceiving from this thread is that it is impossible to pretty much "have it all" during uni.

I am on line for a 1:1, and I'm final year law, so my degree is really quite demanding... I worked 20 hours a week at my part time job during years 1 & 2, and still work around 15 hours a week now during my final year... I have a CV full of extra curricular stuff (I found short term volunteer projects etc great as they look good on your CV, and don't place long term commitment on your time) ... and also horse ride & care for the horses at least 3 times a week!! I have lots of friends, and socialise with them on top of all this

I think rather than prioritising hockey during his finals, the OP should look at his time management and ensure he is studying effectively, and not wasting time.

With motivation and organisation, there is no need for anyone to think they cannot achieve a great degree and socialise, do sporting activities etc

Surely this depends on the subject and university? I mean personally I'd say a 2ii in Law at Oxford is better than a first in armchair studies from Neverheardofshire, but maybe that's just me.

as I hit a first in mocks and am aiming for one this Summer.