PhD with 2:2 + masters?

Yes it is acceptable, I did the very same route.

only issue is supervisors. Funding bodies are perfectly happy (MRC, BBSRC, NERC in my experience) but supervisors still quite often want folk with 2:1. I had many many interviews, and I reckon 60% came back and said, you are a good candidate, but the 2:2 puts us off.

The thing is, beggers cant be choosers. Im doing a phd that only interested me slightly (about 50% of the content), but now im enjoying the work (even though 9 months to go and I have no way near enough or done enough work)

Reply 2

Phoenix Wright

8

You'll have some difficulties, but a distinction at the Masters level along with some recommendations will go a long way towards helping you erase that little score. Best rule is to not give up!

Reply 3

I got a merit. published a paper, worked as a lab assistant, a field assistant. Still only the one offer of a phd out of tens of applications.

dont give up, but expect to get in too easily either.

Reply 4

OP

Thanks for the advice you two. I also worked as a lab assistant twice and the Iohn Innes Centre and will publish a paper in the future (don't know when yet).

Reply 5

The Boosh

17

to be honest, a 2.2 is a dreadful degree to have, seriously. it certainly isn't phd material. anybody can get a 2.2. you certainly won't get a scholarship. perhaps you should try something less academic?

Reply 6

Tamurlane

In medieval England, people with 2:2s were often branded with one "2" on each buttock. This was to ensure that they would not bathe in the communal water supply and pass on the 'stupid gene' to the village's children. Fortunately we no longer believe in such superstition.

Reply 7

ChemistBoy

16

LOL.

Personally I wouldn't touch someone with a 2:2 with a bargepole unless they had some very good mitigating circumstances (because I've taught people who've got 2:2s and the thought of having to supervise one through a PhD fills me with dread). Personally I would only bother with people with a good 2:1 (i.e. top half of the bracket) or above.

Reply 8

I would have to agree, us desmonds are low life scum who dont deserve any second chances, just like folk who dont get straight As or attend russell group unis. You mess up once, thats it. The world is very unforgiving.

But at least my 2:2 was from a top 10 uni in a traditional subject and not some ex-poly micky mouse studies course.

The way I see things (and as what I can gather from learned scholars and also 16 year olds on TSR) is that there is a scale.

1st from Oxbridge, you are made god of the world.
2:1 from Oxbridge almost as good as a 1st from Imperial, LSE
2:2 Oxbridge = 2:1 Imperial, St Andrews = 1st at York, Durham, Bristol
3rd Oxbridge = 1st from Sheffield, Leeds etc.
once having a meal in a oxbridge college canteen > 1st from ex-polis
I have read somewhere that this is how HR people view and also all academics. They never take in to account dedication outside of the course, work experience, or publication lists.

CB, on a serious note, I acctually would also have trouble supervising a 21 year old 2:2 graduate with no experience, unless they got seriously good grades in their final year and more importantly their dissertation. They would really have to proove to me that they wanted it and would be dedicated.

Reply 9

The Boosh

17

i say bring back the branding!!!

Reply 10

that or some form of stars on jackets or bells round necks

lol

There's always the stocks. Or tar-and-feathering.

Reply 13

apotoftea

19

the_alba

There's always the stocks. Or tar-and-feathering.

Stocks - they should be brought back in general, be ideal for torturing chavs with

Reply 14

OP

ChemistBoy

LOL.

Personally I wouldn't touch someone with a 2:2 with a bargepole unless they had some very good mitigating circumstances (because I've taught people who've got 2:2s and the thought of having to supervise one through a PhD fills me with dread). Personally I would only bother with people with a good 2:1 (i.e. top half of the bracket) or above.

I wouldn't touch judgemental nasty big headed scum like you with a bargepole.

Reply 15

OP

flexiblefish

CB, on a serious note, I acctually would also have trouble supervising a 21 year old 2:2 graduate with no experience, unless they got seriously good grades in their final year and more importantly their dissertation. They would really have to proove to me that they wanted it and would be dedicated.

The whole point of my enquiry is this time next year I’ll have a MSc (as stated in the original post). Also I've had quite a bit of experience at a top research institute and I’m 24 (if that makes a difference :s-smilie:

). I do agree that someone with a 2:2 is most likely not suitable for a PhD (although being self funded can open doorways as someone got accepted onto one by being able to pay for it)! :eek:

I call it bribery!

Reply 16

ChemistBoy

16

Eubacterium

I wouldn't touch judgemental nasty big headed scum like you with a bargepole.

So it is wrong to judge the academic suitability of people for further study based on their performance at degree level? What is the point in having assessment at all? I'm not saying stupid things like "I'd take someone with an oxbridge degree over an ex-poly any day, regardless of classification", quite the opposite. I would, in all seriousness, prefer someone with a first from an ex-poly than a 2:1 from a 'traditional' university.

I agree that some people with 2:2s can get a PhD (I know a professor with a third even) but they are in the minority and most departments expect at least a solid 2:1 and even with an MSc you'll have difficulties (as flexiblefish said). A 2:2 tells me (and many other academics) that you aren't PhD material and you have to convince me otherwise (good performance in an MSc or a research track-record are what I consider good mitigating factors).

Reply 17

Eubacterium.

I would say from my experience CB is pretty much common place amongst people who have PhDs and are looking for potential students. They want the best academically suitable person.

Rightly so a 2:2 on the whole is not good enough for a PhD (hence why research councils require 2:1 or 2:2 plus masters)

You will be fine, if you do a good masters project, get some good refs. Im afraid age very rarely means anything without experience (which you have so thats fine).

I got a 2:2 and I do not think that I would have coped (I sometimes worry now that I am not up to scratch). taking on PhDs is a time tested thing, and academics are right (like CB) that 2:2s would struggle, be hard work, jeoperdise their career, more likely to drop out.

Take on board the critisism (if you want to call it that - i call it honest opinion and fact) from CB, but a 2:2 can give you the motivation and push on. Good luck in your career, dont expect an easy ride.

Reply 18

The Boosh

17

Eubacterium

The whole point of my enquiry is this time next year I’ll have a MSc (as stated in the original post). Also I've had quite a bit of experience at a top research institute and I’m 24 (if that makes a difference :s-smilie:

). I do agree that someone with a 2:2 is most likely not suitable for a PhD (although being self funded can open doorways as someone got accepted onto one by being able to pay for it)! :eek:

I call it bribery!

the masters is only worth while if you excel. with a 2.2. you'll have a huge learning curve to conquer, which is clear to all who read your posts. even if you do graduate with distinction (which is highly unlikely), you'll be up against people first class honours and potentially a masters with distinction. you haven't got a chance.

Reply 19

OP