Do I need to do a Masters if I got a 2.1 in law

I'm approaching the end of my second year, and so am starting to consider whether an MA might be a good option. I am achieving consistent (and comfortable) 2.1's now - around the 65/68 mark within the University of Exeter. Ideally, I'd like to graduate with a first but that seems to be quite aspirational now as I'm not getting that many first class results. I want to become a barrister - and so do people think that getting a Masters would be necessary? I feel like a 2.1, even though it's from a good university, won't be enough to get me a pupilage as it's a very competitive field. Any opinions/advice would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

Reply 1

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Original post by emmaj2106

I'm approaching the end of my second year, and so am starting to consider whether an MA might be a good option. I am achieving consistent (and comfortable) 2.1's now - around the 65/68 mark within the University of Exeter. Ideally, I'd like to graduate with a first but that seems to be quite aspirational now as I'm not getting that many first class results. I want to become a barrister - and so do people think that getting a Masters would be necessary? I feel like a 2.1, even though it's from a good university, won't be enough to get me a pupilage as it's a very competitive field. Any opinions/advice would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

I didn't study law, but any field is going to be competitive and getting a bachelors, masters and even a PhD doesn't guarantee that you'll get a job in a certain field. What matters more is your work experience and if you have done something in between the years of your degree to make yourself employable. There are far too many graduates that know how to do an exam and read books, but don't have any transferrable skills that the employers are looking for and that's why most graduates are unemployable. If you would like to study a masters and you still have deep passion and interest in the subject, then why not? But personally, I think that it makes little difference whether it's a bachelors or a masters in terms of employability.

(edited 1 year ago)

Original post by emmaj2106

I'm approaching the end of my second year, and so am starting to consider whether an MA might be a good option. I am achieving consistent (and comfortable) 2.1's now - around the 65/68 mark within the University of Exeter. Ideally, I'd like to graduate with a first but that seems to be quite aspirational now as I'm not getting that many first class results. I want to become a barrister - and so do people think that getting a Masters would be necessary? I feel like a 2.1, even though it's from a good university, won't be enough to get me a pupilage as it's a very competitive field. Any opinions/advice would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

Hey @emmaj2106,

Doing an MA can certainly bolster your skillset, both in terms of subject-specific knowledge (particularly useful if there is a specialist area of law you want to work within) and transferable employability skills. However it isn't, in and of itself, a guarantee of a job (although both the additional qualification - and the skills you learn from it - may help you to stand out from other applicants).

In order to decide whether an MA is the best path for you post-degree, you probably want to be doing some research now into what various legal organisations and chambers are looking for. You say you're not sure if this will get you a pupillage but have you asked anyone? Putting some feelers out to potential chambers to discuss your options (and to maybe seek some relevant work/shadowing experience), will show that you are interested, engaged, and proactive - which, ultimately, can count for as much as good grades in the workplace.

I'd also strongly recommend speaking with your university's careers service if you have not already done so. In addition to helping you make approaches to potential future employers, they may have contacts amongst ex-alumni or local firms who can help with providing mentoring, work experience, shadowing opportunities etc. They may also be aware of routes into the profession or courses that you haven't considered as of yet. And, of course, they're the experts when it comes to giving your CV and covering letters a good once over!

It would also be worth chatting with your tutors. I was a borderline 2.1/1st going into my final year of undergraduate and I really wanted to pull my grades to a first. Sitting down with my tutors and picking through my assignment feedback with a fine-toothed comb really helped me to claw those extra marks to take me from 67/68's to 74/75s, which pulled my overall grade up. This could be especially valuable if you have a dissertation/final project element, which is sometimes weighted more heavily within your final degree grade. In addition to that, your tutors may have valuable suggestions for other ways you can bolster your CV.

It's great that you're thinking about this now, at the end of your second year, rather than waiting until you've nearly finished your degree. You've still got time left to look at your options and to think about ways of gaining relevant experience and bolstering your CV beyond your academic credentials!

Hope that helps!

Amy Louise :smile: