I think I’m going to get a third :/

Hi all, so I’m currently a third year biomedical science student, and I’ve come to realise I think I’m going to get a third class degree. I just need some advice as all of this is so overwhelming. A little bit of a backstory is that I started university during 2020 meaning that all my lectures were online and practicals were non existent so I didn’t really have a good idea of what biomedical science was like. I was also a little bit apprehensive when applying for the course in the first place as I was unsure about it but you know how parents can be pushy. Second year came and was in person and within the first month I realised I absolutely hated the course. Everything about it, just wasn’t for me but by that time it was too late to swap to a different course. During my 1st 2nd and my 3rd year up until a few months ago I was in abusive relationship amongst other personal issues which I think, well I know has had a role in my poor grades throughout university. I averaged a 2:2 in my second year(53%) .In third year here is an idea of how I’m doing in my modules.
Module 1- 76% in an assignment & exam pending
Module2- 56% in an assignment & exam pending
Module 3- 55% in an assignment and exam pending
Module 4- 0% in an assignment and exam pending
Module 5 - 21% in an exam, other exam pending
Module 6 - 35% in an exam, other exam I’m waiting on the grade
Dissertation - pending grade (I did everything asked of me but I still feel like I’m going to get below 40 I don’t know).

So now you can see how bad this is and why I am just so down about it because everything is literally reliant on my exam grades which I am absolutely trying to study the hell out of it but I just think it won’t be enough to save it. So there is a slippery slope between 2:2 & a 3rd. I currently work as a carer and have done since first year and realised that i definitely want to work in a patient facing role and want to apply for a masters. But if I get a 3rd class degree that option is out the window. So I’ve been having a think and playing around with the grade calculator endlessly so I just would like opinions on my ideas.

Scenario 1 - I contact the student advice centre for my uni and ask if I can repeat 3rd year explaining my situation which they are somewhat aware of due to having to get an extension on my dissertation. I doubt they will let me as it’s so close to the end.
Scenario 2- I get a 3rd and I cry loads. Then attempt to apply to a masters in nursing or paramedic science with almost 3 years of care experience behind me for September 2024. Reckon I have a chance ? or is that just pointless.? There are a few programs that accept 2:2 …
Scenario 3- I graduate with a 2:2 and cry loads again. Then attempt to apply to a physician associate studies at DMU or Worcester as they will look at applicants with this grade with experience.
Scenario 4- Forget about ever working in healthcare and try and find a job I can maybe work my way up in
Scenario 5- apply for some kind of apprenticeship.

Please help :/

Reply 1

Clearing and Applications Advisor

Have you thought about the option of taking a second undergraduate degree in nursing/health professions. It’s an extra year compared to a masters but it is an option. Nursing is funded as a second degree and so are lots of AHP degrees (OT, PT etc). Because of the extra year your first degree results will be less crucial.

If that’s something that you would consider then get your ucas application in ASAP.
Likewise if you want to study a masters this autumn then you should have ideally already applied so get your applications in asap.

Reply 2

TheStrive

Hi there,

Firstly, take a deep breadth. You still have the chance to do well in your exams. Have you spoken to a counsellor/student wellbeing regarding your circumstances affecting your grades as rather than assuming they're aware, you submit an application to make them officially aware. You never know your options until you try.

Yes you're able to get onto some nursing courses with a third class degree considering you also have health care experience which is good.

The Physician Associates course is very intensive as well as competitive to get into and considering it's an MSc course, you need a 2:1 and like you mentioned, some universities may accept a 2:2.

It's not too late to improve on your grades but don't let your current grades affect your final preparations. Nursing is definitely an option still especially as it's an opportunity to have patient contact that you desire. Good luck, you can do it!