Masters to compensate for average A levels

3

I’m about to enter my second year as a politics student at the University of Liverpool. I am still bitter about my A level results. I was complacent after a good set of mocks and ended up with ABB. Manchester was my firm and required 3 As. I know Liverpool is decent but I want to go into management consulting and I know that they’re very selective. I did well in my first year and I’m confident I can get a first. I’ve looked at doing a masters in international political economy at the LSE and also a few courses at Oxford/Cambridge. Would I have a realistic chance of getting onto these courses from the university of Liverpool? Would it improve my job prospects? Is Liverpool still respected by employers? Will employers care more about my masters or Bachelors degree and the university it came from?

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

20

Original post by Georgebuckley47

I’m about to enter my second year as a politics student at the University of Liverpool. I am still bitter about my A level results. I was complacent after a good set of mocks and ended up with ABB. Manchester was my firm and required 3 As. I know Liverpool is decent but I want to go into management consulting and I know that they’re very selective. I did well in my first year and I’m confident I can get a first. I’ve looked at doing a masters in international political economy at the LSE and also a few courses at Oxford/Cambridge. Would I have a realistic chance of getting onto these courses from the university of Liverpool? Would it improve my job prospects? Is Liverpool still respected by employers? Will employers care more about my masters or Bachelors degree and the university it came from?

Stop moping and move on. You are fine at Liverpool and if going on to do a Masters is still a sensible idea, then you'll get plenty of offers if you get a first, and for most courses/places with a 2.1. Focus on what really matters, not cliches - use the careers service and start attending careers events and learning what employers really want.

Reply 2

University of Liverpool Student Rep

11

Original post by Georgebuckley47

I’m about to enter my second year as a politics student at the University of Liverpool. I am still bitter about my A level results. I was complacent after a good set of mocks and ended up with ABB. Manchester was my firm and required 3 As. I know Liverpool is decent but I want to go into management consulting and I know that they’re very selective. I did well in my first year and I’m confident I can get a first. I’ve looked at doing a masters in international political economy at the LSE and also a few courses at Oxford/Cambridge. Would I have a realistic chance of getting onto these courses from the university of Liverpool? Would it improve my job prospects? Is Liverpool still respected by employers? Will employers care more about my masters or Bachelors degree and the university it came from?

Hi there,

Don't worry about your past grades, you can't change this now and they are still a strong set of A-level. I don't think employers will focus much on your A-levels, instead they are interested in your University studies, your work experience and you as a candidate in terms of 'soft' skills, the way you present yourself. Therefore I would advise you too focus hard on getting your first alongside doing a good mixture of non-degree activities. Secondly, a master's degree will always be valued by employers, therefore if you are interested in that course and it aligns with what you hope to do in the future then it is a good idea. A first, alongside a good application, should get you into a master's course at a leading University in the UK.

Best of luck in your studies :smile: