MSc Application - 3 years since graduation

I graduated in 2021 with a 2:1 BSc in Neuroscience, from a highly regarded London university. With top cohort marks and awards in my final year. However my first two years had lower marks.

For the last year I’ve been completing the ACA certificate chartered accountant qualification. Therefore, I have been out of the scientific field for a while.

I would like to return to Neuroscience and apply for the MSc at Oxford.

My question: As I graduated 3 years ago and I didn’t achieve a first class BSc, do you think it’s unlikely I would be given an interview/offer. I have limited funds to make MSc applications and so if it’s highly unlikely I would be successful, I could use the application fee to apply for another university. I understand applications are reviewed for multiple factors, but I’d appreciate any advice please! Thanks in advance

Reply 1

eeeli

As far as I know this is a very competitive course - I applied while studying Psychology at Oxford and ranking near the top of my cohort grades wise and got rejected without an interview. I suspect it was because I didn't have much extra research experience on top of what was part of my degree. That's not to say it is impossible for you if you have a high 2.1 as you would meet the minimum entry requirement but I suspect some evidence of additional research/other neuroscience experience and evidence of a continued interest in neuroscience research would be necessary to make your application competitive as a good degree result isn't enough.