did HORRIBLY in second year, can i still do a masters?

I exaggerate with the horribly, i averaged 58% for second year that's worth 40% of my three year course. i'm quite down about it but I'm also not taking it to heart as intensely since there were external circumstances that really kicked my behind and made me terribly depressed which i WOULD LIKE TO THINK will not happen in third year. essentially, i know what average i need and this isn't why i'm on student room so don't worry about that. I am confused about the postgraduate process though. I'm keeping my choices leniant and applying for top universities that accept 2:1's and 2:2's. I recognise that isn't really lenient if I'm only applying for top universitiess, but the course I would like to do is a Mres and not many universities have the classification in my area of expertise. I study a bachelors of science in policy for reference. If i were to apply, would I need to inform the university that i got a 2:2 in my second year? Considering it was a high 2:2, that does seem like I'd be on track for a 2:1? I believe I have relevant experience and I do have things to talk about in my personal statement regarding my interests. I'm just slightly confused about the process since I doubt they'd give me an offer with a 2:2....

If anyone has similar experiences, i would love to hear them x

Reply 1

amomelt

Firstly I can't comment for your specific field, but in general you need to work really hard from here on out to get out of this.

I had a bad 2nd year, but I did a 4 year honours degree in a different country and get very good marks in my final year. You may have good reason for doing poorly in your 2nd year, but I wouldn't expect sympathy or understanding in applications.

You will need to graduate with a 2.1.

Did you do well in the first year? Take your grades and make an excel to calculate what grades you need to get with your remaining coursework. You can do this by "predicting" your future grades and rejigging until you get enough to get a 2.1, then you know what minimum grades you need to hit.

Redo courses if you have to. You will find it very difficult to get in anywhere with a 2.2.

Reply 2

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by gyahrralist

I exaggerate with the horribly, i averaged 58% for second year that's worth 40% of my three year course. i'm quite down about it but I'm also not taking it to heart as intensely since there were external circumstances that really kicked my behind and made me terribly depressed which i WOULD LIKE TO THINK will not happen in third year. essentially, i know what average i need and this isn't why i'm on student room so don't worry about that. I am confused about the postgraduate process though. I'm keeping my choices leniant and applying for top universities that accept 2:1's and 2:2's. I recognise that isn't really lenient if I'm only applying for top universitiess, but the course I would like to do is a Mres and not many universities have the classification in my area of expertise. I study a bachelors of science in policy for reference. If i were to apply, would I need to inform the university that i got a 2:2 in my second year? Considering it was a high 2:2, that does seem like I'd be on track for a 2:1? I believe I have relevant experience and I do have things to talk about in my personal statement regarding my interests. I'm just slightly confused about the process since I doubt they'd give me an offer with a 2:2....
If anyone has similar experiences, i would love to hear them x

Hey! 🙂

First of all, I just want to say that its completely understandable to feel a bit discouraged after a tough year, but it’s also great to see your resilience and forward-thinking mindset too!

To answer your question, no, you don’t need to explicitly highlight your second-year average (58%) when applying for a postgraduate course. this is because admissions teams are going to look at your overall predicted or achieved degree classification, not the individual years in isolation. Since your second year is worth 40% and you’re aiming for a 2:1, you're absolutely still in the running, especially if you do well in third year and show an upward trajectory.

When applying, universities will usually request:

•

Your academic transcript (which includes all years so far)

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A personal statement

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References (usually academic)

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A CV (especially for research-focused courses like MRes)

•

And sometimes a research proposal or sample of academic writing

You also mentioned you’ve got relevant experience and interests, and that’s incredibly valuable, particularly for an MRes. These courses are often looking for research potential, not just grades. If your interests align well with a supervisor or the department’s strengths, that can be a huge plus!!

Finally, your strategy of applying to a range of universities (even if they're ‘top’ ones) is still valid — if the course is niche and you're a strong candidate in other ways, it’s absolutely worth going for. Universities take a holistic approach, especially for research-based programs.

Wishing you the best of luck with it all!😊

Gemma
Official LJMU Student Rep