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2:1 from Russell Group, Chances for Oxbridge MPhil & How to Improve?

Hi everyone,

I’ve just finished my undergraduate degree with a low 2:1 from a Russell Group university and will be starting my law conversion (PGDL) next year.

The year after, I would love to apply for an MPhil at Oxford or Cambridge,– ideally something related to law, history or the humanities.

I’d really appreciate any advice on:

What my chances might be with my current grades.

How I can strengthen my application over the next year.

Whether there are particular MPhil courses that might be more accessible to apply for.

Any guidance or experiences would be so helpful, thank you in advance!

Reply 1

How are you going to fund it?

Reply 2

Original post
by Flamingo10
How are you going to fund it?

It would be self funded would this make a difference?

Reply 3

Speaking from personal experience, I would say it will be difficult. I have a very high first (equivalent) from a reputable US university (on par with good Russell's Group overall or Oxbridge in some subjects). I then did the GDL and got a very low distinction. I applied for a few MPhil programmes related to law/social science at Oxbridge, got 6 rejections and 1 acceptance. This being said, if you can get a very high distinction on your GDL, you will probably have much better chances than what I have had. Good luck on your GDL! Tough but fulfilling year ahead ~

Reply 4

Original post
by Steven Shi
Speaking from personal experience, I would say it will be difficult. I have a very high first (equivalent) from a reputable US university (on par with good Russell's Group overall or Oxbridge in some subjects). I then did the GDL and got a very low distinction. I applied for a few MPhil programmes related to law/social science at Oxbridge, got 6 rejections and 1 acceptance. This being said, if you can get a very high distinction on your GDL, you will probably have much better chances than what I have had. Good luck on your GDL! Tough but fulfilling year ahead ~

Ok, thank you so much! If you don’t mind me asking, which MPhil programmes related to law/social science at Oxbridge did you apply to?

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