Worth stressing for a First if a 2:1 gives the same opportunities in DR?
I’m looking for some advice.
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
Reply 1
Original post
by sgdrg345I’m looking for some advice.
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
A lot of people in radiography end up in the same spot and most of them find that employers care far more about how you perform on placement and how solid your clinical skills are. A 2.1 meets the requirement for most postgraduate pathways and it still keeps doors open for reporting routes later on. A First can look nice on paper, but it rarely changes the early career opportunities.
If getting a First is pushing your stress through the roof, aiming for a strong 2.1 while keeping your placement performance steady can be a much healthier tradeoff. Your long term progression will depend more on experience, references and how you handle clinical responsibility than on the final percentage on your transcript.
Reply 2
sgdrg345
OP
2
Original post
by HalymahA lot of people in radiography end up in the same spot and most of them find that employers care far more about how you perform on placement and how solid your clinical skills are. A 2.1 meets the requirement for most postgraduate pathways and it still keeps doors open for reporting routes later on. A First can look nice on paper, but it rarely changes the early career opportunities.
If getting a First is pushing your stress through the roof, aiming for a strong 2.1 while keeping your placement performance steady can be a much healthier tradeoff. Your long term progression will depend more on experience, references and how you handle clinical responsibility than on the final percentage on your transcript.
If getting a First is pushing your stress through the roof, aiming for a strong 2.1 while keeping your placement performance steady can be a much healthier tradeoff. Your long term progression will depend more on experience, references and how you handle clinical responsibility than on the final percentage on your transcript.
Thanks, that really helps. So is it fair to say there’s no real advantage in pushing for a First?
Reply 3
Hello there,
It sounds like you're dealing with a lot right now, and, understandably, you might reevaluate your goals when all of the dissertation, placement, and personal pressures overlap. Many students reach this point in their final year, so you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way.
From an academic progression perspective, most universities and employers look for a 2:1 or above, and a First is not always required to progress to postgraduate study. For example, I achieved a 2:1 in my undergraduate Politics degree, and I was still able to study at Master’s level at ULaw. So a 2:1 can absolutely be a strong and competitive result. That said, because every institution and employer sets its own criteria, I would always encourage you to speak directly to admissions teams or employers for the roles you’re aiming for. They can confirm exactly what they look for in areas like reporting, radiography, or sonography.
I’m not a specialist in those fields, so I wouldn’t want to advise on my area of knowledge. What I can say is that it’s entirely valid to prioritise your wellbeing. Your performance on placement, your commitment to the profession and your overall academic profile all matter just as much as individual grades. If you’re already on track for a solid 2:1, easing the pressure slightly doesn’t necessarily close off your future options.
If you’d like to talk through study balance or stress management as you finish the year, I’m more than happy to help.
Kind regards,
Faith
MA Law Conversion Student at ULaw and Ambassador
It sounds like you're dealing with a lot right now, and, understandably, you might reevaluate your goals when all of the dissertation, placement, and personal pressures overlap. Many students reach this point in their final year, so you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way.
From an academic progression perspective, most universities and employers look for a 2:1 or above, and a First is not always required to progress to postgraduate study. For example, I achieved a 2:1 in my undergraduate Politics degree, and I was still able to study at Master’s level at ULaw. So a 2:1 can absolutely be a strong and competitive result. That said, because every institution and employer sets its own criteria, I would always encourage you to speak directly to admissions teams or employers for the roles you’re aiming for. They can confirm exactly what they look for in areas like reporting, radiography, or sonography.
I’m not a specialist in those fields, so I wouldn’t want to advise on my area of knowledge. What I can say is that it’s entirely valid to prioritise your wellbeing. Your performance on placement, your commitment to the profession and your overall academic profile all matter just as much as individual grades. If you’re already on track for a solid 2:1, easing the pressure slightly doesn’t necessarily close off your future options.
If you’d like to talk through study balance or stress management as you finish the year, I’m more than happy to help.
Kind regards,
Faith
MA Law Conversion Student at ULaw and Ambassador
Original post
by sgdrg345Thanks, that really helps. So is it fair to say there’s no real advantage in pushing for a First?
It won't make a difference to your career in a healthcare profession.
Reply 5
As a University of Southampton student ambassador, I want to start by saying that how you are feeling is very understandable. Diagnostic Radiography is demanding, especially when you are balancing a dissertation, clinical placement, and personal responsibilities. Your wellbeing really does matter.
In terms of opportunities, there is usually very little difference between a First and a strong 2:1 for postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography. Most employers and training programmes focus on professional registration, clinical competence, placement feedback, references, and interview performance. A 2:1 comfortably meets the academic requirements for most postgraduate courses in these areas. Having a First can be a bonus, but it is rarely the deciding factor on its own.
If easing the pressure helps you stay healthy, engaged, and consistent on placement, that can actually benefit your future more than pushing yourself to exhaustion for a marginal grade difference. Many successful radiographers progress into advanced practice with a 2:1. If you are already performing well, it may be wise to prioritise balance and finish your degree feeling well, confident, and proud of your achievement.
Anusha
University of Southampton Ambassador
In terms of opportunities, there is usually very little difference between a First and a strong 2:1 for postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography. Most employers and training programmes focus on professional registration, clinical competence, placement feedback, references, and interview performance. A 2:1 comfortably meets the academic requirements for most postgraduate courses in these areas. Having a First can be a bonus, but it is rarely the deciding factor on its own.
If easing the pressure helps you stay healthy, engaged, and consistent on placement, that can actually benefit your future more than pushing yourself to exhaustion for a marginal grade difference. Many successful radiographers progress into advanced practice with a 2:1. If you are already performing well, it may be wise to prioritise balance and finish your degree feeling well, confident, and proud of your achievement.
Anusha
University of Southampton Ambassador
Reply 6
Original post
by sgdrg345I’m looking for some advice.
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
Honestly, a 2:1 vs a First usually doesn’t make a huge difference for clinical/postgrad routes like reporting radiography or sonography. Most places care more about you meeting the entry requirement (often a 2:1), your placement experience, references, and how you perform at interview rather than whether you scraped a First.
If pushing hard for a First is seriously adding to your stress, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ease off a bit — especially if
you’re already confident of a 2:1. Burning yourself out over a classification you don’t personally care about probably isn’t worth it.
That said, if you can still aim high without it affecting your wellbeing, then obviously a First never hurts. But a solid 2:1 with good clinical experience and a healthier balance is still very strong.
At the end of the day, your health matters more than the difference between a high 2:1 and a low First.
Reply 7
I think the others have already given you good advice, but just wanted to add my 2ps worth.
If aiming for a 1st class is seriously stressing you out, then it's probably only worth going for it on either one of two conditions:-
As the others have said, from an employment perspective, there's very little difference between a 1st and an upper second (2:1). Even then, once you've got 2 years industrial / clinical experience, this will supersede your degree class, so no one will care what grade you got... in the same way no one cares what you got in GCSE Geography.
If aiming for a 1st class is seriously stressing you out, then it's probably only worth going for it on either one of two conditions:-
•
1) If you (personally) really want to get a 1st class for your own personal sense of achievement and satisfaction for yourself and friends / family
•
2) If you're wishing to pursue an academic path, like studying for a PhD... it depends on the institution, but you may be accepted directly onto a PhD program if you've got a 1st class (normally, you'd have to register for an MPhil first, and you later progress to the PhD after the 1st year). Besides, a 1st class degree would give that extra bit of confidence in your supervisor(s); especially if your PhD is somewhat related or relevant to your project / dissertation.
As the others have said, from an employment perspective, there's very little difference between a 1st and an upper second (2:1). Even then, once you've got 2 years industrial / clinical experience, this will supersede your degree class, so no one will care what grade you got... in the same way no one cares what you got in GCSE Geography.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
Original post
by sgdrg345I’m looking for some advice.
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
I study Diagnostic Radiography and, if I continue to do well overall this year, I’m on track for a First (God willing). Based on my current grades, even if I only scored around 40% in the remaining assignments, I would still end up with at least a 2:1.
The issue is that I’m feeling very stressed with dissertation work, placement and some personal things right now. I’m starting to think that instead of pushing really hard for a First, I might just aim for a 2:1 to reduce the pressure.
To be honest, I don’t really care about “having a First” just to be able to say it—I only care about the opportunities it gives me. So my main question is: is there much difference between graduating with a First or a 2:1 when it comes to postgraduate routes like reporting radiography or sonography? If the opportunities are basically the same, I’d prefer to focus on reducing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.
What do you think?
Hello,
There is usually minimal outcome differences between students who get a first vs 2.1, they’re both great and although some employers might be more impressed by a first, it is more important to have a good cv and placement experience.
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)
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