'Pass' in Masters - Can I make it to PhD in UK?

I’m applying for a PhD at my current institution with my boss. They would be my supervisor if I’m admitted.

One thing that’s making me extremely anxious is the grade requirement. The programme website says applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) degree, or equivalent.

My background is:

- My undergraduate degree is not from the UK, but is equivalent to a UK First Class

- I have a Master’s degree with 'pass (equivalent to lower second, 2:2)', but I received an A5 on my dissertation and it's being prepared for publication

- I’m currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (that is my job title. However, because I do not have a PhD, I was appointed as a probation period)

Honestly, I didn't think I'd be proceeding PhD back in the day, so the stated “2:1 minimum” is what’s worrying me most.

For requirements that say: “Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent” when applying for a PhD, does this typically refer to the undergraduate degree only, or is a Master’s result also expected to meet an equivalent 2:1 standard? In my situation, would I likely still be eligible?

I'd appreciate any advice.

Reply 1

University of Bradford

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Original post

by sdflijsdl2348909

I’m applying for a PhD at my current institution with my boss. They would be my supervisor if I’m admitted.
One thing that’s making me extremely anxious is the grade requirement. The programme website says applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) degree, or equivalent.
My background is:
- My undergraduate degree is not from the UK, but is equivalent to a UK First Class
- I have a Master’s degree with 'pass (equivalent to lower second, 2:2)', but I received an A5 on my dissertation and it's being prepared for publication
- I’m currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (that is my job title. However, because I do not have a PhD, I was appointed as a probation period)
Honestly, I didn't think I'd be proceeding PhD back in the day, so the stated “2:1 minimum” is what’s worrying me most.
For requirements that say: “Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent” when applying for a PhD, does this typically refer to the undergraduate degree only, or is a Master’s result also expected to meet an equivalent 2:1 standard? In my situation, would I likely still be eligible?
I'd appreciate any advice.

hi @sdflijsdl2348909. Hi, I will try give my best advice on this. So most UK PHD admissions normally only require of you having a minimum of a 2:1 classification or even something similar in an undergraduate degree. Also a Master's degree that is graded at a pass does not prohibit you ,especially when you have a high mark for your dissertation. In reality, PhD admissions are quite holistic and have a higher weight on relevant experience and research potential. With the experience you have you have a higher chance to be considered despite the Master's classification.

Kiran