Is it possible to get an Oxford PhD offer with a low grades?
I know the glaring answer is no but I thought I’d ask anyway. I’m doing my masters and have just gotten back my grades, and they aren’t great. I worked hard, spoke with lecturers during the process and it seemed like it was fine. I got my results today and it was a 58, I got a 65 in the other module. I was shocked as I expected higher grades. The course I’ve applied to requires a 67 overall and a distinction in the dissertation element. I know if I work hard enough I can get a distinction as I have 2 more modules and the dissertation element. My problem is that these two are what show presently and what my interim transcript will read as so admissions wont know if I have the potential to actually get a 67 and above.
The course required no publications of prior research experience (I have none) and highly 2:1 for undergrad. I have a first. I didn’t apply to many programmes as it’s a niche area. Is it possible to get a conditional offer?
P.S I do have a reason for getting these grades however I already declared exceptional circumstance for my BA (I was ill almost throughout my first and beginning of my second year and then got diagnosed). I’ve submitted my application so I can’t explain my grades and I think it’s somewhat weird to declare this twice
The course required no publications of prior research experience (I have none) and highly 2:1 for undergrad. I have a first. I didn’t apply to many programmes as it’s a niche area. Is it possible to get a conditional offer?
P.S I do have a reason for getting these grades however I already declared exceptional circumstance for my BA (I was ill almost throughout my first and beginning of my second year and then got diagnosed). I’ve submitted my application so I can’t explain my grades and I think it’s somewhat weird to declare this twice
I'm confused, is the issue that you have a lower result in a single module, or that you have a low result overall?
Having a single module being a lower grade but still meeting the overall average requirementa nd the requirement for the thesis/dissertation result I don't think would necessarily be a problem (although if the module is in an area directly relevant to your DPhil project proposal that might be an issue...?).
If the issue is that you would need to currently apply with the "weaker" achieved grades, bear in mind usually individual module results are subject to exam boards in the summer so your overall results are still pending. Equally I gather it's not unusual for students to have to apply to PhD projects in a "gap year" after a 1 year masters course as I understand, simply due to the timelines involved - and so even if you aren't successful this year, that may simply reflect the fact having the masters in progress rather than in hand is the issue.
I'd probably also suggest discussing with your personal tutor/dissertation supervisor to make clear your intentions to apply to a PhD and discuss the best strategy to do so in this case.
Having a single module being a lower grade but still meeting the overall average requirementa nd the requirement for the thesis/dissertation result I don't think would necessarily be a problem (although if the module is in an area directly relevant to your DPhil project proposal that might be an issue...?).
If the issue is that you would need to currently apply with the "weaker" achieved grades, bear in mind usually individual module results are subject to exam boards in the summer so your overall results are still pending. Equally I gather it's not unusual for students to have to apply to PhD projects in a "gap year" after a 1 year masters course as I understand, simply due to the timelines involved - and so even if you aren't successful this year, that may simply reflect the fact having the masters in progress rather than in hand is the issue.
I'd probably also suggest discussing with your personal tutor/dissertation supervisor to make clear your intentions to apply to a PhD and discuss the best strategy to do so in this case.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
Original post
by artful_loungerI'm confused, is the issue that you have a lower result in a single module, or that you have a low result overall?
Having a single module being a lower grade but still meeting the overall average requirementa nd the requirement for the thesis/dissertation result I don't think would necessarily be a problem (although if the module is in an area directly relevant to your DPhil project proposal that might be an issue...?).
If the issue is that you would need to currently apply with the "weaker" achieved grades, bear in mind usually individual module results are subject to exam boards in the summer so your overall results are still pending. Equally I gather it's not unusual for students to have to apply to PhD projects in a "gap year" after a 1 year masters course as I understand, simply due to the timelines involved - and so even if you aren't successful this year, that may simply reflect the fact having the masters in progress rather than in hand is the issue.
I'd probably also suggest discussing with your personal tutor/dissertation supervisor to make clear your intentions to apply to a PhD and discuss the best strategy to do so in this case.
Having a single module being a lower grade but still meeting the overall average requirementa nd the requirement for the thesis/dissertation result I don't think would necessarily be a problem (although if the module is in an area directly relevant to your DPhil project proposal that might be an issue...?).
If the issue is that you would need to currently apply with the "weaker" achieved grades, bear in mind usually individual module results are subject to exam boards in the summer so your overall results are still pending. Equally I gather it's not unusual for students to have to apply to PhD projects in a "gap year" after a 1 year masters course as I understand, simply due to the timelines involved - and so even if you aren't successful this year, that may simply reflect the fact having the masters in progress rather than in hand is the issue.
I'd probably also suggest discussing with your personal tutor/dissertation supervisor to make clear your intentions to apply to a PhD and discuss the best strategy to do so in this case.
Thank you for your response. I have a lower grade in a single module not overall, this is what the admission team sees as I have only 2 modules on my interim transcript right now. I’m worried this may affect my application.
Thank you for explaining, I will discuss with my supervisor.
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