Hi,

I'm currently doing an Msc through the OU. I'm enjoying the course but am frustrated at how long it will take to complete it. I started in November and am doing it part time. At other universities you'd expect to finish the Msc in about two years, however the OU course is really protracted.

The final 60 credit point research module starts in May 2011, however the entry requirements specify you must have gained the other 120 credit points before you start it.

Unfortunately, you have to submit your dissertation proposal by Febuary in order to register for the course. I don't think they allow you to register without the 120 credits in the bag, so I'd have to wait until May 2012 before I could start my final module and wouldn't finish my MSc until June 2013.

Surely this can't be right?

Anyway my question is, am I likely to get onto a PhD in the social sciences with only a PGDip and a 2:2 BSc (hons) from a top uni?

I imagine it's a hard question to answer but I just wondered if you've heard of anyone who skipped the MSc dissertation and went straight into a PhD research project instead?