I would like to go on to a PhD in September. I have a 2.1 for my undergraduate degree, I am currently a Masters student and I am afraid that I will only get a pass. Is it still possible to go on to do a PhD with just a pass masters?:-s

Very subject dependent I'm afraid. And on the sort of institution you're looking at, and whether you need funding. Can you give a little more information? Broadly speaking, this seems to be much less of a problem in the sciences.

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Hi NatashaW

I didn't do a Masters degree and have managed to get a funded PhD, but as the previous post has said, it might depend on the university and subject area etc.

Hi, thank you for your replies. I am looking at Birmingham University and would like to study urban and regional planning/regeneration.

I think you should be ok, I have been offered a funded PhD and I have a 2:1 and haven't yet finished my masters which looks like I may scrape a merit but probably will just get a pass (it's distance learning and really struggled with working at home when I'm already working a full time job!). I don't even think the interviewees asked me about my masters grades at all. Although I did have relevant work experience too. So I guess if you did have problems, try working or volunteering in something relevant as that really ups the chances of getting picked!

Hey Natasha! I think it's possible- I know people with 2.2 degrees and a pass at MSc level who are on fully funded PhDs in different subjects. It will depend on your subject, and the competition, obviously, and also where you are hoping to get your funding from. Are you planning to apply for full funding? KB

OK. That's ESRC territory for funding I'd have thought. If so, I think it's not very likely you'd get a funded place with a 2:1 and a pass, unless there are specific strengths to your application unrelated to marks. We are being told for our ESRC DTC that the expectation is that students will either have a first or distinction to stand a realistic chance, as there are now so few funded places for social sciences in the country and so many strong applicants.
I'd ask Birmingham directly whether they would consider a student with your profile, then if they do have some arbitrary cut-off at least you know. But I'd also ask your current lecturers to be brutally honest with you about whether they think it's a good idea or not for you in career terms - I don't know whether a PhD gets you anywhere better in non-academic careers in that field, but as you'll probably know things are not good in universities as far as jobs are concerned. I personally certainly wouldn't self-fund a PhD in any social science in the hope of an academic job in the UK at this moment in time (unless I was very rich and had nothing else I wanted to do).

Well, I have already applied for the PhD and have been offered a place. The lecturers have asked me to complete a statement for funding. Having looked at the email I noticed that ESRC asked for Merit level for the Masters Degree. If I was successful for the funding could they withdraw this offer if a get a pass at Masters level?

Yes, they could withdraw it, if it's an offer of funding conditional on you getting a merit and you don't get one.

I would take a look at what the specific requirements are for the Merit (and distinction) grade, If you are on a Taught MSc at Birmingham, to get a Merit grade you need to achieve three hurdles, 1, av at least 55 in taught elements (120credits); 2, average at least 55 in the 60 credit research element (dissertation) and 3, average at least 60% overall. Not achieving any one of these 3 hurdles will not warrant the grade. For more info take a look at the regs, http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/legislation/docs/regulations_part7.pdf

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