I'm interested in embarking on PhD in social psychology. Currently I'm on second year of social sciences. I'm just browsing websites of various unis n just started wondering what except the grades is taken into account? Common sense logic says that any placements n so on would be advantage, am i right? The thing which is on my mind is how the classification of degree is assessed. On the website of my home uni I found a regulation which says: At least 50% of the SCQF credits represented by the modules contributing to the honours classification to be at Grade 6 (...)" but someone told me that first year is not taken into account, is it true? N the second question, how should I know which modules contribute to this classification?

Don't know about social psychology, but social science subjects tend to require a Masters qualification before you can progress to PhD

So hows it with embarking on decent masters programme?

Getting a Masters shouldn't be much of a problem. As long as you show a good degree of aptitude (and that'll most likely come from your marks and references), you'll be fine. I don't think they're anywhere nearly as competitive as PhDs.

My first year counted towards my final grade, depends on your uni

I went straight to a PhD without a Masters, but then I have 5 years very good industrial experience since finishing my degree (and I got a 1st )

To be honest, the best person to speak to would a post-grad advisor / supervisor in your department as you may be able to miss the Masters if you have relevant experience.

I also imagine some PhDs are easier to get on than others, depending on the subject and job market in that subject.

When I applied to do my PhD they didn't count my first year (which is a good job...) but did want to know my individual grades in the second and third years.

Once again, big thanks for all answers.