Hi All,

A few days ago I just received my final marks for both my master's degree and dissertation. Prior to the start of my dissertation I had a merit and was on track to finish with a 2:1 for Masters. However, I was incredibly devastated to find that I did not do as well as expected on my dissertation and as a result, not only lost my merit, but finished my Masters degree just 1% shy of a merit. I feel lost, confused, devastated and unsure what to do at this time.

What I have done is emailed my supervisor to request for feedback on my dissertation so I can see what I did wrong and what I can improve upon the next time (assuming there is a next time). Prior to the results of my dissertation I have been networking like crazy throughout the UK, attending PhD study fairs, networking with graduate students and universities so that I can work on the PhD application. Now because of my dissertation results and final Master's mark, I don't know if this is the end of the road with me. I had to apply to attend for a PhD funding fair here in London and submitted my undergraduate transcript as part of application process (which I completely understand and agree with given that funding is involved and it is extremely competitive). Now I don't even feel worthy of attending because of my final Master's mark.

With that said, is it still possible to be considered for funding opportunities for PhD despite my final Master's mark, or is this the end of the road for me? Also, should I even attend the PhD funding fair now despite being accepted and receiving my invitation already? I worked so incredibly hard on this dissertation and based on the feedback my supervisor gave me I was slowly gaining confidence thinking I was going to do well. Then I get my results and feel like i've been hit by a train. Please help me out.

Thank you

I would keep applying for PhDs. You've got a first in your Bachelors right? So it's probably not the end of the world about your Master's grade.

Apologies for hi-jacking this thread slightly. If your masters grade is depressed from having too many late submission penalties do you think that a university would consider the fact that you scored better in the assignments than your degree classification indicates? I'm wanting to do a self funded Phd but might find myself in the position of only getting a "pass" at masters level for that reason. My work/life balance will improve so I should be better able to meet deadlines going forwards.

I am slightly confused by the terminology used here. You use 'Distinction' for your undergrad degree, and '2:2' for your Masters classifications. Are we talking about a Scottish MA? If not, do you mean a First with distinction in your undergrad (a very high first), and a merit in your Master's? Or do you mean a Distinction in a non-honours degree (they used to be reasonably common before the proliferation of new universities in 1992)?

If its a First (or Distinction in a non-honours degree) at undergrad+ a high Pass/marginal Merit, then I think funding might be a problem. I think it might be better if its the other way round, ie., a low 2:1 plus a distinction, as they tend to look at your latest round of results, and the higher degree, with more importance.

But if you can find a supervisor willing to take you on and support you for funding, then go for it. Nothing venture, nothing gain. Keep on searching for potential supervisors online and good luck with your quest.

Hi Chaotic. Thanks for the response. I work full time in quite a demanding job at the moment, as well as studying part time. In a year or twos time I envisage being in a position to cut down my hours at work a fair bit.

Edit: is it possible to rescue the situation with a really good dissertation?

Thank you all for your replies and advice. I have been accepted to attend a PhD funding fair here in London, and see if I am able to find anything that could possibly help. I'm just really disappointed with my master's results, but I will still keep applying for a PhD to see if anything comes along.