I am currently doing an MA in Spanish and Latin American Studies at King's College. I really want to apply for a PhD only I am more than likely to get a 2:2 in my MA. Is there any hope for me?
Will my BA with a 2:1 count at all?

Do you mean you're on course for a pass rather than a merit or distinction? if so that might be a problem as I know my university insists on at least merit at MA in the humanities and social sciences. I'd expect your dissertation mark to be the key factor in any decision. But should you really try to get onto a PhD or is it going to be in your interest? I'd say there are two things to consider here. Firstly, with those marks there's next to no chance of any funding - harsh but sadly true with the AHRC/ESRC even if you're graded as pretty much prefect on all aspects of your application, there's still people not getting funded. Do you have enough money to self-fund a PhD?

Secondly, why do you want to do a PhD? You need to be aware that there are very few academic and research jobs in your field each year so competition is immense. If not academia, then wouldn't you be best just applying for whatever job you want? A PhD may depending on the field actually be a qualification too far and you'd be better looking with an MA.

Hi, I basically echo bewildered's comments.

As far as I'm aware, most leading uni's (esp. KCL) ask for a First (at UG), or 2.1 plus high Merit/Distinction at Masters level, as a basic entry requirements. Many also look for a distinction in the dissertation element of a Masters.

You may have good reason for your 2.2 (I also presume you mean a pass), but if this is your achievement while working at full capacity, you may want to question whether a PhD is an appropriate route. However, don't completely dismiss the idea, something like a distinction in your MA dissertation (if you do one) may swing your chances. Your UG degree may also swing it - e.g. if your 2.1 is high, and from KCL or somewhere equivalent or better (e.g. Oxbridge), then you will get PhD offers...but funding is another matter.

I have personal funds. I can pay my PhD myself. What difference does this make? Thanks

A huge amount of difference!!

You'll definitely get offers from some top 20 uni's.

Where are you thinking of applying?

I have been saving to do a PhD for several years now...
I would like to stay at King's College as I am into colonial and post-colonial literature. If not perhaps I would be interested in applying at UCl or even Sheffield and Liverpool.

I think the best approach to finding a place would be to contact interested supervisors directly, and say funding is sorted. Knowing you're funded, they may personally push for your application to go through, particularly if they want a new PhD student.

UCL and KCL will be tough, but you may be in a subject that does not have a massive amount of competition. Some PhDs do only require a 2.1 at UG, but you'll have to have good reason why your MA is only a pass.

Have you talked about this to someone at KCL? They know your work and will be able to give you the best advice about whether you have the skill set to get through a PhD. Many clever people just aren't good at research and writing and if you're one of those, then don't do a PhD. If KCL advise against it, I'd really have second thoughts. A PhD can be an extremely miserable, costly and time-consuming experience (that may end in failure) if you aren't cut out for it.
You really do have to be extremely good to have a chance of an academic job in your field, it's so crowded and there are so few jobs and it's not like science, where there's lots of research jobs in both industry and universities, if you don't get a lectureship, so the other thing you need to think about is career perspectives and whether this is a good way forward for you.

I still have my final dissertation to hand in, worth 1/3 of my MA so you never know. I haven't got all my marks back either. I may with a little bit of luck get a 2:1 but it won't be easy.Opting for a 1st in my final dissertation is not very realistic unless I can get some tips on how to improve my essay writing skills. I've had a tough year commuting between Brussels and London every week during the first 3 months of my Ma which has effected my work(full time MA).It has not been an easy ride.Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

I spoke to the graduate tutor at KCL and she has suggested I wait until I get my final results for the MA but she did not exclude the possibility I may be able to start a PhD at King's in September 2009.Obviously that would mean taking a gap year but again that will give me time to do a PGCE in the meantime.That will leave my options open.