======= Date Modified 25 May 2011 09:25:19 =======
Some universities take relevant life experience and working experiences into account i.e If seen NGO workers that flunked their undergrad start a PhD. Some universities require 2:1 minimum and 70%/Merit at MA. I applied to several and the only real measure seems to be: 1. Can you afford to pay (I'm not insinuating education is for sale here - no flames). 2. Is the project viable/worth doing. 3. Can that university offer relevant supervison. 4. From the proposal, is the standard of thought, reading and overall concept in fitting with a PhD standard.
Four yes answers and you're in. Less than four and it's more of a negotiation: for point 1. a 3+1 course or an additional MRes. For point 2. some feedback and a discussion on the research. For point 3. 2 x Supervisors or a suggestion of where would be better to apply. For point 4. Maybe go back to the drawing board and rewrite the whole proposal.
Good luck with the funding, it's hard to get. Have a backup plan - just in case.