Hi people.

Firstly my name is Robert MacDonald, 29 and recently graduated from the OU with a Cert. Man Care (SCQF 10), a Cert promoting Public Health (SCQF 10) and a BSc Honours degree (3rd class).

I am applying for MSc degrees and have a few offers from Glasgow School of Art- medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy and MSc Public Public at GCU. The offers are based of extreme circumstances during my honours e.g.:
* Run over on my bike fracturing my pelvis
* My grandfather died and at his funeral my mother had a massive stroke
* My stepfather attempted suicide
and a few other bits and bobs

The issue is not so much the MSc but how to explain the circumstances better on application forms and funding applications to make it clear that this 3rd was not due to my inabilities, or lack of commitment but due to a myriad of circumstances outwith my control.

Cheers.

Robert

Hi Robert. That is a very unfortunate list of circumstances. I'm sorry that you have gone through all that. I too got my degree with the OU. As you have offers what is it particularly you are worried about? Funding for MSc is usually pretty scarce and most commonly you self fund. Are you not going to take those offers and are applying elsewhere?

How long did you OU degree take? Mine took 6 years part time whilst I worked and I too had some special circumstances but obviously that didn't affect every module I took. Can you show the transcripts where your work is at a higher level? Also lots of people work full or part time whilst at OU and applications will often consider professional practice alongside academic qualifications. Do you have associated work experience you can highlight?

I suppose finally it depends on what you want to MSc for? Sometimes it is better to re-sit or take anew some additional modules to get a higher class degree. I am in no way doing down your circumstances but it can be very cut throat and many employers and academics think that many people get through despite terrible circumstances!

The courses you have offers for sound really interesting.

Things are looking up- due to the extenuating circumstances most of the medical schools I am contacting will accept a high GAMSAT/ UKCAT score plus an advanced higher biology and chemistry at AA as long as I do it alongside my Masters...... A busy year I predict!

Mine was about 6 years as well. In regards to transcripts; during more settled periods I got my work marked in the high 80's; but due to the various issues pre mentioned these quiet periods where scarce! So my work was normally between 50-55. I have worked in healthcare for a number of years as well as Gaelic education so I have used that and also a full list of continued professional development. Also sent in as much evidence I could to support my story