Hi, I have just recieved my degree classification results and have only got a 2.2. I am totally devastated and have always wanted to do a PhD. I cannt afford to do a Masters. What are my options.. Please help.

If you cant afford to do a masters then you'll struggle to do a PhD, because with a 2.2 you'll be extremely lucky to get offered a PhD without being self-funded (if at all). I suggest you have a re-think.

Hi Jeff, don't despair, all is not lost. I suggest that you talk to your tutor(s) at Uni and/or the careers service to discuss your options. Ems is right, things may be a little more difficult for you but not impossible if you are prepared to work hard (the Masters option would help I think) and persevere. Best of luck.

Dont listen to ems - if you want to do a phd, then dont "re-think". You could work for a couple of years and save up to do a masters, do a masters part-time so that you can work at the same time, get a career development loan to help pay for the masters etc... Also volunteer work in the area you are interested can make you a stronger candidate. Hop e this helps.

I would agree with ems that you will find it extremely difficult to be offered a PhD position with a 2:2. In my discipline you would not even be accepted onto a Masters with a 2:2 (even if you were self funding)at this stage in your career BUT all is not lost. One thing you can do to compensate for your degree classification is work in your subject area either paid or voluntary. After a year or two this should compensate - cont

you could also start a masters through a diploma route and move up to the masters if you reach a certain standard - this is a popular part time option.

P.S Congratualtions on gaining your degree - don't forget a 2:2 is a very respectable degree - WELL DONE!!

Dont worry!! I got a 2:2 and will start my PhD this September. I worked for the NHS and they paid for the MSc. This was great as i had little debt and you gain much needed lab experience (a blessing in disguise). I had 7 PhD interviews and got offered 3!! NEVER GIVE UP

Thank you so much for the support guys. Today I just heard that I have been offered a three month position working in a research laboratory..so this will give me valuable experience and hopefully I can extend my contract and maybe try for a PhD once I have worked for a year or so. I wont give up..I can always apply for PhDs and maybe someone willl take me if they cant find another candidate.

Why not do MPhil with option of extension??

A friend of mine did the same thing. He had a PhD which he was actually down to do and had the funding, but his 2:2 has forced him to do a masters first. Truth is, after a masters, you have proven your ability in a lab much more effectively. One of my lecturers did the same and is now a senior professor in the dept.

Try and get some relevant work experience (volunteer 1 day a week if you can't get a paid position) as it shows your keen if you can. I'm afraid for funded positions you usually need a 2:1 or 2:2 with Masters to be eligible. Have you thought about career development loans? They offer good rates and I don't think you have to pay them back for a while.