Hi, you get a lot of people on this website asking about whether you need a masters to do a phD. I am going into my final year of Chemistry and want to go to Leeds to do this. Has anyone got onto a phD course at Leeds with a Bsc first or second or does anyone know what Leeds are looking for in a student.Thanks

Generally an MSc degree can be used to help you change disciplines or boost a 2(ii) degree to a 2(i) equivalent. It is unlikely to improve your chances of getting a PhD place in other circumstances and will probably cost you a few quid. Some universities require students to register for an MPhil, before converting to a PhD, but this is largely a formallity - unless you're not up to scratch. Leeds department of Chemistry's entry requirement for an MPhil or PhD reads "normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject."

It's that '(or eqivalent)' bit I don't understand - does it mean a foreign equivalent of does it mean a 2ii + MSc (to be equivalent of 2i) or 2i + Msc (to be equivalent of 1st)?

It means a foreign equivalent (visit www.naric.org.uk to start working that out) or a 2ii plus a masters. This is the only combination with a Masters that's given any formal recognition.

Why wouldn't the BHF recognise my 2ii + MSc when I applied to a PhD funded by them? The advert said 2i or equivalent but I got a reply from the supervisor saying they stipulate a 2i? Do I assume the or equivalent bit means the foreign one in this case? Feel a bit hard done by!

I'm affraid we can't speak for the BHF, but as a charity they are entitled to set whatever criteria they want to. It's important to remember that, whatever the entry requirements, a student with a first will have an advantage over a person with a 2(i), who will, in turn, have an advantage over somebody with a 2(ii) and an MSc. This doesn't mean your quest for a studentship is hopeless, but you may have to send out a few more applications than the Oxbridge graduate with a first.

So do Oxbridge and Camford graduates have an academic advantage over us plebs with a first from ordinary universities as well as being rich enough to live in Poshbridge?

Probably

Thats rubbish. Its only the old boy network that have that sort of attitude - the sort of people who need to get out of the modern educational system and go tend to their poxy gardens. A first is a first, its as simple as that. In my opinion, its harder to get a first from a 'new' university because the support network just isnt there. Take it from me!

We’re getting a bit sidetracked here. Getting a PhD place is more like applying for a job than for a masters or bachellors degree. For a PhD an individual academic will be selecting from a number of applicants for just one place. They will be looking for any number of criteria: how will that person fit in with other members of the lab? are they sufficiently commited? will they have the necessary lab skills? do they think clearly? can the think laterally? - Our point is that high flyers will generally find it easier to get a place than the rest of us, but supervisors are looking for all sorts of qualities, so look arround to find the places that you want and apply to all of them to find the one that wants you.

I agree!!!! :)