PhD in Cranfield with a 2:2 (beng)
If you manage to get in, so be it. I was a 2(ii) ages back (I'm known to freeze in exams) but with two Masters (long story involving health issues - health affected first one, thought I'd failed, started second one, found I'd passed the first one after all), I finally got into a PhD and obtained it with minor corrections quite a while ago.
At the time I got my first degree, my understanding was you could do post-grad study with a 2(ii), but you were not likely to obtain funding unless you had a 2(i). My Masters studies were done without funding from a usual source (parental help with the first, compensation for an accdient for the second). Since then, 2(i) or degree (usually 2(ii) or better) plus masters had become a lower benchmark, this arguably down to the much highernumbers of people entering higher education and thus more choice for potential supervisors.
In your situation, if you are finally accepted with a 2(ii) then I would find this very surprising and especially somewhere like Cranfield. Cranfield is a post-grad only Uni. with a reasonable standing, which is why I'd expect them to ask you for an additional Masters qualification.
The above suggests one of the following:
1) They are considering your application as per their regulations and thus the point where your 2(ii) is questioned has not been reached. I would be prepared at this stage to prepare yourself for rejection.
2) The other possibility you have not made clear is you might have applied for a 1 + 3 route, in that you do a year of masters then progress to PhD. Even then, I'd usually expect 2(i) to be considered minium for this to be funded.
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On the basis of what you have said, is not to raise your hopes just yet and mentally prepare yourself to be rejected. If you really do dream of doing a PhD, I would start looking at Masters as a step towards this.
Ian
The EngD project is 4 years long, I'am not sure if it includes a masters, but i think there is a possibility. I would be perfectly fine in that case as anyway.
The thing is, i did ask the supervisor first and told him that i was a 2(ii) hons grad, but he told me to apply anyway. When i did, and uploaded my transcripts on the formal application form on thi Uni's website, the admis office said it meets their requirements.
I know its odd, but Cranfield uni is the only place i have ever seen that both states that they consider lower second honors degrees, even less than a second class degree if you have masters and/or industrial experience. (i was told this by over the phone when i called to check). All other unis have a 2(i) only policy. Like when i applied for a project in Sheffield, i was told by the supervisor that he cannot take my application further as the school only accepts a 2(i) or 2(ii) and a masters.
Ah, it's an EngD project. This means there'll be a taught component during the first year and there's probably an industrial or other sponsor you have the chance to work with. I'm still unsure how this afffects entry requirements, however, if you're in with a shot then don't knock it. :-)
Whilst some people are still unsure what and EngD is, there's the possibility you'll later obtain employment with an industrial sponsor. Even if this does not occur, what little I understand suggests you'll have a slight advantage over standard PhD once you explain what extra an EngD gives you.
Good luck!!!
Ian
