Hi,

I'm currently doing an Msc through the OU. I'm enjoying the course but am frustrated at how long it will take to complete it. I started in November and am doing it part time. At other universities you'd expect to finish the Msc in about two years, however the OU course is really protracted.

The final 60 credit point research module starts in May 2011, however the entry requirements specify you must have gained the other 120 credit points before you start it.

Unfortunately, you have to submit your dissertation proposal by Febuary in order to register for the course. I don't think they allow you to register without the 120 credits in the bag, so I'd have to wait until May 2012 before I could start my final module and wouldn't finish my MSc until June 2013.

Surely this can't be right?

Anyway my question is, am I likely to get onto a PhD in the social sciences with only a PGDip and a 2:2 BSc (hons) from a top uni?

I imagine it's a hard question to answer but I just wondered if you've heard of anyone who skipped the MSc dissertation and went straight into a PhD research project instead?

Thanks for all the advice, it's really helpful

I know this is abit off topic but is there anywhere I can compare the fees for MSc's from different universities? The fees seem to vary. I'm considering doing it part time and they seem to vary from £2.5k to £8k.

======= Date Modified 12 Feb 2009 13:18:54 =======
I should probably make it very clear that I'm very serious about a career in research.

I'm quite interested in Social Policy at the moment but my interests are very broad.

During my Environmental Sciences degree I studied Demography and Epidemiology to a reasonable depth.

My current BSc. is really developing my knowledge in social research methods and yet more demography. So even if I quit this the modules I've studied will still prove useful when applying for an MSc.

Thanks for your kind replies.

I agree that although not a given, it's possible to be offered a PhD from the university where you obtain your MSc and this is something to consider.

My main concern about not having a 2:2 at UG level is being unable to obtain PhD funding even if I get an MSc.

I understand there are also scholarships available for MSc's? I imagine the competition for these must be very tough. Would I stand a chance of gaining one if I did manage to gain a 2:1 at UG level? This must be a hard question to answer.

Another concern is the new 'Equal or Lower Qualification' student rules. These rules mean I must pick my MSc very very carefully as once I have an MSc it will be prohibitively expensive to get another one. I'm not saying I want two lol I just want to keep my options open for the future if I need to reskill.

Hi,

I recently graduated from a top 20 uni with a BSc. in Environmental Sciences. Unfortuantely I only got a 2:2 and took an age to finish it due to problems with my health.

Although I was ecstatic to graduate and get the 2:2, I'm disappointed by it purely because I know I'm capable of a lot more.

Thus I decided to study for another BSc (this time Sociology), through The London External System through their graduate entry route. Unfortunately due to work commitments It's going to take me at least another two years to complete it. If all goes well I will get a 2:1 or 1:1 for this other BSc.

I have known people do PhD's without MSc's, purely because they had a 2:1 or 1:1 at UG level from a good uni. Foolishly I thought this was the way forward rather than applying for MSc's with my 2:2.

I'm only slightly into the second BSc. Do you think I should continue with this BSc, or save my money and apply for MSc's when I can afford it?

My sole intentions in all this studying is so I can obtain funding to do a PhD and obtain a firm grounding in the social sciences.