I don't really know many people involved professionally in academia so I'm writing to ask your advice on applying for PhD programmes.  My first degree was in Marketing in which I gained a 2:1 and I'm currently studying towards a masters in education with the Open University.
I have some questions if you wouldn't mind answering them:-

I was wondering if my course alongside my degree would help me get onto a PhD course for this year or possibly next year? is it enough for social sciences or do you need a Masters?

Is it possible to do the OU masters degree alongside a research degree?

Do you think pass grades at masters level are a little on the low side for acceptance onto a PhD course? Do you need consistent merits?

Thanks

Steve