Many students might make the mistake of thinking getting a 2.2 means they can't do a Master's. However, this isn't always the case. If you've received a lower class degree and you're interested in postgraduate study, read our blog to find answers to your burning questions.
It's natural to feel like your postgraduate hopes have been dashed having earned a lower class degree, however there are a lot of factors that admissions teams take into consideration before giving applicants a spot on postgraduate courses.
This means there's more to your application than the marks you got during your undergraduate degree.
In this blog...
Can you do a Master's with a 2.2?
The short answer is yes, absolutely. Many postgraduate courses will even include a 2.2 or above in their Master's entry requirements.
Strictly speaking, you could do a Master’s with a third, or even no degree at all. Universities consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications.
However, if you think below average results may limit you getting onto your chosen postgraduate course, it's advised to build on your credentials by getting relevant work experience.
Should you do a Master's, if you got a 2.2 in your undergraduate degree?
There are a lot of reasons why you may have got a lower class degree, but just because you didn't get a 2.1 or a first doesn't mean your degree isn't valuable, and it certainly doesn't mean you won't be seen as a great candidate by employers and admissions tutors.
A degree, in whatever form, is still a degree. It required discipline, self-motivation, time-management and so much hard work from you. Your 2.2 or third is still an incredible achievement.
The only reason you might see a lower class degree as a reason to not pursue postgraduate education, is if the 2.2 was a product of really pushing yourself to your limits.
If you tried hard but don't feel like your results reflected how much work you put into your degree, then higher education or the subject you studied might not be for you. Postgraduate degrees can be more difficult and require more independent research than undergraduate degrees, however Master's courses can be a lot more varied and they give you a chance to dive deep into areas that interest you. So you may find postgraduate conditions are what you needed to thrive, after all!
If you're struggling to decide, why not speak to your university's Career Service? Here at Newcastle University, our Careers Service is on-hand to help steer you in the right direction.
Where can I do a Master's with a 2.2 degree?
You can apply to lots of university's Master's programmes with a 2.2, but always check the course pages for entry requirements.
If you're unsure about the entry requirements of a course you're interested in, it's best to get in touch with your chosen university directly.
Whatever your passion, there's no limit to what you can study at postgraduate level.
How to get onto a Master's programme with a 2.2
If you're applying to do a Master's with a lower class degree, make sure you put a lot of time into perfecting your application, particularly your personal statement.
If you're in a position to do so, you may want to gain some relevant work experience before making your application, to strengthen your case and emphasise your passion for the subject.
A key piece of advice is to address your lower class honours whenever you have the opportunity, particularly if you're applying for a degree with 2:1 as the entry requirement.
Why do you think you got a lower class degree? What did you do wrong, or what happened at the time that held you back? Taking responsibility and showing the admissions tutor what you've learned from your undergraduate degree will be a great way to re-frame your 2.2 as a positive learning curve.
For more help and advice on applying for a Master's, refer to our blog. Here, you will find exclusive tips and tricks on how to secure a place on your dream course, including how to write a personal statement for a Master's.
