PhD Discussion Forum

Thanks for the advice, I'm sadly probably looking at a pass or a merit at best for my MSc, though I had a first class BA, I guess my hope lies in submitting a killer dissertation as I had a distinction in my research methods module. Maybe after all of that a PhD will be still within reach.

Hello Natassia,

I am currently facing the same thing as you did 3 years ago. I was wondering how things worked for you. Did you manage to achieve a merit or a pass finally? I am very afraid that a possible pass for me will ruin my future plans which were to apply for Doctorate for Counseling. I don't really care about the funding option (although it would have been great) but mostly if I would have a chance to be accepted for a doctorate. It will be great if you reply and advice me maybe on additional things that I should consider.

Best Regards,
thinktwice.

Hi Natassia
I'm sorry to hear that you've suffered some stress and had to go on antidepressants.
Please don't worry about your MSc. grades; a merit is a still good achievement. I would say, at this point, continue to work on your research proposal and look forward to the coming PhD interviews :-)

Remember that you need a break sometimes, away from the computer etc.
Remember also, that this depression or stressful condition is not permanent. It will eventually pass and you will emerge stronger than before.

Don't worry.
Oh yes, do something nice for yourself :-)
and post back here (tell us!)
satchi

I think you would know if they weren't keen! It sounds like they're really happy to support you and your PhD application, and from what I know of academics, they don't waste time on things they don't think will succeed! It's true- grades are just a reflection of how things are at that time. There is a lad on our team who failed his GCSEs twice, had to re-sit his A-levels, then got a place at a good uni, got an RA position, and has now just been awarded full funding for a PhD starting later this year. He's a smart guy, just things weren't so good for him when he was younger and taking his exams, but he's got there in the end! And people will appreciate that non-academic circumstances affect how you perform at times. When I had to break it to my (at the time potential) PhD supervisor that I had bipolar and had a long history of hospitalisations etc, she wrote me a lovely email saying that she admired my achievements all the more given what I had been through, and then proceeded to write on a reference that I had 'demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness on dealing with personal challenges' or something to that effect. So most people are human and will be understanding...sometimes life deals us some shit and we all just do the best we can at the time- and it sounds like you're doing a mighty good job of it! Best, KB

Hey Natassia! I honestly think you will be fine with a merit. You have a great first degree and a merit is the MSc equivalent of a good 2.1, so you're still going to be a very strong candidate. I know what you mean about wanting a distinction to 'match' your first, but in all honesty a lot of people are offered fully funded PhDs whilst still doing their MSc on the basis of their first degree grade....and these offers are dependent on completing the MSc, but aren't dependent on getting a distinction in it. Do you have any grades back to indicate where you lie at the moment? I know people in other departments doing funded PhDs with 2.2s and a pass at MSc level- I know you're in a similar field to me where things are a lot more competitive than that, but I still think you're in a very good position to get a fully funded place. Certainly if you decided to self-fund then you will have no problem at all, but definitely go for the funding! Hope things are beginning to get a bit easier for you. Take care, KB