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does a 3rd class degree matter in the creative industries?

A

ok, so I have been just awarded a 3rd class degree classification with honours in Graphic Design and Illustration and I really wanted to pursue a MA or get a good job.

However, I do posses another 3 certifications from fine art and design courses from the Open University, one on modern art from MoMA New York and another from University of Melbourne.
Additionally, I am the winner of a 2 weeks work placement at BBC Worldwide London (that I just finished and received a letter of recommandation from the BBC's Creative Director) and I was just informed that I also won a 3 month internship at a creative studio in London that works with huge brands.
I also have another year of experience from my first graphic design job at a small agency and I am also a Mentor on the educational platform Coursera on a fine art course and worked briefly as an Adobe CC Rep while at university.

My question is: are my experience and my certifications enough for a future employer to ignore my 3rd class degree?
And going even further, is it enough for me to possible get into a MA course?

And how important is the degree classification in the creative industries?

T

It's possible, but of course harder. I don't know specifically about creative industries. I would suggest networking to find a way in if possible, as it will be easier to overlook a 3rd on paper than if someone knows you.

P

Quote From AllPixieDust:
ok, so I have been just awarded a 3rd class degree classification with honours in Graphic Design and Illustration and I really wanted to pursue a MA or get a good job.

However, I do posses another 3 certifications from fine art and design courses from the Open University, one on modern art from MoMA New York and another from University of Melbourne.
Additionally, I am the winner of a 2 weeks work placement at BBC Worldwide London (that I just finished and received a letter of recommandation from the BBC's Creative Director) and I was just informed that I also won a 3 month internship at a creative studio in London that works with huge brands.
I also have another year of experience from my first graphic design job at a small agency and I am also a Mentor on the educational platform Coursera on a fine art course and worked briefly as an Adobe CC Rep while at university.

My question is: are my experience and my certifications enough for a future employer to ignore my 3rd class degree?
And going even further, is it enough for me to possible get into a MA course?

And how important is the degree classification in the creative industries?


Your work experience will be invaluable if it matches what an employer wants.
There is no doubt that a 3rd is a major blow though.
It shouldn't be a barrier to getting a Masters placement. I personally know of at least two people who have done that exact same thing.
If your experience is good enough you might not need it though. Once you start working and gaining experience nobody will care too much about your degree (as long as you have one). The problem is that the poor degree might limit your access to the type of experience you actually want to do for your main job.

I'd check out whether your experience is good enough before spending time and money on something you might not need.

D

It's all about your portfolio (in my experience).
If you're work is solid, employers won't care.

D

So far as I know in the creative industries, one is not much fussed with degrees.

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