Hi all,

I missed out on a 2.1 for my MMath degree at University of Manchester. I was close to a 2.1 and had some extenuating circumstances. Does anyone think I can get onto a self-funded Phd programme at a less reputable university?

Thanks

Hi, its difficult to say but depending on your extenuating circumstances its a possibility. Do you have a masters? Often the result of a masters (if its good) will over-ride your first degree. I wouldn't necessarily go for a less reputable uni, it won't help you long term, the advice here is always to go for the best supervisor in your field. Email them, speak to them, explain things and ask if they would be interested in supervising your proposed study.
Sorry I can't be more help but I'm pretty certain that there are people here who've had a 2:2 and gone on to get onto a PhD programme with excellent results.

Hi thanks for the reply. The MMath degree is basically your three year bachelors degree mark combined with the mark you get for a final 'masters' year. Comparing my final year to my friend's postgraduate masters the level of difficultly seems to be equal but for the latter there is a longer dissertation. For my final year I got a 2.1 but my bachelors mark brought the MMath grade to a 2.2. Despite extenuating circumstances, in retrospect I should have chosen easier modules; I would have probably got a 2.1 then.

Hey there! I don't know anyone doing a maths PhD, but I do have two friends in different subjects doing fully-funded PhDs with 2.2s and a pass at MSc level, and they're doing fine! I'm not saying it's easy, but if you are self-funded then you are less likely to have a problem with finding a supervisor etc. Good luck with it! KB

I have a 2:2 BSc Maths degree and a pass at MSc and I'm doing a PhD at Manchester! So yes it is possible.;-)

I am doing a funded PhD in Engineering. I applied for three different projects at two different universities over two years though. Was accepted on my third attempt8-)

I know 3 people who got a 2:2 in their degree and have a PhD, all from "good" universities. A PhD is as much about determination and passion as it as about sheer intellect. And a degree and a PhD are such different beasts anyway.

Sadly DanB yours is not necessarily a view I'd agree with. I always said I'd do a PhD for one of two reasons because I had passion and drive for a topic and, indeed, I constantly tried for 6 years to be allowed to study my research interests at PhD level and made no headway. Eventually secured a supervisor who shared my research interest and who loved my proposal (she made no changes to it) and yet I couldn't secure a funded place. I think she was really taken aback by this as she seemed to think it would be a home run. The other reason I said I would do a PhD is through complete desperation and as a means to secure an income. Guess why I'm doing a PhD?:-s