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Question about masters marks vs lower undergraduate for PhD applications.

S

Hi everyone!

I'm halfway through a masters course at the moment and am applying for PhDs. I only got a 2:2 at undergraduate, however, my coursework marks in masters course so far have been really quite good. I'm wondering where would it be a good place to put these in, in my academic cv or as a 'supporting document'.
Do you think 'they' will be able to see past my undergraduate grade? Some online applications ask for A-Levels too, which I hope should work in my favour since there's quite an obvious dip in my grades in my undergraduate degree when compared to my A-Levels and Masters marks. My project supervisor's pretty well respected and I'm hoping the fact that I'm far more 'trained' in terms of research and general subject matter than an undergraduate would be will really help me.

Thanks for any advice you can give! Obviously this time of year can be quite stressful!

S

Do you need to apply for your own funding as opposed to already funded PhD places? The latter is much easier for one in your position. If you could get an interview for a funded place then you just need to click with that particular supervisor. That seems like a good option for you.

Applying for funding alone is MUCH much tougher as it is all down to paperwork and references and usually no interview. My understanding is, that if you are applying to a research council for your own funding and you do not have a first for your first degree - you need an exceptional first at masters level to stand a chance. Don't know about other specialist funding bodies - that might be different.

S

I'm only going to be applying to places with funded PhDs so that's a relief!! Guess I'd better get back to the application things and the stress about personal statements. Honestly, why can't they just ask for a C.V. and judge us on an interview. I have no idea what to fill up a whole personal statement about!!

I

In my opinion, don't put a breakdown of all your marks in any application unless specifically asked for. However, if you've got some good marks in any modules or subjects which are relevant to your application, then it could be a good thing to put those in your CV, including a little info about what that module was about.

If you're on course for a distinction (or whatever the classification might be for your Masters) then it's also a good idea to put that in. Of course, don't write that if you're not!

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