Worried about Masters... Wanna go big!

Former Member

Last year I finished with a 68... I mean it was only second year, but I really wanted a 72 or something...

Anyway, my friend is applying to Cambridge and it made me think... Well, why can't I apply to some of the best universities? They ask for a high 2:1 or a 1st. Ok, it'll be some work but it's worth a shot.

I've been looking at Cambridge, although I've heard the workload is a lot higher to get a degree there than in normal universities and that Cambridge students don't have a social life because they're always studying. This worries me because I'm a very social person...

I was thinking about doing a part time research degree or a part time masters, but it looks really expensive. So here're my questions:

1. I'm predicted a 2:1/1st and also have a lot of volunteer experience (and an award for volunteering) and involvement with the student union. I'm worried about my interview because my dyspraxia makes me less articulate, but would my experience outside of studies help me get in a bit more?
2. It looks notouriously expensive. Where can I get funding and how much funding can I get?
3. Why the hell can't you work in Oxford and Cambridge??? I mean are studies so heavy that a par time job may hinder you?
4. A few universities talk about only taking the best academic minds... That's intimidating...
5. If I took a year out to work and earn some moolah, would it hinder my chances to get in because I would e out of studies for a year?
6. Would the fact my parents didn't go to unversity and the fact that my A level grades suck affect my application? I was diagnosed with dysraxia a month before my exams and had mental health probems so it affected my grades.
7. Finally (sorry for s many questions)... Do universities offer much support at Masters level for students wth learning diffculties?

Thanks

Former Member

Important missing details! What course are you doing at the moment? Where? and what do you want to do your masters in (even rough area)?

I'm no authority on masters courses, other than having friends who do them here and elsewhere, but I am a Cambridge undergrad. so I'll try and help with some of those questions.

It's complete rubbish that Cambridge students don't have a social life, utter twaddle. We do have high work loads, partly because we have short terms, and you won't find as many people in Cambridge who are out clubbing or the like all night every night but we still have a good time. It depends what kind of social life you're looking for, but colleges can be fantastic for general socialising.

Cambridge doesn't allow students to work during term time because of the high demands of the course. There are lots of sources of grants etc if money is tight and during term time the academic work load is high and the university would rather that your free time was spent socialising/pursuing a hobbie/sport/club etc rather than working. Some work is avaliable from colleges/university working for admissions or behind the bar but the hours are very limited.

Funding for Masters depends a lot on the subject. You can get grants from the Arts or Sciences research council, you can get industrial sponsorhip, or funding from other sources. Best place to find out more about funding would probably be to get in touch with admissions for a course you might be interested in and ask how their students fund the fees.

Your A level grades sucking might affect your application, the fact your parents didn't go to university won't in the slightest (although if it does anything it will benefit you). That said if you prove yourself with your undergrad course then your A level results will be much less of an issue.

Hope that helps a bit.

Former Member

Thanks...

I am doing a BA in human rights and politics...

I am interested in going in to either the international development area, or in social policy and/or research.

I'm a very hard working and committed student though... It'd suck if I couldn't get in because my learning difficulties and mental illness afected my A levels... :no:

Do you think that the fact I'm doing well on top of having two jobs and the field experience would show I really am willing to work?