Bridging the gap...

LaHaine

From a pass degree to a masters and future study.

Basically I have a degree in Arts. I graduated a few years ago with a pass mark. I didn't put in enough work and I accepted that. Lately, however, I'm beginning to realise more and more that I want to give it another shot.

I love English and would like to get another shot at studying it. So my question is how do i go about this with a pass mark in my BA? Is there any route that can be taken to bridge the gap between a poor degree result and a masters?

Ultimately i'm interested in doing a PHD and possibly lecturing. i'm realistic too...i know this is not easily achieved but i'd like to research the options available to me at least.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Bannasidhe

LaHaine wrote: »

From a pass degree to a masters and future study.

Basically I have a degree in Arts. I graduated a few years ago with a pass mark. I didn't put in enough work and I accepted that. Lately, however, I'm beginning to realise more and more that I want to give it another shot.

I love English and would like to get another shot at studying it. So my question is how do i go about this with a pass mark in my BA? Is there any route that can be taken to bridge the gap between a poor degree result and a masters?

Ultimately i'm interested in doing a PHD and possibly lecturing. i'm realistic too...i know this is not easily achieved but i'd like to research the options available to me at least.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

I know of at least one current lecturer whose original B.A. was a pass. Best thing you can do is approach your prospective supervisor and try and convince him/her. Then ye can both try and convince the head of dept.

LaHaine

Bannasidhe wrote: »

I know of at least one current lecturer whose original B.A. was a pass. Best thing you can do is approach your prospective supervisor and try and convince him/her. Then ye can both try and convince the head of dept.

Thanks for the reply.

I probably should have clarified though, I left college about 6 years ago. So anything along those lines isn't really realistic.

VALIS

Perhaps a relevant graduate diploma would be your best option to help you gain entry into a masters level course; not to say that you shouldn't try applying for a masters anyway.

Perhaps something like this? http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/what/acsss/hdip/english/

Raphael

A friend of mine did a GradDip in History in UCD, with I believe a pass in his BA. He got a first at christmas and was able to transfer to the MA programme.

Edit: This one, to be precise. Doesn't seem to be an equivalent for english, but you might be able to find a similar course elsewhere. GradDip courses in general don't require a high grade from your undergrad.

Bannasidhe

LaHaine wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

I probably should have clarified though, I left college about 6 years ago. So anything along those lines isn't really realistic.

This particular lecturer had a gap of about 10 years between B.A and post-grad. She did have to argue her case with the dept but now has a PhD and tenured job - so it is possible.
To do post-grad you will need to get a supervisor on board. That's the place to start.