How to go from a 2:1 at an average University to an MSc & PhD at a Top Global University

From a current Oxford PhD student

Applying for an MSc or PhD can feel overwhelming - I've been there.

But here's the truth: you don't need perfect grades or a top-ranked undergrad to make it into your dream university.

I’m living proof. I started with a 2:1 science degree from an average uni, and still made it all the way to an MSc at Imperial College London and into a fully-funded science PhD program at Oxford University.

Let me show you exactly how I did it — so you can do it too.

More About Me

✨ Get access to the documents that got me my MSc at Imperial and PhD at Oxford ✨

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  • Receive strategic advice on selecting the right programs
  • Build a personalized application action plan
  • Identify steps to strengthen your profile before applying
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~ Free Tips and Tricks to increase your application chances ~

🎯 Application Strategy

What should I do if my grades aren’t outstanding?

Tip: Grades aren’t everything. For top universities like Oxford, a 2:1 can absolutely be enough. Some Universities even accept students with a 2:2 — especially if the rest of your application is strong. Admissions teams also consider your trajectory, motivation, experience, and fit.

What you can do:

  • Get a strong personal statement: Professors who believe in you can shift the balance in your favour.
  • Write a compelling personal statement: Tell your story, explain your goals, and show your passion.
  • Highlight your strengths: Include research, internships, or standout coursework.
  • Gain extra experience: If you can, do an independent project or join a lab to show initiative and academic engagement.
  • Apply smart: Choose a mix of ambitious and realistic programs.

✅ Bonus tip: If your grades improved over time, highlight that trend — e.g.

“While my overall grade was a 2:1, my final-year average was X%, showing growth and focus in advanced-level courses.”
Or if you did a Master’s and performed better, use that to show academic progression.


Is it better to apply for an MSc first or go straight into a PhD?

Short answer: It depends — but if your grades or research experience are limited, doing an MSc first can boost your chances for a PhD.

MSc First Advantages:

  • Strengthen your academic record.
  • Gain hands-on research experience and potential publications.
  • Build strong relationships with academics for future references.
  • Discover your real interests before locking into a PhD.

Go Straight to PhD If:

  • You already have solid research experience.
  • You have a clear, well-developed research interest.
  • You’ve found a supervisor willing to take you on based on your CV and passion.

I actually worked as an RA after my MSc before applying to a PhD. This is a common path that gives you the time to think about whether a PhD is the right path for you whilst strengthening your CV.

Tips on finding the right PhD

One of the best platforms to start your search is FindAPhD.com - it’s packed with opportunities across disciplines. But don’t stop there. Keep an eye on LinkedIn and Twitter/X where principal investigators (PIs) often post upcoming or unadvertised positions, especially for funded projects.

💡 Biggest Tip: Don’t apply to every PhD that pops up.

A PhD is a 3-4 year commitment - it’s not just about getting accepted, but about thriving in the right environment. Make sure the project genuinely aligns with your interests and strengths.

Here’s what I recommend:

  • ✅ Read the project description carefully - don’t skim.
  • 🔍 Research the lab — what are they working on now? Are they publishing regularly?
  • 💬 Reach out to the PI - ask thoughtful questions to show you’re serious.
  • 👥 Speak to current or past lab members - their insights are gold.
  • 📚 Do background reading - especially on the topic and methods mentioned.

Taking the time to do this upfront can save you years of stress and massively increase your chances of picking a project where you’ll succeed and grow.

💡 Bonus Tip: PhD programs are highly competitive as >1000 people apply. Apply to specific projects instead.

Tips on finding the right MSc

Choosing the right MSc isn’t just about prestige - it’s about fit, opportunity, and strategy.

Start by searching on official university websites, Postgraduate Search, and platforms like FindAMasters.com. Use LinkedIn to see where graduates of certain programs end up - it’s a great way to judge the course’s real-world impact.

But here’s a key insight:

👉 Even top universities have MSc courses with very high acceptance rates.

Some programs are designed to bring in international students and are less competitive than you’d think. For some, if you meet the basic requirements and can prove your English proficiency - you’re in.

Here’s what to look for:

  • 📊 Check the acceptance rate - some top-tier MScs accept 70%+ of applicants.
  • 🔍 Look at the course content - does it match your goals and interests?
  • 🧠 Research the department - are they active in areas you’re passionate about?
  • 💬 Email the admissions team or academic lead - ask about what they look for.
  • 👀 Consider outcomes - where do alumni go after the course?

💡 Pro Tip: If your grades aren’t amazing, target high-acceptance MScs at top unis. It’s a backdoor into elite institutions - and once you’re in, you’re in. This is the exact strategy I myself used to get into Imperial College London and then Oxford University.

How many programs/projects should I apply to?

I Recommend: ~5 well-targeted programs. Quality > Quantity.

This is for both MSc and PhD

Strategy:

  • 2–3 “reach” universities (top-tier, competitive).
  • 2–3 realistic “match” programs.
  • 1–2 safety options where you’re confident you meet all requirements.

Tip: Customise every application - especially your statement and cover letter. Generic applications rarely stand out.

Do I need research experience to get into a good MSc or PhD?

MSc? Not necessarily - but it helps.

PhD? Usually, yes.

If you don’t have much:

  • Highlight coursework projects, especially final-year ones.
  • Mention any lab work, internships, or independent research (even if informal).
  • Reach out to professors or labs to ask for volunteer research experience.

✅ Trick: Even doing a small literature review, side project, or online coding courses on your own and writing about it in your statement can show initiative and academic curiosity.

How do I stand out if I don’t have publications?

No problem - most MSc applicants and many early PhD applicants don’t.

✅ How to stand out instead:
If you’ve done a project (even unpublished), talk about the methodology, what you learned, and how it shaped your interest. It proves you’re ready for more.

📄 CVs, Cover Letters & Personal Statements

How do I tailor my CV for academic applications?

Academic CVs are different from job CVs — they’re usually longer, more detailed, and focused on your academic potential.

How to tailor it:

📚 Education comes first. Include your degrees, relevant modules, and grades.

🔬 Highlight research experience. This could include dissertations, lab work, internships, or related jobs.

✍️ Showcase academic outputs. List presentations, publications, or other significant written work.

🧑‍🏫 Mention teaching and academic work. Include tutoring, teaching assistant roles, or academic volunteering.

💬 Add a skills section. Lab techniques, coding, statistics, languages — tailor it to the field you’re applying for.

🏆 List awards or recognitions. Scholarships, academic prizes, or distinctions are worth including.

✅ Bonus tip: Add a short personal profile (1–2 lines) at the top. Mention your academic interests and future goals.

Good to know: Some programs don’t require a separate CV — instead, they ask for similar information through online application forms. But having a polished CV still helps you prepare.

What should I include in a personal statement for MSc/PhD?

Your personal statement is your story — it should explain why you want to do this, why you’re ready, and why this program is the right fit.

What to include:

  • 🎯 Motivation — what sparked your interest in the field?
  • 🔍 Academic background — relevant courses, projects, and skills.
  • 🧪 Research or practical experience — labs, internships, independent work.
  • 🧠 Key strengths — analytical thinking, perseverance, curiosity, etc.
  • 🏫 Why this specific program/lab — show you’ve done your homework.

💡 Pro Tip: Be clear, focused, and personal. Don’t just repeat your CV — explain how your journey led you here and what you hope to achieve.

What makes a cover letter stand out to admissions or a PI?

A strong cover letter is short, sharp, and shows genuine interest in the project, program, or lab.

What makes it stand out:

  • 🎯 Tailored — refer specifically to their research or course content.
  • 👀 Focused — explain why you are a great fit (skills, experience, interest).
  • 📣 Confident but humble — show ambition, but also eagerness to learn.
  • 🧑‍💻 Easy to scan — keep it under one page, with clear paragraphs.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re writing to a PI, show you’ve read their work. Mention a specific paper, result, or method that caught your eye — it shows you’re serious.

❗️ Make sure to stick within the word limit. You often have less words that you would like so make sure to keep the letter concise and to the point.

Should I be honest about weak grades in my statement?

You don’t have to bring up weak grades — and you definitely shouldn’t lie — but there are two solid strategies you can choose from:

✅ Option 1: Acknowledge and Show Growth

If there’s a clear reason for lower grades (e.g. illness, personal issues, adjusting to university), briefly mention it — but focus on how you grew from it and what you’ve done since to prove your ability.

“In my earlier years, my grades were affected by [brief reason], but since then I’ve consistently improved, especially in advanced modules and research projects. This experience taught me resilience and how to work under pressure.”

This works especially well if:

  • You have a strong upward grade trend.
  • You’ve gained solid experience since (internships, research, etc.).
  • You’re applying to a program that values growth and maturity.

✅ Option 2: Don’t Mention It — Focus on Your Strengths

If there’s no strong explanation or if it risks sounding like an excuse, just highlight what you do bring: your passion, your experience, your skills, your drive.

Your personal statement should make the reader think:

“This person belongs in our program.”

Sometimes, that means letting your achievements speak louder than your transcript.

💡 Bottom line:

You’re allowed to acknowledge weak points, but only if you use them to show growth. If not, focus your energy on showcasing why you’re a strong, capable, and committed candidate.

🧑‍🔬 Contacting Professors & Networking

Should I email potential supervisors before applying?

es — especially for PhDs.

Emailing a potential supervisor shows initiative, helps you stand out, and can give you valuable insight into whether the project (or lab) is a good fit.

For MSc programs, it’s not always necessary unless the program involves research or lets you pick a supervisor.

Why it’s worth it:

  • It gives you a chance to show your interest and suitability.
  • They may give tips on tailoring your application — or even back your application informally.
  • You can ask specific questions about the project that also highlight your knowledge.
  • And, importantly, it can help you to decide if this project and the lab are the right fit for you.

💡 Pro Tip: A strong first email can make them look out for your application when it lands.

What should I say in my email to a professor?

Keep it short, polite, and tailored. Show you’ve done your homework.

What to include:

  • A short introduction (name, degree, current status).
  • Why you’re interested in their work — be specific.
  • A line on your background or relevant experience.
  • What you’re asking: e.g. “Are you accepting PhD students?” / “Would you be open to discussing supervision?”
  • Attach your CV.

📩 Template Example:

Subject: Prospective PhD Student Interested in Your Work on [Topic]

Dear Dr. [Surname],

My name is [Your Name], and I recently completed my [degree] at [University]. I’m very interested in your research on [specific topic or paper], particularly [brief reason].

After having read the description of the advertised PhD project, I believe that I could be a very good fit for this project.

I do have a few questions I would like to ask regarding this project.

  1. …

Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you. I have attached my CV for your viewing.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

What if a professor doesn’t reply to my email?

Don’t panic — this is common, and it’s not personal.

Here’s what to do:

  • Wait 7 days, then send a short follow-up (polite and professional).
  • If still no response, move on — and maybe try another PI in the same department or field.

✅ Remember: Many professors receive dozens of emails every day. A lack of response doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.

But it can be a reflection of their lab culture. If a PI doesn’t have time to reply now, they may not have much time for their PhD students either — so you might’ve just dodged a bullet.

How do I build academic connections if I didn’t attend a top university?

Top degrees help, but they’re not the only way in. You can still build strong academic relationships through action and effort.

Ways to build connections:

  • Attend free online seminars, webinars, or academic conferences (lots are open-access now).
  • Ask your current lecturers or project supervisors if they know people you can connect with.
  • Follow researchers on Twitter/X or LinkedIn — engage with their posts, share relevant ideas.
  • Reach out to PhD students or postdocs — many are happy to give informal advice.
  • Show interest by reading and referencing someone’s recent paper if you email them.
  • Attend a conference. This is the opportunity to approach PIs and speak to them in an informal setting. But make sure that the conference is relevant to your field and have a look at the list of speakers.

💡 Golden Rule: People respond to genuine curiosity and respectful enthusiasm, not status or background.

Questions? Messag me!