Given my 61% score and some backlogs in my master's in Business Administration, which country would be a strong option for pursuing a master's degree, considering my English proficiency and career goals?

Backlog policy varies by university far more than it varies by country, so the country you pick should be filtered as much by your target career field as by how forgiving its admissions offices generally are toward backlogs.

UK vs Ireland: How Each Actually Treats Your Backlogs

Building A Strong SOP Around The Backlogs Instead Of Hiding Them

Since 61% with backlogs sits right at the edge of several universities' published bands, your Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation carry more weight than usual. Address the backlogs directly with a brief, honest explanation and evidence of stronger performance afterward, rather than leaving admissions officers to guess.

My Advice

In my experience, applicants at this score band improve their odds more by targeting universities with explicit backlog tolerance, like National College of Ireland, than by applying broadly and hoping. Also match your career target, whether finance, marketing, HR or analytics, to the shortlist, since some UK business schools are more flexible on academic profile for certain specialisations than others.

This Information Is Also Available On

University of Kent, own admissions requirements page, updated 2026. National College of Ireland, own international admissions page.