Missed a distinction in my MSc by 0.4% - will they round it up?!

[TheEmperorsHat]

I have just got the results of my final module in my MSc (dissertation), and got 70.2% (distinction) and was so pleased but then I averaged out all of my modules and it only comes to 69.12%. I am absolutely gutted.

I have had a look at my academic regulations to see if there are any chances of it being rounded up, and apparently they round up if it is 69.5% or higher. But it also talks about including the 60 best CAT points as well - which doesn't make any sense as if you've already averaged out 'all' the masters level modules, what are the 'other' points from?

The wording is this:

21. A master’s degree is awarded with distinction when a student achieves an average mark of 70% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed at the master’s stage plus the best 60 CATS points’ worth of the other modules taken and passed (taking into account the weighting of the modules).

Can anyone shed any light on this? I have the faintest vaguest hope that it might mean you take all the modules, but include the best 60 CAT points a second time and take an average of the whole lot... because if it is that, then I've got a distinction. But that seems a bit of a stretch. Can anyone help? I can't concentrate or think straight!

I don't get my official results for months because it has to go through the exam board before it is 'official'. AAhhh!

[MulberryBush12]

I found ringing and speaking to the course tutor helpful & reassuring in a similar situation. Still had to go before the exam board, but I felt confident I would be awarded distinction after the chat with the course tutor. HTH

[toastymarshmallow]

Does it mean in your first degree?

I don't have a degree so I really am in no place to advise, but it says "70% or above calculated on the basis of all modules taken and passed at the master’s stage".

So "other modules" have to come from somewhere other than at masters stage.

That is how I read it anyway.

I would be gutted too, to be so close. I hope you manage to get it upgraded.

[toastymarshmallow]

Underline fail.

[TheEmperorsHat]

Thanks Mulberry. I've emailed the course leader but no reply yet. Did you get the distinction?

Toasty - yes that's how I read it too but a masters degree is only made up of masters modules which is why I feel confused. Masters degree is one after the first undergraduate degree.

[NotCitrus]

Some masters degrees include the same modules as 3rd year undergrad degrees, but for MSc you have to pass them at 50% (2:1 level). In my MSc I did a module that some of my colleagues had done the year previously.

Really annoyingly, my MSc required not only an average of over 70, but also two out of the three sections to be over 70%, so no-one ever got a distinction (a mature student got one in my year, first one for a decade...)

[lightgreenglass]

I end up with just under 69.5% in my MSc but because I had very high distinction marks in the majority of my modules, cocked up one module they awarded me a distinction. So don't give up the faith.

[MulberryBush12]

Yes -got the distinction :)
Good luck !

[toastymarshmallow]

Yes that's why I suggested they are talking about modules from your first degree, ie the undergrad degree. Seems odd but thats the only other place you could get CATS points outside of the masters.

[ScottishProf]

The regulations may be written to accommodate degrees in other departments where there are modules shared with the UG degree. Where I work you'd be "borderline" and hence discussed at the examiners' meeting, but you probably wouldn't be bumped up to distinction, sorry. It's tough to be just below the borderline, but wherever the borderline is put, somebody will be. You can mention your "distinction standard" dissertation in your job covering letters, though!

[WrongEndoftheTelescope]

If it's very close to a Distinction, it's likely that your case will be discussed at the Exam Boards. If I were your tutor and you asked me, I'd have to say that it would be an Exam Board decision and you'll have to wait.

[TheEmperorsHat]

.... so I got a distinction!

[intheknickersoftime]

Congratulations

[IminaPickle]

Well done! 💃🏽

[MulberryBush12]

Well done OP!

[Leeds2]

Well Done!

[FeelingHotHotHotOhYeah]

Have you averages using the correct weighting? My msc was weighted 30credits for first 4 modules and 60 for dissertation? Check you've calculated right too. As far as I'm aware though they don't usually round up

[FeelingHotHotHotOhYeah]

Just ignore me, just seen you got it. Well done

[hellsbells99]

Well done op!

[TheEmperorsHat]

Thanks everyone