To ask is there any possibility of raising a degree classification?

[YellowStilettos]

Hi,

Bit of an unusual question here. I am in touch with my old university and trying to research but not finding much online, I just wondered whether this is something that can happen and defer to Mumsnet's huge collective wisdom.

I am considering changing careers to something that is competitive and requires a 2:1 generally speaking for employment as well as getting into the training stage.

I obtained a 2:2 because a health condition affected my studies and exams. I missed some exams and the highest mark the university would award me was a 2:2 (Not sure how it was decided). I was just relieved to accept this and not an unclassified degree at the time.

What I would like to know is, in any of your experience, is it ever possible to raise the classification of a degree (this is now 6 years after graduating), either by doing extra modules or having it reconsidered in light of health problems/ similar extenuating circumstances?

With a 2:2, it seems I'd have a very small chance indeed of getting into the field I'm interested in. Whilst I am in a good career now, I would like to give this a shot.

I am confident that I'd have the capability to do this training and job, the 2:2 was purely because of the health problem.

Thanks!

Maybe you could do the last year again?

I would guess it's probably unlikely. How long ago was the degree awarded?

What's the field? Some jobs you can apply for with a 2:2 and explain extenuating circumstances.

I greatly doubt they will reconsider a qualification awarded six years ago. Usually if you upgrade a qualification it’s within 5 years and you haven’t officially graduated and been awarded the qualification yet. Once it’s been awarded then that’s it.

Ah I missed it was 6 years ago. I would be surprised if they even keep old exam papers etc after 6 years tbh.

They probably wouldn't as there is a cut off date each year for extenuating circumstances. Sometimes if you are changing career wanting to take into retrain experience and transferable skills can be taken into account. Could you make a list of these and really sell yourself and appy just to test the waters.

It was 6 years ago now.

The area is medicine.

There is one school which can accept 2:2 with a higher entry exam score and a couple who consider it if you have a good masters. I'm early/ mid 30s and not sure I have the time or money to do a masters as well!

None of the universities I've spoken to who would accept my degree would accept mitigating circs.

I could have a go at applying to the school who do take 2:2 but the prep and work experience would be a great deal to take on for realistically such a small chance given there's only really one university open to me.

I'd need to do the graduate route really due to funding.

Definitely unlikely. Extenuating circumstances have to be presented as soon as they occur to be taken into account when marking/looking at absences and before your classification is awarded.

You should just apply with the 2:2 and explain.

I think you may have the option of usong a fredit transfer from your current degree and doing your honour year again. I know the open unuversity offer this for some degrees and you can "top up" with stage 3 modules. It's worth called a uni and asking.

• using a credit transfer

I would doubt it, especially if they were aware of the extenuating circumstances and considered them at the time. Possibly if you could prove that they hadn’t properly considered them but as it’s six years ago it may well be too late.

Surely your university would be the best place to ask? If they won’t even consider it then there’s little point gathering evidence.

I'm sorry, OP, but I'm pretty certain they won't do anything at this late date. I would maybe look into other health-related fields, rather than medicine itself. Hospital pharmacy, for instance?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer.

GlumGlowWorm you're right but they're taking ages to respond to my query and I thought it might be useful to ask around in case of any suggestions I could raise with them.

No, not possible.

I don't think there is any way to change your degree classification once it has been rewarded, if that was the case everyone would apply to retake modules and no one would leave with a 2:2 or a 3rd. My only suggestion would be to take a relevant higher degree (masters) and try and get a distinction.

Just read your update. I don't want to squash anyone's dreams but getting onto the graduate medicine course is very hard. A friend of mine applied last year with a 1st and 12 months experience in a clinical research role. She was still rejected (I actually think she failed the entry tests, which are tough). With a 2:2 you will probably be sieved out at application stage as you'll be up against the top students.

Your best bet might be to contact the course you want to apply to to see if they take a 2:2 with extenuating circumstances?

Is it SGUL who will take you with a good GAMSAT grade?

No Putney it's Notts. I spoke to St George's and they now only accept min 2:1, no mitigating circs.

Thanks Wispa (coincidentally, Wispa is my fave too!)

Notts have said that once 2:2 candidates have passed the entry exam (GAMSAT) with 5 points more than required of those with min 2:1, all applications are viewed equally with a focus on work experience.

But as you say I'd be up against much more experienced as well as qualified people which makes me wonder whether it would be worth it for just the one possible uni.

There's a masters I'd be interested in if I didn't medicine immediately which is partly health based, partly my current field. Maybe doing this would be a good idea, I'm just aware I don't have forever!!

Only way to find out is to talk to the university. Go via Admissions, they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

Alternatively, you may find you would be able to do a masters at another location. You may also find that an employer won't give a damn about the difference between a 2:1 and a 2:2 on a BSc/BA from six years ago, it'll be your experience since that's important. If you can sell yourself well and then interview well you'll probably be in.

Employers rarely care about degree results, at most only that you have one. I don't know the exact degree qualification of any of my staff, but I do know they were appropriate people at interview.

Oop - lots of crossover, I had this open for ages while typing :( Sorry

Apply for both the public health masters and the GEM at Notts and see how you get on. Good luck

No, it's not possible. Degree results once awarded are final - someone here has alluded to the Open University allowing it but it's not done at any institution I know of. But a Masters will usually override a disappointing degree result and I'd encourage you to pursue that. Good luck with it all.

Short answer is no. Absolutely not possible

Pity it was six years ago. With grade inflation if you did it now it would be a first.

Sorry i didn’t realise you’d already contacted them

Unfortunately it’s a really busy time for universities at the moment, I expect all their resources are focused on their new intake

I hope you hear back from them soon