Final degree classification

[alottie]

Does anyone have any knowledge on final classifications ? I got my final result today and when I calculated I got a total of 69.7%

What are the chances of this being pushed up? I have a low grade with 40 credits pulling it down with but I do have a higher grade for 20 credits in the background.. is it possible they would split the grade from different modules?

I'd hate to miss out on a first when it's so close .. but regardless I'm bloody thrilled

What sort of marks did you get in your second year?

My overall percentage was around 65 but year 2 is 25% towards overall. The grade not used in calculating the average was 2% higher .. if that makes any sense

It depends on the specific rules at your institution. For example, you may need to have passed several modules at 70% or above to qualify.

68% is a 2:1 not sure if that helps !

I also got 69.5% and asked for a remark to push me to a First - University refused. Still gutted.

It's a 2:1, a good one.

A few people tried to get theirs pushed up from the 69+ mark to a 70 for a first and every single one got refused, I couldn't take the embarrassment of that.

I got 69 and a good 2:1 at undergrad, I needed over 67 to get onto the masters programme I wanted, where I got 72s for the year and converted to a PhD. Nobody has asked or cared what I got at undergrad, both in academia or when applying for jobs elsewhere.

You got a good result, enjoy it.

When I was at uni if you were borderline they judged whether they pushed you up or not based on your dissertation grade.

I was borderline. Alas my dissertation meant I was kept firmly in my place

Were your earlier marks rounded up?

Our university calculated it three ways and took the highest overall mark.

At many universities marks in this range will be analysed carefully. Y2 vs Y3, how many credits over 70%, possibly when those credits were taken, etc. For all I know your uni may have other rules as well.

These rules should be applied rigidly to all marks profiles above the prescribed percentage at the final year exam board. Speaking as an academic who has sat on Mitigating Circumstances and Appeals panels, like a PP I have also never heard of a successful appeal of a degree classification: academic judgement is not grounds for an appeal. I know it is very, very hard for the students at the top of each degree class ( except First, obviously). But all you can really do is wait, in the knowledge that there is no favouritism in the way the rules around this topic are applied. Indeed, at my uni and others I know of the marks profiles are all discussed anonymously. Good luck!

PS. I agree that a high 2.1 should be an excellent mark for employment and good Master’s programmes, so no matter what the outcome I am also very happy for you!

I’m in the same position, but I’ve dropped down from a first because of a placement report which was discriminatory against my disability (two placements- one marking me in high70s, the other felt those with autism didn’t belong in the profession and scored me in the very low 50s). Still trying to decide what to do - but I’ve got a good job offer regardless.

You need to look at the academic regulations for your institution. There will be clear information about how degree classifications are arrived at in these. Some institutions move up the next grade boundary if you achieve within x percentage points of the boundary (but the mark does not get changed) they may also look at all your marks at L5&L6 to see if one "rogue" mark has caused you to dip, eg if you had 80 credits at 70% and one 40 credit module that dragged your average down AND you are within the boundary review (eg 0.5%) of the next class then they MAY move your grade up. You cannot appeal a mark in most universities, you can however appeal a decision at the board (ie to move up or down a grade boundary) by the overall mark will not change.

I hope that makes sense? Start with your regulations, search on "how classifications are calculated".

Good luck.

When you say you got your results, do you mean you got all the module results and calculated this average, or that the University has told you this is your average grade?

Sure I read someone say on WIWIKAU earlier that due to the pandemic some marks on the borderline like yours would be pushed up. Not sure how true this is, just I read it about an hour ago. Hope so. Great work anyway

@CoffeeWithCheese that sounds really rough and possibly discriminatory. In my School we don’t have preprofessional placements, but whenever the two markers on a UG project or MSc dissertation disagree by more than ten marks an adjudicator is called in.

I completely respect that with a good job offer in hand you may decide to move on with your life, but that second marker sounds troubling. Is there anyone in the Teaching and Learning leadership team that you think would be sympathetic? Because although I usually think ‘Someone has to get the top 2.1. We are careful and generous, and if you really didn’t want it to be you, you should have studied harder’, I am very sympathetic to your situation. I hope it will work out.

It does depend on the specific rules of the institution. At ours there is a specific ratio of lower grades offset against higher grades. If you don't get a First, an appeal is always a possibility

If you have to delay your finals due to illness are you marked down ?

No, @glowbabeassuming you receive mitigation, in that case your finals would be delayed and you would not graduate on time.

Look at the published regulations for your degree. We round up from x9.50 but other parts of the same university look at the mark profile and more than half the modules have to be at the higher grade to be moved up from the borderline.

@CoffeeWithCheese I think you should appeal, on the grounds of improper conduct of an examiner.

Yes, I agree you'll have to wait and see.

I had a similar overall grade and got moderated up to a first. As with a PP, my insitution looked at dissertation marks with borderline cases - mine got 80-something percent, so they bumped me up, which was a very nice surprise!

I work in Higher Education and am busy doing Exam Boards this month. In the Board they do look carefully at borderline cases and will usually be guided by your other marks-- if there are a certain amount at a higher level they might bump up your grade. Every university will have their own rules, but they always look at borderline cases.

You could ask for a remark or appeal but again there will be a particular process to follow for your uni.

I feel you-- I got 69.something on my masters degree.

Thanks everyone I had my results letter through so much quicker than expected today and I have a first class honours degree

Congrats, @alottie! @CoffeeWithCheese , I agree with @Chemenger that the grounds for your appeal, if you choose to make one, are discriminatory behaviour by the third examiner (not the second examiner as I said in my previous post). The difference in marks is the proof backing up what they told you about ND people not belonging in your profession. Unfortunately I would expect them to ‘forget’ having said that. So it is difficult to say what will happen. Talking informally with someone in the Teaching and Learning leadership might be the best way to start. I am very glad you have a job lined up.

This. Your board of examiners will have a policy for borderline awards to make at their discretion.

Sorry missed the update. Congratulations!