At risk of sounding dense: University degree classification 1:1, 2:1 what does this mean?

[Upsadaisygoonpunkmakemyday]

I should know this considering I'm studying a degree and in my 2nd year. I've never paid attention when these conversations have gone on my concern has just been to pass the darn things and as long as my marks meant a pass I was chuffed.
I now am considerng continuing studying after degree has finished but the course I would love to do wants a first / 1:1.

What is this? and what types of assignment marks am I looking at to acheive this?

simply top marks you need, it is the top..then 2.1, 2.2...is my simple understanding of it..

your tutors could tell you i guess...

You're looking at over 70% in most institutions for a first.

It's the grade given to your degree for the standard you have achieved with the a first (1.1) being the highest and a third the lowest. Most people strive for a 2:1 which is one down from a first. To achieve a first you need consistently high marks through exams and dissertations. Why don't you have a chat with your tutor to see what you can do to get the first?

Ahhhh thank you.....I get it.
over 70% I'm just under that at the minute roughly.
Don't fancy speaking to my tutor she's the course leader and its not a course that you say its a stepping stone to get somewhere else ....I'm sure I would be strongly advised to change degrees....I want this under my belt though so I always have something to come back to. I'll speak to a careers advisor or someone of that nature tommorrow. Thanks guys

even if you don't get a first, still apply, marks aren't always everything. And I would get to know your tutor, you may need a reccomendation

yes, first is usually over 70%, 2:1 60-70, and so on. A first was over 81 where I was but I think that's quite unusual.

Agree with Purpleduck though, you will probably need your ref from the course leader, I'd get them on your side.

With the OU a first needs 85% !!!
And a 2:1 needs 70% !!

(How is that fair ??)

I assume the whole system is just set higher in the mark scheme, rather than needing to do 15% better work for the same mark iyswim?

I'd forgotten about the OU, I did two years with them and then transferred the credits. Not enough discipline!

i think it varies a lot by course/institutition

most courses tend to weight the results and decide to give the top x% a first, next x% a 2.1 etc.

for example it is typically "easier" to get higher marks in say maths, as it is right or wrong, than say history. Therefore for maths you may need to be closer to 90% etc.

Upsadaisy, does the course you want to do absolutely insist on a first, or do they use some phrase like 'candidates would normally have a first'?
If you're pretty close then they may stretch a point, especially if your marks have been improving throughout the degree or if there is some extenuating circumstance which might have prevented you reaching your full potential and you have a referee onside willing to say you are good.
If you're applying for grant funding you'd probably need the actual first, though.

It says on the leaflet that the programme looks for candidates who have shown a strong academic attainment in their first degree.....just checked on the university website and it says at least a 2:1 Phewwwww! not sure were I got the 1:1 not unless they've changed it recently. Oh my word I'm really excited now it seems a lot more acheivable I'm still going to go for a 1:1 though whether I get it or not is another thing

Check the way the course is marked: we had a strange 1-20 grade that was then translated to first, upper second etc (14-16 was a 2:1, 17+ was a first). Before that it was alpha, beta, gamma and I think beta plus was a 2:1 and alpha/beta or alpha a first? But they rounded the figures up or down - I think my average was just over 16.5 and I got a first (I like to think I scraped in under the wire ).

'Good' degree normally means 2:1 and above.

upsadaisy...im intrigued...whats the course you want to go for??

yes, come on upsadaisy, what is it?

it's a doctorate for clinical psychology I haven't really told anyone what i'm planning to do as i don't come from an educated background and my current degree is very competitive. i'm studying children's nursing at the min and wish to finish it, then do a psychology conversion diploma and then hopefully study to be a psychologist

I'm in a different field, but I have to say the vast majority of our PhD students have firsts. It's not an absolute though, and we will always take other factors into account, especially if people have got a good degree in adverse circumstances. Good luck

ooh, that sounds very interesting.

I don't come from an educational background either and I managed a first.

I think you should aim high

That does sound interesting - good luck!

I'm planning further study soon and am hoping a 2:1 will be enough - I was on course for a first but having a baby 7 months ago scuppered that!

Re a first - I got over 70% and was still awarded a 2.1. They only gave 2 firsts out of over 100 students - exam scores weren't enough, you had to be really exceptional. This was a top 5 university - not sure if the same principle applies elsewhere.

upsadaisy, gosh thats very very competitive isnt it??!! i looked into it, and saw that something like 2500 people apply for 200 places ! you have to have a whole portfolio of experience, especially as a clinical psychology assistant which has 100+ people apply for each position!
Not to put you off, though! Go for it!

Im now hoping to do psychology conversion course too, then experience, then hopefully doctorate in educational psychology (also keeping quiet as i know my chances are very tiny indeed!!!!)

I have a first from edinburgh and am now doing an OU degree

IMO, the work is comparable to other institutions, but the marks are set higher. Dunno why.

clinical psychology-i have several friends who did this

don't want to put you off at ALL but its very very competative. You do need a first, and then you need, I think, some relevant work experience.

go and see a careers advisor