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OU, credit transfer, + grading - confused!?

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  • DVardysShadow
    DVardysShadow Posts: 18,949 Forumite
    It is down to the OU work being defined in more prescriptive terms [you may find you don't get on with this]. The marking range is stretched that bit further, because the prescriptive nature of the assignments means that there is actually less scope remaining to provide theoretical total fulfilment of the spec. At least, that is my take on it. I think you have to be that bit more careful to provide exactly what they ask for rather than take the assignment spec as a springboard to interesting and useful investigations oon your own initiative.

    Exams I think may be more comparable with the 70% model. But all thsi is just my take on my own degree with an ordinary university and looking over Mrs Shadow's shoulder at her OU work
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  • It is down to the OU work being defined in more prescriptive terms [you may find you don't get on with this]. The marking range is stretched that bit further, because the prescriptive nature of the assignments means that there is actually less scope remaining to provide theoretical total fulfilment of the spec. At least, that is my take on it. I think you have to be that bit more careful to provide exactly what they ask for rather than take the assignment spec as a springboard to interesting and useful investigations oon your own initiative.

    Exams I think may be more comparable with the 70% model. But all thsi is just my take on my own degree with an ordinary university and looking over Mrs Shadow's shoulder at her OU work

    Ah, interesting point, and something I was wondering about, along those lines.

    I notice with the OU that you have course materials provided (which, imo, is a plus-point).

    However, they seem quite limited. I think you may have answered my query in a roundabout way, but are these course materials the only sources you're expected to refer to?

    Ideally, I'd like to deviate from using just the specified course material, both in the interests of widening my knowledge, and in the interest of earning brownie points, if there's any opportunity to do so.

    Is it common (or even acceptable?) to go above and beyond the specified material? Again, harking back to my previous studies, I'd always gained higher grades because of the depth and scope of my reading/research. In my experience, arts degress assignments at level 2 & 3 usually require at least 10 distinct sources, involving a mixture of books, journals, reputable websites, etc.
    £1 / 50p 2011 holiday flight + hotel expenses = £98.50600


    HSBC 8% 12mth regular savings = £80 out of a maximum remaining allowance of £2500


    "3 months' salary" reserve = £00 / £3600 :eek:
  • DVardysShadow
    DVardysShadow Posts: 18,949 Forumite
    From what I have seen at Level 2, it is so prescriptive and tailored to the word count, that you would be foolish to go outside specified material. I imagine that model answers exist! But although the material is specified, you are allowed to argue different positions. I understand that at level 3 you are supposed to get out and find more references.
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  • preciousb
    preciousb Posts: 287 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Wow am confused with this hold thread. Sorry to hijack the thread lol. I got a 2:2 this summer as well but really wanted a 2:1 atleast. Is there an option with the OU to retake the 3rd year. I studied at derby uni by the way.
  • preciousb wrote: »
    Wow am confused with this hold thread. Sorry to hijack the thread lol. I got a 2:2 this summer as well but really wanted a 2:1 atleast. Is there an option with the OU to retake the 3rd year. I studied at derby uni by the way.

    Hiya!

    You're more than welcome.

    I suppose it depends why you're looking to 'top-up'. Personally, I feel as though I'd already done so with my MA, plus it has no relation to my chosen career. I'm doing it for enjoyment, fulfilment, and because I happen to have a little bit of spare cash to do so.

    Basically, from the sums I've done here, it's possible to 're-sit' your third year by taking 2 level 3 (60 credit) OU modules, and getting a 1st in one, and a 2:1 in the other. That would balance the final grade out to a 2:1. If you don't get those grades, you can opt for 120 credits at level 3, and 30 at level 2, and provided you get 2:1s in all 3 modules, your final grade will also be 2:1.

    However, you may not be able to transfer all of your existing first and second year uni modules towards your proposed studies. Mine worked out quite nicely, but it really does depend on what you're studying.

    Secondly, you don't really 're-sit'. You're awarded a brand new, shiny degree :) The credit transfer from your old studies just smooths the process a little, shortens times, and cuts costs. But it's an option that's only to be considered if you think you can achieve 2:1s in 3 modules at a bare minimum. I achieved a 2:2 due to a family death co-inciding with some of my final exams, so I "know" I can do it, but it's another matter if the course material was too difficult, or anything like that.

    In any instance, 120 credits of OU level 3 study will set you back at least £1200.

    What are you looking to study, and what do you already have?

    Best of luck!
    £1 / 50p 2011 holiday flight + hotel expenses = £98.50600


    HSBC 8% 12mth regular savings = £80 out of a maximum remaining allowance of £2500


    "3 months' salary" reserve = £00 / £3600 :eek:
  • I totally agree with Mr Shadow re the prescriptiveness of the OU. Like you I've always done well academically and averaged 2:1s and Firsts at 'normal uni' You are correct that scope and wide scholarship is rewarded. The OU however, while a wonderful insititution, requires you to work within the course materials. You can use external references but they have to be relevant and you have to refer to the materials a great deal You have to show you know certain things.
    The best way I can describe it is that it is like A-level. I've only just started to crack it now, after doing the last couple of OU courses and coming out with bare passes (this from a lifelong academic!) I wondered for a long time what the heck was going on and if it was me losing my touch lol! It wasn't, just that the OU have a different way of working. My ego hurt for a while though! :rotfl:
    I've just started getting my Firsts and 2:1s again in my assignments with the OU but only because I have my head back in A-level mode - following tutors advice closely and making sure that reference to the course material makes up the main line of my essay.
    Pretty depressing when you consider I got my A-levels 13 years ago (I'm 31) and we've been used to more freedom at 'normal uni' but once you get used to and start giving them what they want you'll be getting your good grades again! :)
    The great thing about the OU, which wasn't the case at nomal uni for me, is that you get the chance to really get your teeth into the subject. 3 months was never enough for me - I felt frustrated and like I only skimmed my subjects. I blinked and it was exam time/all over y'know? With the OU you get the time - when you look at those lovely chunky coursebooks, you know you're gonna get to read em cover to cover! The only person stopping you is you!
    They're very helpful people too, tutor and pastoral care is better than normal uni I think.
    You do have to put the work in too, you can't just submit the assignments - I swear tutors have a telepathic link that knows when you haven't put the study in before submitting the assignment! They can just tell lol! Same with exams, expect to work hard because if you haven't put the study in they can tell!!!!!!! :rotfl:
    So yeah, make sure you put the study in (as it's tempting to not bother and just submit TMAs) and prepare to change your way of working, back to A-level prescriptive mode essentially, but with a bit of extra degree level umph!

    Good luck!! :beer:
  • Wyndham
    Wyndham Posts: 2,615 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I don't think you can do this. You have the credits already, but also have the degree, and you can only use the credits once. So, as you've been awarded, you can't reuse them. If you hadn't completed your BA, then you could use the credits and top them up to get a degree as you wouldn't have been awarded a degree at that stage.

    Anyway, last time you were on here, I seem to recall you wanted to do a PhD, so it looks as if you've changed tack rather...?
  • heretolearn_2
    heretolearn_2 Posts: 3,565 Forumite
    How 'prescriptive' the courses are, I think varies a lot from subject to subject and between the levels. Level 1 courses are highly prescriptive, but I think that's a good thing really. At higher levels, it depends what you are doing.

    Some subjects involve a lot of independent research and study. Call the OU to check your 'workings' regarding the gradings, and to discuss the courses you are thinking of doing.
    Cash not ash from January 2nd 2011: £2565.:j

    OU student: A103 , A215 , A316 all done. Currently A230 all leading to an English Literature degree.

    Any advice given is as an individual, not as a representative of my firm.
  • enigma534
    enigma534 Posts: 1 Newbie
    edited 13 October 2010 at 11:43PM
    Hi - did you manage to work this out?

    I did a BA (non-honours) and transferred the full 240 credits to OU.

    I then need to do 120 credits at level 3. These 120 credits will be used to calculate my level of honours.

    You need to to contact OU and get the threshold figures (I had em but can't find em) for this situation (the pro rata mentioned in the PDF).

    So assuming you did two 60 credit courses at level three and you got pass grade 2 for each:

    Credits (60) x Pass Grade (2) x 2 (as they tell you to do) = 360
    Credits (60) x Pass Grade (2) x 2 (as they tell you to do) = 360
    Total = 720

    I am pretty sure that it works out quite simply you need for :

    1st - two grade 1s
    2.1 - two grade 2s
    2.2 - two grade 3s
    3rd - two grade 4s

    Presumably if you got 1 and a 4 you'd prob end up with a 2.2. The transferred credit is not included for calculation.

    The one annoying this is that in each course, although you do all the essays and stuff, but they don't do an average. So if you got a Pass 1 for your essays and a Pass 4 for the exam, you get a Pass 4 for the course, which seems to suck. Unless you are confident in getting good exam mark, seems little point in busting a gut on the coursework - or else stick to exam free courses!
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