Dissertation re marking.

elisebutt65

Another consideration is that some Unis will make a charge for a remarking appeal, which is only refundable if the appeal is successful

Alcmene

Hi

As mentioned previously, dissertations are moderated pieces of work, so marked by 2 people.

I would also disregard any comments made by a lawyer, academic pieces of work are marked to defined criteria and as such a non-academic may not adhere to this criteria. Marking is NOT subjective, and the student should be able to ask for a marking scheme.

If they feel really strongly that they have a case than by all means go for an appeal, they have nothing to lose. However, it is often my experience that students often cannot mark their own work according to the set marking scheme. They often equate time spent/effort with a high grade. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Many universities tend to use at least two criteria for classification, typically one based on a mean grade and one on a median, and they often invite examiners to exercise discretion based on the median (or so-called “profiling”) even when the mean is some distance below the formal boundary.

What University is it we are dealing with? I work for more than one and the systems are different in each.

poet123

Thank you, I think it is the case that the content was excellent, and the writing style, however, it seems from feedback that they felt the critical analysis was not as in depth as it could have been and so the evaluation was also lacking depth. She is not going to go ahead with the re mark, there seems little point. I won't name the uni, but it is a northern redbrick. It is a harsh lesson , but one which may ultimately prove a useful one, especially if she does go ahead with a Masters, she will now be painfully aware that content and style, must also go hand in hand with strict adherence to the mark scheme. She will also know to ask for one of those upfront!!

Thanks for all the considered comment, it has been very helpful. I think she felt that her parents were disappointed in her, I tried to expalin that they would actually be disappointed for her, and after having a heart to heart with them last night she has now come to understand that this is the case. There has to be a cut off point and someone has to be on the wrong side of it. She achieved 59% according to the transcript average, and she required 60%.......

The_One_Who

scottishblondie wrote: »

Not always - I know several people who went on to do Masters with 2:2's. Often the recommendation of a lecturer etc will help. I also know someone in my department doing a PhD with a 2:2 classification on his undergrad degree. Make a strong case for admission and anything is possible!

It's not uncommon for a scientist to get on a (funded!) Masters with a 2.2. But for those from an arts, humanities or social science background it is a lot more difficult. Their own department would be the best bet, since they often have a lot more to go on than a department that only knows you from a transcript and a couple of references.

BluSpark

poet123 wrote: »

She is now considering her options, going forward with a Masters is one of them. This has been a real shock, and she is so disappointed it is hard to know what to say. The usual euphoria of getting a degree has been tarnished, and she feels that if grads with a 2.1
cannot get a job, she will stand even less chance, hence the Masters consideration. However, the funding is an issue and the fear of the dissertation is also clouding her judgement.

A massive consideration she would need to make before starting a masters is that many employers still require a 2.1 at undergraduate and only consider the masters after this criteria has been fulfilled. I am just finishing a masters(after getting a 2.1 at undergrad) and many of my friends that gained a 2.2 are complaining that employers are ignoring their masters degree as they are still "2.2 students". I would also say that anything more than a career development loan towards a masters would be extremely ambitious as most students I am friends with who graduated with first class honours were unable to get any sort of funding towards their degrees. I also feel i should mention that as an undergrad I got by with reasonable levels of work and revision(gaining avg marks of around 67%), I increased my work and revision radically to ensure a good grade at Masters level yet my marks decreased by aprox 15%. As the pass mark for a masters is 50% it becomes very difficult!

Lara44

Hey I'm a funded PhD student who got a 2:2. It's still a good degree and don't let anyone tell her otherwise. Perhaps the friendly lawyer could be a good person to talk to regarding careers?

poet123

At any other time yes, but the CPS has a blanket recruitment ban on atm......

Thanks for your comment and giving your personal experience, and good luck with your course.

stuckinmyflat

i got a 2:2, and in the same position just a hair off a 2:1 but it hasnt stopped me ive been accepted for two masters courses, im also interviewing in the next week for two graduate positions ( a few last minute applications lol). so dont let it get you down a 2:2 isnt the end of the world, i know it can feel like that.

also if you are in scotland????? their is still funding for some masters courses through SAAS (just for fee's)

good luck

Loz01

I also got a 2:2, just short of a 2:1! Its annoying but I think as long as you know your stuff, esp about the specific area you want to go into, you'll be fine. 2:2 is still good!! Not everyone is a 1st student (not saying you're not, just reflecting on my own abilities, I struggled through and literally felt WAY over my head at times but I tried my best!)

poet123

Update.

GF got accepted onto a Masters (along with my son) and has the option of deferring because they have both been shortlisted for graduate schemes. So, it seems there is life after a 2.2!! Thanks to all who gave input, it was very helpful.