How are third and pass degrees regarded these days?

studentphil

I like a third in that it is a neat word and not like 2.1 or 2.2.

All papers that achieve 1sts and 3rds are externally checked anyway along with a sample of class 2 stuff

elisebutt65

studentphil wrote:

I like a third in that it is a neat word and not like 2.1 or 2.2.

All papers that achieve 1sts and 3rds are externally checked anyway along with a sample of class 2 stuff

I like a First in that it is a neat word and not like 2.1 or 2.2.:D

Our papers are checked at random and a selection of all grades are sent to the boards for verification as well.

I'm on tenterhooks as I had to do a 1st attempt on an HR exam this week - I was off sick with my Gallstones in January. Proiblem is I was on holiday in Spainuntil Saturday and I had the exam on Tues. Did major revision before I went away and on the Monday - also took all my papers on the train into college before the exam. I got all the major definitions in but am worried as this is the least amount of preparation I have ever done for an exam!!!!

Luckily I had already got 68 for HR before doing the exam so I have passed the course anyway but need this score to bump me up so I can hopefully get Student of the Year award for our subject again!!! These awards are co-ordinated and awarded by industry so in the end they are so much more helpful than the degree at the end and last time I did so much networking:D

This year as well, we have all the employer presentations to fit in so I must get my CV updated.

studentphil

elisebutt65
You did very well indeed!!

Heth_2

AT the end of the day there is a reason why it is called 'reading for a degree'. I have a physics degree and still spent alot of time reading, as well as solving problems and doing some lab work. Many of our lecturers didn't give out hand outs, in fact usually the better ones where the ones that didn't. University shouldn't be like school where you are spoon fed information, to some extents you have to find things out yourself, unfortunately in some cases it seems to be becoming more and more like school, especially when have a less solid background in key subjects than the lecturers are used to (eg maths for a science degree).

Descartes

Descartes wrote:

If you got a third from Cambridge it would be better than a first from one of the average universities.

Maybe I should have said this comment is mainly for maths degrees where there are very few good universities for it.

I can assure you that a 2.2/third in maths from Trinity is thought more of than a 1st from Keele.

Seraphim

talksalot81 wrote:

1st - 70%
2.1 - 60%
2.2 - 50%
3 - 40%

Not always. My University is
1st - 85%
2:1 - 70%
2:2 - 50% (might be 55, can't remember off the top of my head!)
3 - 40%

Frustrating as I'd have a first from any other Uni

anewman

Heth wrote:

unfortunately in some cases it seems to be becoming more and more like school, especially when have a less solid background in key subjects than the lecturers are used to (eg maths for a science degree).

Yes same happened on my course in Psychology where maths was involved. I remember one of the lecturer's saying that in the past students would be expected to show they understand the mathematics in exams. You have to understand what is going on with the data to know which statistical tests etc to use, but still sometimes these were pretty much spoon fed in a handout, and all students had to do was write the essay, rather than having to work out the statistics and be marked on their maths.

melancholly

Descartes wrote:

I can assure you that a 2.2/third in maths from Trinity is thought more of than a 1st from Keele.

i'm sure that you've heard that somewhere - i've just never heard any maths graduate from cambridge say that though.... including 2 maths students who did part III and are now doing PhDs..........
i'd avoid saying anything along these lines anyway, however true you may think it is - oxbridge students get enough unfair labels already and saying that a third from there beats a 1st anywhere else only helps perpetuate the arrogance myth and can often put people off from applying!

talksalot81

Seraphim wrote:

Not always. My University is
1st - 85%
2:1 - 70%
2:2 - 50% (might be 55, can't remember off the top of my head!)
3 - 40%

Frustrating as I'd have a first from any other Uni

May I ask which university this is? This would mean that the percentage with top grades would be lower than the national average... I am surprised a Uni would go with that because a smart student would spot it and go elsewhere!

melancholly

like i said earlier - for me a first was 67%, but people decide whether something is a first, 2:1, 2:2 and 3rd - then they give the relevent percentage. with external examiners, there *should* be some consistency in the standard required for top marks.