Bit gutted about my degree...

flimsier

Forgive the self indulgence (I do it well).

Over the last two years I studied for a Masters in Philosophy of Education, while doing a Full Time job (and my partner having a baby who was sick, and so on and so forth).

I was pleased with myself for finishing it; especially the dissertation, which I did on a French philosopher (Jacques Ranciere) and the radical tradition. It's an achievement, an ambition. I was very nervous about the results, and could scarcely believe it when I received an A for my dissertation (to go with 3 As in the other modules, and one .

So I got my certificate from the Institute of Education yesterday. It said I had a Master of Arts with a pass. This bothered me only because I thought "well what do you have to do to get a merit or distinction". So I wrote to the administrator for my course:

Hi xxxxxx,



I received my degree certificate today; it's very nice and I'm very proud.

My partner asked me how the classifications work, and I said I don't even know what the IOE have as a classification, but I guess that I got a pass because I got an A in only 5 of the 6 modules.



Do you know? I'm not too bothered, but I'd like to find out.



Many thanks.

xxxxxxxx

"I'm not too bothered" is clearly a lie.

I got a reply today:

Hello again
Yes of course
The rules are that there is just a Pass or Distinction – not an in between Merit level of award.

To be awarded a distinction: you need to meet the grades criteria and then the agreement (not automatic) of the entire members of the Exam Board, including the external examiner.

The grades rule is:
an A in the dissertation and an A for 3 modules with no grade below a B at all.

All the best.

xxxxxx

So, I'm proud, but it's tinged with a slight "oh crap, why did the exam board say no?" feeling.

Oh well!!

pixelation

First of all, well done. It is a lot of work to achieve a Masters at all.
Ask the uni why it was refused. It might be a clerical error or it might put your mind at rest.

Lunar_Eclipse

Firstly, congratulations.

Secondly, I think you should be honest in expressing your (justified) disappointment and not lie about it. It is clear that at best, you have been very unlucky.

Given the recent reply regarding the classifications and the fact that you got A's in 5 areas, I would seek further clarification from them along the lines of:

"Thank you for your reply explaining the grading system.

On the basis that I surpassed the academic requirements for a distinction by a comfortable margin, I can only assume that the examining board decided my results did not warrant this higher grading.

I would like clarification on this matter please, since I am disappointed with the grading I have been awarded, given my module grades of 5 A's and 1 B."

Or words to that effect. The reason for doing this is to ensure that they actually decided against awarding you a distinction, instead of automatically granting a pass, without the board discussing your individual case.

flimsier

Yes thanks. I wrote something a little less clear than that. I might try that. Ho hum. I shouldn't really complain!

I should point out that the 5 As - I'm including my dissertation in that, so I really only just met the distinction grading criteria (I got an A in my dissertation, and three other As, plus a .

cgk1

This sounds like an error to me, they should have given you a distinction, I'd put in an appeal.

Sparklyfairy

I'd appeal as well. Grades should be the basis for this classification, not public opinion...well done & good luck getting it changed.

katie89

I'd just like to say thank you for posting this thread - I graduated from a university in Sept last year, and was given a 2:2 at 59.37%. Many other students had a similar mark rounded to 60%, or a 2:1 (some of which were lower). Your thread has given me the encouragement I needed (being a bit of a wallflower) to email the university and simply inquire why.
Thank you

vickiem30

katie89 wrote: »

I'd just like to say thank you for posting this thread - I graduated from a university in Sept last year, and was given a 2:2 at 59.37%. Many other students had a similar mark rounded to 60%, or a 2:1 (some of which were lower). Your thread has given me the encouragement I needed (being a bit of a wallflower) to email the university and simply inquire why.
Thank you

Hi

I teach at a university and on borderline cases, the tutors usually look at the student's attendance at lectures and seminars. They may also look at coursework and whether assignments were handed in on time.

If you have a good attendance and hand in record, it should strengthen your case.

pupsicola

You have done fantastically well. I can empathise with how you feel, but dont be so hard on yourself. Your education and degree will help you go far in life. As will your attitude and approach to learning and wanting to achieve the best you can. Whichever field you go into next people will find you interesting to work with and I am sure you will inspire people.

:beer: Celebrate:beer:

DVardysShadow

vickiem30 wrote: »

Hi

I teach at a university and on borderline cases, the tutors usually look at the student's attendance at lectures and seminars. They may also look at coursework and whether assignments were handed in on time.

If you have a good attendance and hand in record, it should strengthen your case.

And the way I have seen it work, in more than one institution is that the award is given if the criteria are met and discretion is used to bump someone up, not knock them back.

Lil_Me_2

Sparklyfairy wrote: »

I'd appeal as well. Grades should be the basis for this classification, not public opinion...well done & good luck getting it changed.

DVardysShadow wrote: »

And the way I have seen it work, in more than one institution is that the award is given if the criteria are met and discretion is used to bump someone up, not knock them back.

These two posts sum up my thoughts completely. If you academically meet their requirements for a Distinction then that should be enough. If you're borderline then I can see the need for a panel to look at other merits to see if they can bump you up.


And a big congratulations! Having a full time job plus family at home and you completing a masters is fantastic!