How difficult is it to get above 70%?

jovichick123

Hi all,

We got a handbook in the first year which lays out the criteria of how your degree result is classified, it says:

There are two methods for classification, whichever is most favourable to you is the one that will be applied:

Method 1 - Based on the aggregate mark from year 2 (weighted at 25%) added to the aggregate mark from year 3 (weighted at 75%). To work this out, take your average mark from all units in year 2 and multiply by 2.5. Then take your average mark from all units in year 3 and multipply by 7.5%. Add the two results together and the following applies:
>700 First Class
600< M >699 Upper Second
500< M >599 Lower Second
400< M >499 Third Class
350< M >399 Pass Degree
M <350 Fail

Method 2 - Based on year 3 only and disregards year 2. Worked out as follows:

80 credits above 70%, 20 credits above 60% = First Class
80 credits above 60%, 20 credits above 50% = Upper Second
At least 80 credits above 50% = Lower Second
At least 80 credits above 40% = Third Class
80 Credits above 35% = Pass Degree
Anything below this = Fail

That said, tutors only seem to award over 70% for outstanding work, I have recieved one mark this year of 72%, the rest of my results have been around the 66% mark. I am hopeful though that with the above grading criteria, I can still get my first in the final year.

Hope this has helped someone, it took forever to type!!!

Sarah x

kelloggs36

I got 76% in my last essay! How, I have no idea, but it took me ages to write it - in fact it may even be a world record! It took on average 10 hours per thousand words just to write it, let alone the extra time I spent making notes and reading. I drafted, redrafted and redrafted again until I was happy(ish) with it. I was extremely surprised to get such a high mark as my average is in the 60s. I changed my style slightly, and used a huge long list of books and journals for my evidence.

ames123_2

elisebutt65 wrote: »

See - this is what really pees me off about your posts!!!!

I have an average of 74 at the mo - just waiting on my dissertation results and finals in June. The reason I get that is not because I'm good at English - although granted there is a different method to writing academic papers, than everyday writing, but because you have to be able to synthesize the ideas, theories and models that you have researched. Then don't just quote them!! Criticsize them, agree with them - say why you do or don't agree with them. Find other authors that agree with your viewpoint.

You have to really get into your arguments, not just quote authors or figures left, right and centre. I'm hoping to really score with my dissertation as I've had a wonderful time with it finding out about the effects of the Internet on tourism and have hopefully brought some insights into it that will help in the future when I carry on with my Masters.

I don't think our college 'caps' the grades but I do know that they expect certain percentages to get the different grades of degrees, but then certain percentages will always register at different levels of IQ or EQ etc, etc.

I think being able write properly does help with what you were saying. I am one of those that just quotes like you were saying, which is why I get low marks. I really need to learn how to write a proper essay, does anyone know of any good places to help with this? Thanks.

DrFluffy

ames123 wrote: »

I think being able write properly does help with what you were saying. I am one of those that just quotes like you were saying, which is why I get low marks. I really need to learn how to write a proper essay, does anyone know of any good places to help with this? Thanks.

It's not about finding a generic one size fits all approach. It's about honing your own style - one that fits in with your own strengths. My friend writes very wordy, beautifully composed prose. My essays tend to be very 'plain English', to the point and writen more like a journal paper. We get very similar marks.

How do you write? What marks have you got to date? what was different about the essays you got better marks for - anything style related, or subject matter related?

DrFluffy

pinkshoes wrote: »

There were a few of them on my course - academically very bright, but not good at mixing with people, therefore would only really be suited to a job that didn't require much social interaction.

Or may be they just hated your year group, and would get on much better with poeple they considered like minded? ;)

chezza262

Following the comments on here so far I have altered my writing style slightly for my last essay with extra 'critical analysis'! I'll post when I get my mark and see if its improved.

I have to say since starting this thread I have been really observing and chatting with others about this and the highest mark I have come across is a 75%. One lecturer said the average mark was 53% and implied that anything better than that was something to be grateful for. It didnt really ooze encouragement for those aiming higher I have to say! :rolleyes:

melancholly

chezza262 wrote: »

One lecturer said the average mark was 53% and implied that anything better than that was something to be grateful for. It didnt really ooze encouragement for those aiming higher I have to say! :rolleyes:

but it does mean that for those who get high marks, it sets them apart - if everyone got really high marks it would devalue the degree for the top end!

Bamber19 wrote:

Again there's nothing in the module or course handbooks about this and it wasn't brought to our attention by staff. Just lucky a few people knew how it worked and spread the word.

you really should get your year reps to report it in the next staff-student meeting, or write an email to the head of undergraduate affairs in your department about it. that's the sort of thing that they really should fix - everyone has to know how their degree is assessed!

TeaBoy_2

i got 82% for my last report but wouldn't say my english is particularly strong. in fact i got an E grade at GCSE Eng Lit.

i write very plain english and use tons of references from various sources.