University. One to two marks off a first? Experiences?

samtoby

Is it better to just use academic journals instead of books and other sources?


I need to look up critically analysis as I don't really know how to do that. I sometimes write a point, use one journal that maybe agrees with what I have written, then another with a differing view and then what can be drawn from it - is that what is meant?

samtoby

Person_one wrote: »

Oh, also, don't stress too much about getting a first. Its a fantastic achievement if you do, but a 2:1 is still really good and won't hold you back from doing anything you want to in the future.

Its not so much stressing to get a first but I feel like 69 is so close

Person_one

samtoby wrote: »

Is it better to just use academic journals instead of books and other sources?


I need to look up critically analysis as I don't really know how to do that. I sometimes write a point, use one journal that maybe agrees with what I have written, then another with a differing view and then what can be drawn from it - is that what is meant?

Ideally, you should read widely around your subject and then draw conclusions from the literature, rather than coming up with your own conclusions and then trying to find literature to support them.

Do you get given a reading list for each module? That's usually a good place to start, as well as the relevant academic journals.

Learning to write critically is not something anyone on a forum can really tell you how to do. You might find that as you start second year your tutors start to talk about it more, and you'll be able to talk to them to make sure you understand what's needed. Do you have a personal tutor?

Buzzybee90

samtoby wrote: »

Is it better to just use academic journals instead of books and other sources?


I need to look up critically analysis as I don't really know how to do that. I sometimes write a point, use one journal that maybe agrees with what I have written, then another with a differing view and then what can be drawn from it - is that what is meant?

No, it is better to use a range. Obviously it depends on your topic but the wider you read (technically) the easier it should be to write the essay.

However, it must be said, it is incredibly difficult to get a first in an essay based subject. For each essay for my 70 strong course there were 1 or 2 firsts, it has to be exceptional, as of course there's usually no correct or incorrect answer.

I also work for a university, but in a resources role. I might be able to help if you drop me a pm.

Jonesy88

I went to Keele uni and got a 1st with an average of 69.333

There were 3 ways to get a first - the usual average of 70 and then combinations of getting some really high modules (which i did) and a pretty high overall average.

Info: http://www.keele.ac.uk/paa/academicadministration/degreeclassification/dualhonourssinglehonoursbachelordegrees/dualhonourssinglehonoursbachelordegreesregulation1apriorto201314/

Maybe your uni does something similar?

Mrs_Ryan

This is really interesting to read! First of all OP, well done on your marks. You're doing really well
I'm just four months into my first year and my marks are a source of constant stress to me. I was telling my tutor that so far in this first module I have got better marks in my first three assignments that I have ever had in my previous three years of study (I've had two firsts and a 2:1 so far- the highest mark I ever had before was a bottom end 2:2) it's good now I have some ideas what to do to up my marks. I know my first year doesn't count but I'm desperate to do well.

ellesbellesxxx

I got 59.07% in my degree - gutted! However, they didn't round this up to a 2.1 as I had got consistent 2.2s in my second year (first year didn't count) and even 3rd year got 59% overall.(although this only counted for 10% of degree) In my 4th final year, I got mostly 2.1s, and even a first for one unit, however, I got a third in one of my exams oops so I think this and my 2nd year made it a sound 2:2. My brother got 58% and they gave him a 2:1 but he had got more 2.1s overall. Has he ever let me live that one down? Of course not!

fabforty

samtoby wrote: »

For essays where I am getting 69 - what do I need to think about to get 70 and above?

Ask your tutors.


They know the subject and mark the papers - we can't tell you what you need to do, as we can't see what you wrote. Their job should include advising their students, i.e. 'you'.

Buzzybee90

ellesbellesxxx wrote: »

I got 59.07% in my degree - gutted! However, they didn't round this up to a 2.1 as I had got consistent 2.2s in my second year (first year didn't count) and even 3rd year got 59% overall.(although this only counted for 10% of degree) In my 4th final year, I got mostly 2.1s, and even a first for one unit, however, I got a third in one of my exams oops so I think this and my 2nd year made it a sound 2:2. My brother got 58% and they gave him a 2:1 but he had got more 2.1s overall. Has he ever let me live that one down? Of course not!

That's because the average isn't the only way to work it out, a certain number of credits at a certain grade can also guarantee a 2.1.

Prothet_of_Doom

You do realise that in 10 years time NOBODY will give a monkey's banana ?


Will any employer, (that you would want to work for), care whether you got a 2:2 or a 1st ?