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

SavingPennies_2

Below is taken from a uni handbook, it's postgrad but I think it's probably the same for undergrads and it's good to aim high, you should have something silimar for your course. My personal advice is, as others have already advised, you have to write critically but this must be backed up with evidence. Make sure you use recent peer reviewed journals and texbooks. Make every word and sentence count, no waffle, and stick to the question at all times. Check, check and double check your work - it's such a waste to lose marks over spellings or presentation.


70-79%Excellent

Allunit learning outcomes achieved at an excellent level. This grade is awardedfor work that provides evidence, not only of competence in all matters ofresearch, preparation and organisation of material, but also some originalityin response. It is close to professionalstandards for publication. There isextensive familiarity with relevant literature, a high standard of accuracy,insight and clarity in analysis. Theorganisation and presentation are excellent throughout, with accurate andconsistent bibliographic citations and references.



60-69% Very Good
Allunit learning outcomes achieved at a good level. This grade is awarded for workthat is well researched, coherently organised, and shows a clear understandingof the topic. There will be a consistentviewpoint, and appropriate issues or factors will have been identified anddeveloped. While the work will show anall-round competence, there may be minor errors; or the work may lack theoriginality or maturity of judgement that would have made it worthy of a highergrade. Some areas may require furtherdiscussion or analysis to really pull out the key points or makecomparisons. The structure andpresentation are of a high standard, with generally accurate and consistentbibliographic citations and references

kitty_kins

I was told by my lecturer that essays should be there to support the research rather than using research to support the quotes.

He basically meant that you shouldn't just whack quotes into essays to support your point - the main thesis of your essay should support (or refute) research already done by others

I graduated with a 2.1 overall, but with a 1st in my dissertation (1 bad mark pulled my average down!) but I thought this was great advice.

Also, make sure you are referencing properly and, if possible, get someone to proof read your essays before you submit them

payless

Every university will have own regs.
This will state the way classification is calculated ( weight on years, if any lower marks are dropped). This will mean that at some places it is much easier to achieve a first/ 2:1 , but most employers will know.

the university where I graduated had generous method , ( albeit I averaged over 70 anyway).

If a single essay is marked at 69, then the marker possibly making a statement. Modules grades may be a composite score though.

pleasedelete

Person_one wrote: »

Generally, you need at least a 2:1 to get into graduate job schemes or to do any further study at postgrad level.

So there is an important difference between a 2:2 and a 2:1 for some people, not usually between a first and a 2:1 though.

The university is just as important than the class. a 2.1 from a Russell Group in an enabling subject will way outweigh a 1st from a former poly or HE college.

Again even with a 2.1 from a 2nd or 3rd rate uni you wont get onto a blue chip graduate scheme.

Location, location, location or uni, uni, uni

A 1st can actually count against you from a 2nd rate uni- it raises questions as to why you didn't access a better uni (so shows possibly lacking vision and ambition).

Mrs_Ryan

That last post has made me worry now. I'm studying with the Open University and will be busting a gut in the next 2 years to get a first so I can hopefully go on to teach. But by the looks of it it will go against me as I can't go to a brick uni! I'm studying a 'traditional' subject but am I wasting my time trying to get a first?! I have been to a Russell Group uni in the past but not to do a degree.

pleasedelete

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

That last post has made me worry now. I'm studying with the Open University and will be busting a gut in the next 2 years to get a first so I can hopefully go on to teach. But by the looks of it it will go against me as I can't go to a brick uni! I'm studying a 'traditional' subject but am I wasting my time trying to get a first?! I have been to a Russell Group uni in the past but not to do a degree.

You are fine with teaching as long as you don't want to do a PGCE at a Russell group. The move to school based ITT means that less and less will be traditional uni courses.

If you wanted to join a graduate scheme with a city or international company- almost no chance.

whodathunkit

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

That last post has made me worry now. I'm studying with the Open University and will be busting a gut in the next 2 years to get a first so I can hopefully go on to teach. But by the looks of it it will go against me as I can't go to a brick uni! I'm studying a 'traditional' subject but am I wasting my time trying to get a first?! I have been to a Russell Group uni in the past but not to do a degree.

I thought you had difficulties getting a GCSE grade C in Maths? That'll be more of a problem for teaching than getting a first, I'm afraid.

pleasedelete

whodathunkit wrote: »

I thought you had difficulties getting a GCSE grade C in Maths? That'll be more of a problem for teaching than getting a first, I'm afraid.

Gosh yes. You need GCSE maths, english and depending on age science.

[Deleted User]

pleasedelete wrote: »

The university is just as important than the class. a 2.1 from a Russell Group in an enabling subject will way outweigh a 1st from a former poly or HE college.

Again even with a 2.1 from a 2nd or 3rd rate uni you wont get onto a blue chip graduate scheme.

Location, location, location or uni, uni, uni

A 1st can actually count against you from a 2nd rate uni- it raises questions as to why you didn't access a better uni (so shows possibly lacking vision and ambition).

Not just uni or location - subject. I might have a 2:2, but I got it from a red brick Russell group uni, in a pretty hard subject (BSc Genetics). That got me past the minimum requirements for my MSc course (they wanted a 2:1 until I had a chat with them) and in my first 'graduate' job with a large firm, they also wanted a 2:1 or higher.

Not doing a well respected course, at a well respected uni? Make sure you get that 2:1 and fill your CV with societies (ideally run one)

Person_one

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

I want to teach adult literacy in a college, I don't want to teach in schools. I have a level 2 numeracy qualification though.

Are you wanting to do a PGCE or a PTLLS type qualification after your degree?