Open University
Milton Keynes
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Open University - 85% to get a first!? 70% to get a 2.1!?
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That isn't necessarily true, in the OU doesn't classify based on a combined percentage and it is necessary for half the grades at level 3 to be above particular grade to qualify for a particular degree classification, at a brick university you could have your grades skewed by a very good result in a particular module(s) and the fact your average was over the line would be sufficient whereas this isn't the case in the OU.
As an extreme example, supposing the other poster had 4*30 credit modules at 54, 54, 54* and 86. The boundary for a grade 3 is 55 and you'd require 2 of those modules to be at 55 or above in order to qualify for a 2:2 - in this extreme case this requirement wouldn't be met and so you'd not get your 2:2, However had you got the same average with 62,62,62,62 that requirement would be met.
*in reality you might well get such a grade close to a boundary rounded up - this was just to illustrate that there is that effect re: individual modules not being able to boost your grade to the same extent, I guess the other poster could perhaps clarify how the breakdown of marks occurred, quite possibly there were some poor level 2 results perhaps too.
As an extreme example, supposing the other poster had 4*30 credit modules at 54, 54, 54* and 86. The boundary for a grade 3 is 55 and you'd require 2 of those modules to be at 55 or above in order to qualify for a 2:2 - in this extreme case this requirement wouldn't be met and so you'd not get your 2:2, However had you got the same average with 62,62,62,62 that requirement would be met.
*in reality you might well get such a grade close to a boundary rounded up - this was just to illustrate that there is that effect re: individual modules not being able to boost your grade to the same extent, I guess the other poster could perhaps clarify how the breakdown of marks occurred, quite possibly there were some poor level 2 results perhaps too.
Open University
Milton Keynes
Original post by Dowie
That isn't necessarily true, in the OU doesn't classify based on a combined percentage and it is necessary for half the grades at level 3 to be above particular grade to qualify for a particular degree classification, at a brick university you could have your grades skewed by a very good result in a particular module(s) and the fact your average was over the line would be sufficient whereas this isn't the case in the OU.
As an extreme example, supposing the other poster had 4*30 credit modules at 54, 54, 54* and 86. The boundary for a grade 3 is 55 and you'd require 2 of those modules to be at 55 or above in order to qualify for a 2:2 - in this extreme case this requirement wouldn't be met and so you'd not get your 2:2, However had you got the same average with 62,62,62,62 that requirement would be met.
*in reality you might well get such a grade close to a boundary rounded up - this was just to illustrate that there is that effect re: individual modules not being able to boost your grade to the same extent, I guess the other poster could perhaps clarify how the breakdown of marks occurred, quite possibly there were some poor level 2 results perhaps too.
As an extreme example, supposing the other poster had 4*30 credit modules at 54, 54, 54* and 86. The boundary for a grade 3 is 55 and you'd require 2 of those modules to be at 55 or above in order to qualify for a 2:2 - in this extreme case this requirement wouldn't be met and so you'd not get your 2:2, However had you got the same average with 62,62,62,62 that requirement would be met.
*in reality you might well get such a grade close to a boundary rounded up - this was just to illustrate that there is that effect re: individual modules not being able to boost your grade to the same extent, I guess the other poster could perhaps clarify how the breakdown of marks occurred, quite possibly there were some poor level 2 results perhaps too.
But in terms of overall degree classification, the OU system does allow higher grades in some modules to pull up lower ones in others. If you feed the example you've given into that (admittedly unofficial, but I've always found it to be accurate) online calculator, and replicate the pattern of 3x Pass 3, 1x Pass 1 at both levels 2 and 3, it does come out at a 2:2.
Mind you, the classification system is so complicated it's virtually impossible to make sense of...
Original post by Persipan
But in terms of overall degree classification, the OU system does allow higher grades in some modules to pull up lower ones in others. If you feed the example you've given into that (admittedly unofficial, but I've always found it to be accurate) online calculator, and replicate the pattern of 3x Pass 3, 1x Pass 1 at both levels 2 and 3, it does come out at a 2:2.
Mind you, the classification system is so complicated it's virtually impossible to make sense of...
Mind you, the classification system is so complicated it's virtually impossible to make sense of...
The first example I gave doesn't come out at a 2:2 - I think you may have incorrectly assumed 54 is a grade 3 when it is a grade 4 pass. You need 60 credits at grade 3 or above in order to get a 2:2. This is why you could have a situations where two students with the same overall percentage get different degree classifications.
I agree it is unnecessarily complicated!
Original post by Dowie
The first example I gave doesn't come out at a 2:2 - I think you may have incorrectly assumed 54 is a grade 3 when it is a grade 4 pass. You need 60 credits at grade 3 or above in order to get a 2:2. This is why you could have a situations where two students with the same overall percentage get different degree classifications.
I agree it is unnecessarily complicated!
I agree it is unnecessarily complicated!
You're right, I meant Pass 4.
While you need 60 credits at or above the relevant classification to pass the quality assurance test, the Pass 1 and one Pass 4 average out to do that.
(edited 5 years ago)
Original post by Bongboy6969
Hi guys, I have just heard that the degree classifications at the open university is significantly higher then other uni's.
Eg. at norma uni it is 70% to get a 1st, and most people in essay based courses very rarely get over 75%.
Yest at the open university you have to score 70% just to get a 2.1, and an impossible sounding 85% for a 1st!
so is the OU VERY difficult, or is their grading system system slightly different, in that an essay usually worth 60% at a normal uni will usually be graded as 70% at the OU?
Thanks in advance for your help, becuase 85% is scaring the crap outta me!
Eg. at norma uni it is 70% to get a 1st, and most people in essay based courses very rarely get over 75%.
Yest at the open university you have to score 70% just to get a 2.1, and an impossible sounding 85% for a 1st!
so is the OU VERY difficult, or is their grading system system slightly different, in that an essay usually worth 60% at a normal uni will usually be graded as 70% at the OU?
Thanks in advance for your help, becuase 85% is scaring the crap outta me!
If you have to get 70% for a 2-1 there is something wrong with the course.
Original post by alphabet555
If you have to get 70% for a 2-1 there is something wrong with the course.
No, it's just marked differently.
I have two bachelor's degrees, one from a brick uni and one from the OU. I got a first both times. At the brick uni, my grades were usually 70-something percent, occasionally high sixties, very occasionally into the low 80s. My undergrad OU marks were typically 20 percentage points higher. I didn't just magically become 20 points cleverer; it's just that the OU work was genuinely marked out of 100 where at the brick uni they would never, ever have given anyone a mark above maaaaaaybe 85% - and even that would have been a once-in-a-blue-moon thing.
It's way harder. Persipan is obviously one of those freakily good essay writers.I just completed and got a 2.1. with the Open University. Thank You !!!!! But when they were deciding my classification, they told me there was no way of telling, whether I would achieve, a 3rd, a 2.2. a 2.1 or a 1st! Que, two months of terrible anxiety, not knowing whether I would soar or fail! This came down to that I took so many modules, and each module is graded, twice, basically, with an average score, once for six essays average at 50% and once for one essay at 50%. Missing just one or two marks on either can drop your grade for the module! It turns out I was that close to a higher module grade four times! So if I had just 16 marks more, out of 92 essays or god knows how many, i would have got a 1st. Or, just one module had to be one or two marks more, for a higher grdae that would have tipped the classification to a 1st. They took their time and gave me a 2.1. Which is fair! But I went to university twice before, and left, when I was younger. I'm 31 and did this degree at 27. It's much harder. Less support, less time to talk over problems or concerns, although the uni is awesome, and the material, truly brilliant, you can buy one of these text books and learn the subject from reading the book, they are designed for home learning, it all comes down to being able to write a coherent, and clear essay. I was often told I clearly understood at a high level, but was trying to pack too much into each essay, therefore not explaining well enough each (goodint. But each module is different, some are purely statistical, so read the essay guidance and module guidance online, and write the best godamn essays you can bloody muster. It's your only chance to prove you know what you're talking about! But yes, its harder, if you;re not used to essay writ, and better at exams or general knowledge. It;s a scholar or scientific journalist, essay writing shtick. an intelligent person writing to an intelligent person, who has no idea about the subject or what you are talking about.
You need 85% overall to get a first at the Open University, and 70% to get a 2:1. The marks are lower to get a first at most other UK universities. This is not generally known by employers but should be emphasised when you are applying for a job. The open university is no easy way out. You have to work hard and pass each year to get onto the next level. However having just gained a 2:1 myself, I have had the advantage of excellent tutorial help when needed even if everything is online, and also important to be self motivated, if not, think about going to a university that has a more face to face approach in tutorials.
Original post by Edwinachambers!
You need 85% overall to get a first at the Open University, and 70% to get a 2:1.
You do not need 85% overall to get a first at the Open university, their degree classifications aren't based on an average percentage mark but a combination of individual module grades. You require 85% to get a distinction/grade1 pass for an individual module but it certainly isn't a requirement to get a distinction in all your modules in order to graduate with a 1st.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
Original post by Dowie
You do not need 85% overall to get a first at the Open university, their degree classifications aren't based on an average percentage mark but a combination of individual module grades. You require 85% to get a distinction/grade1 pass for an individual module but it certainly isn't a requirement to get a distinction in all your modules in order to graduate with a 1st.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
Yes, I'm a good example of that, I averaged at 70 but had much higher scores in some places, 85, 93, 97, etc... and 60's in others. If I had just a couple more marks in one moudle, it would have been a 1st for that module, which would have tipped my degree into a 1st overall, too. Consequently they couldn't predict my classification at all!
They work it out by adding up your overall module scores, but I think they also give due consideration overall, especially if you are borderline and send in a special circumstances form. Call them up! And state your case! have the staff write notes about your grades and improvement and if you are close to that border line!
(edited 5 years ago)
Original post by CarmenBellu
Yes, I'm a good example of that, I averaged at 70 but had much higher scores in some places, 85, 93, 97, etc... and 60's in others. If I had just a couple more marks in one moudle, it would have been a 1st for that module, which would have tipped my degree into a 1st overall, too. Consequently they couldn't predict my classification at all!
They work it out by adding up your overall module scores, but I think they also give due consideration overall, especially if you are borderline and send in a special circumstances form. Call them up! And state your case! have the staff write notes about your grades and improvement and if you are close to that border line!
They work it out by adding up your overall module scores, but I think they also give due consideration overall, especially if you are borderline and send in a special circumstances form. Call them up! And state your case! have the staff write notes about your grades and improvement and if you are close to that border line!
They only take into account special circumstances on a module basis as it's used by the module examination team to finalize a module grade. Not overall between all the modules. Unfortunately.
I was in the same position, 2 marks off the exam in one (30pt) module so I go ta grade 2 not the distinction. I already had 30pts at distinction at level 3 and needed another 30 to meet the quality assurance for the first class degree overall. So close yet so far! Least it was over and wasn't a fail
(edited 5 years ago)
I don't understand why people are having a hard time understanding that 85 and 70 are just arbitrarily selected numbers that say nothing about how hard it is to get either of them.
People in north america regularly get essay results of 90%+. Are they smarter? Or has the percentage been calibrated differently? The answer should be obvious!
People in north america regularly get essay results of 90%+. Are they smarter? Or has the percentage been calibrated differently? The answer should be obvious!
Hi all,
This thread is really good for me as I got very stressed for having a grade 3 on a highly specialistic level 3 engineering module: T313:Renewable energy.
You see, I came into the OU as a way of completing a BSc in engineering I started years ago in Italy and I completed the degree without actually grasping the grading system (results in 10 days, fingers crossed!).
I managed to stay above 75 on every module except that single one and maybe the final project.
Getting grade 3 after OCAS 65 and OES 75, confused me as I was expecting an average mark of 70, hence grade 2.
My concern was that this single grade 3 would invalidate me having an overal 2:1, now I know it would not if they weigh it against other modules.
I read lots of people that obviously have not studied at the OU saying lots of stuff that makes no sense, the OU is not good enough and so on...
Let me tell me my story:
I requested a credit transfer from my previous studies (Politecnico di Milano, ITALY) and I was granted opportunity to finish at the OU, Kingston, and UWL.
I chose the OU simply because, I run a company and have a wife and kids and that simply can not give me enough time to attend lectures in class even as a part time student. And the OU offered more flexibility to tailor my degree, I went for a BSc (honours) Open degree.
Upon completion, my plan was for a highly specialistic MSc offered only by both UCL and Imperial college London: I applied to both, and had positive feedbacks, they did not say the OU does not count as a UNI, but they said that my application will move forward only after confirmation that my grade is indeed 2:1 or higher, hence the stress that T313 would cause me trouble, not anymore...
Nevertheless, I would advise to people who feed on other people around them (Ubuntu), to think hard as the OU is a very lonely place. It's a place for adults, not kids. I would not have made it if I was in my 20s. You need to grow an ability to self monitor you studies and stay on schedule. There are not enough tutorials and the other students are also busy people and everyone has something more important to do that chat and socialise, very happy to chat online though; That for me was the hardest thing about studying at the OU and why I cannot continue with postgraduate at the OU.
Good luck to all.
Ghislain.
This thread is really good for me as I got very stressed for having a grade 3 on a highly specialistic level 3 engineering module: T313:Renewable energy.
You see, I came into the OU as a way of completing a BSc in engineering I started years ago in Italy and I completed the degree without actually grasping the grading system (results in 10 days, fingers crossed!).
I managed to stay above 75 on every module except that single one and maybe the final project.
Getting grade 3 after OCAS 65 and OES 75, confused me as I was expecting an average mark of 70, hence grade 2.
My concern was that this single grade 3 would invalidate me having an overal 2:1, now I know it would not if they weigh it against other modules.
I read lots of people that obviously have not studied at the OU saying lots of stuff that makes no sense, the OU is not good enough and so on...
Let me tell me my story:
I requested a credit transfer from my previous studies (Politecnico di Milano, ITALY) and I was granted opportunity to finish at the OU, Kingston, and UWL.
I chose the OU simply because, I run a company and have a wife and kids and that simply can not give me enough time to attend lectures in class even as a part time student. And the OU offered more flexibility to tailor my degree, I went for a BSc (honours) Open degree.
Upon completion, my plan was for a highly specialistic MSc offered only by both UCL and Imperial college London: I applied to both, and had positive feedbacks, they did not say the OU does not count as a UNI, but they said that my application will move forward only after confirmation that my grade is indeed 2:1 or higher, hence the stress that T313 would cause me trouble, not anymore...
Nevertheless, I would advise to people who feed on other people around them (Ubuntu), to think hard as the OU is a very lonely place. It's a place for adults, not kids. I would not have made it if I was in my 20s. You need to grow an ability to self monitor you studies and stay on schedule. There are not enough tutorials and the other students are also busy people and everyone has something more important to do that chat and socialise, very happy to chat online though; That for me was the hardest thing about studying at the OU and why I cannot continue with postgraduate at the OU.
Good luck to all.
Ghislain.
Original post by CarmenBellu
Yes, I'm a good example of that, I averaged at 70 but had much higher scores in some places, 85, 93, 97, etc... and 60's in others. If I had just a couple more marks in one moudle, it would have been a 1st for that module, which would have tipped my degree into a 1st overall, too. Consequently they couldn't predict my classification at all!
They work it out by adding up your overall module scores, but I think they also give due consideration overall, especially if you are borderline and send in a special circumstances form. Call them up! And state your case! have the staff write notes about your grades and improvement and if you are close to that border line!
They work it out by adding up your overall module scores, but I think they also give due consideration overall, especially if you are borderline and send in a special circumstances form. Call them up! And state your case! have the staff write notes about your grades and improvement and if you are close to that border line!
Hey Carmen,
I would like to know who to call? As i need to ensure a grade 2:1. I need to get into Imperial or UCL for my MSc...
I think I might be broderline.
Thank you
Ghislain
Original post by Dowie
You do not need 85% overall to get a first at the Open university, their degree classifications aren't based on an average percentage mark but a combination of individual module grades. You require 85% to get a distinction/grade1 pass for an individual module but it certainly isn't a requirement to get a distinction in all your modules in order to graduate with a 1st.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
Hey, that is confusing. Could you please elaborate?
I know they consider level2 and level3 modules for final grading.
Please elaborate with examples.
Thanks
Ghislain
Original post by Dowie
You do not need 85% overall to get a first at the Open university, their degree classifications aren't based on an average percentage mark but a combination of individual module grades. You require 85% to get a distinction/grade1 pass for an individual module but it certainly isn't a requirement to get a distinction in all your modules in order to graduate with a 1st.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
It is possible to graduate with a 1st and your overall average mark to be in the 70s or to graduate with a 2:1 and an overall average in the 60s.
Hey, that is confusing. Could you please elaborate?
I know they consider level2 and level3 modules for final grading.
Please elaborate with examples.
Thanks
Ghislain
ok thanx
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