The Student Room Group

Oxford's grading system

Hi,

Does anybody know how the grading system works at oxford? Is it dependent on what other people achieve or are boundaries set beforehand?

Thanks for any help!
Original post by LLR99
Hi,

Does anybody know how the grading system works at oxford? Is it dependent on what other people achieve or are boundaries set beforehand?

Thanks for any help!


I think it might vary by department (citation needed). My department has preset boundaries but it's a fairly small department so it wouldn't really be possible for it to be dependent on what others yet, but other departments might be different.
Reply 2
Original post by Plagioclase
I think it might vary by department (citation needed). My department has preset boundaries but it's a fairly small department so it wouldn't really be possible for it to be dependent on what others yet, but other departments might be different.


Which is your department?
Original post by LLR99
Hi,

Does anybody know how the grading system works at oxford? Is it dependent on what other people achieve or are boundaries set beforehand?

Thanks for any help!


Is this postgrad or undergrad? Which faculty?

Can't speak for other faculties, but for Law, both the undergrad BA and the postgrad BCL/ MJur have fixed boundaries, so the degree class is not dependent on what other people achieve.
Reply 4
Original post by mishieru07
Is this postgrad or undergrad? Which faculty?

Can't speak for other faculties, but for Law, both the undergrad BA and the postgrad BCL/ MJur have fixed boundaries, so the degree class is not dependent on what other people achieve.


For Materials Science undergrad, it is quite a small class (about 30 people).
I think its going to be pretty universally that they have pre-set standards, so not dependent on others. However, in the real world, if there are big discrepancies between years the examiners are likely make at least some changes under the veil of 'moderation'.

So... both?

There has been significant net grade inflation over the last few decades though.

Quick Reply