King's College London

London

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Passmark!

red_alert

What is the passmark for the MA programs in the War Studies department?

Thanks

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Reply 1

Jammertal

"Newcomers to British universities are sometimes confused by the marking system employed here.
Essays are marked out of 100. Marks of 70% and above earn a Distinction. For the MA a mark
below 50% is considered a failure. A mark of 60% or above is considered to be a Merit."

From this page . Thanks for the rep. :smile:

King's College London

London

Reply 2

red_alert

So 51% is what I need to get?

Thanks.

As for the rep, no problem. I am still coming to terms with how this whole forum works.

Reply 3

Jammertal

I think so. :smile:

You're welcome and I did only find out about rep after 4 months...

Reply 4

red_alert

I am scared of failing. I mean each module has exams at 50% weighting. I am questioning this whole thing.

Plus, London seems very dangerous.

Reply 5

Jammertal

red_alert

I am scared of failing. I mean each module has exams at 50% weighting. I am questioning this whole thing.

Plus, London seems very dangerous.

On the other hand: there aren't many people who fail. Chances are low that you'll be one of them. :smile:

You see, I have the same feelings and made up a logic that explains that it is completely irrational to think that you'll fail. :biggrin:

It's true that London will require a lot of discipline though.

Reply 6

red_alert

Can you explian this logic. I am not great at exams, I have gotten by on strong assignments up until now. But I am not confident of such good work at the MA level.

If I fail, it would be (a) a waste of another year. (b) a colossal waste of my father's money. (C) I would be devestated.

Reply 7

Jammertal

ad a: I'm not sure if you can call a year in London "wasted": Even if you don't finish with a degree (unlikely), you'll get other things from it.

ad b: True.

ad c: see a. You should always bear the "social" factors/ soft skills you'll gain from it in mind. :smile:

Reply 8

red_alert

Without the degree, it means nothing.

Reply 9

Jammertal

Hmm, that puts you under a lot of pressure. Hope you can cope. :smile:

Reply 10

red_alert

Thats the worry. 50% exam...argh!

Reply 11

Jammertal

Hmm, but it certainly isn't helpful if you start worrying about it now. Is it because you're suffering from a serious form of "exam nerves" (not sure if that's the right word)? In that case you may be eligible for special arrangements.

Reply 12

red_alert

Its not nerves, its simple fear of failure. I guess I should be positive. I mean if worse comes to worse, I can buy my dissertation to boost my grades. :biggrin:

Reply 13

dazmanultra

To fail a social science course would show a complete lack of understanding of any of the concepts and topics covered by the course, wouldn't it...?

Reply 14

red_alert

I'm trying to find out the passmark for the MA, the marking criteria, the exam percentage ect, so that I can realistically see what I can/should get.

I'm just playing the percentages.

Reply 15

Jammertal

dazmanultra

To fail a social science course would show a complete lack of understanding of any of the concepts and topics covered by the course, wouldn't it...?

That seems to be the general opinion, yes, and I guess that it is true.

To fail an undergrad course in an Humanities subject you have to meet the foolowing criteria:
- unsystemativ, incomplete and/ or inaccurate
- understanding: key issues not identified, poor analysis or none
- selection and coverage: some inaccuracies or omnissions in data, inappropriate material
- structure: argument sketchy, loose ends, disorganised
- general: some knowledge but poorly presented/ answered only in part and flawed/ deeply flawed or unacceptably brief/ irrelevant or unintelligible

You only need 40% to pass though.

Reply 16

red_alert

That is well and good for the undergrad courses, my concern is with postgrad study. I cannot afford to fail, for my sense of self worth.

Reply 17

dazmanultra

red_alert

That is well and good for the undergrad courses, my concern is with postgrad study. I cannot afford to fail, for my sense of self worth.

What does your tutor think about your prospects with regards to post-graduate study?

Reply 18

red_alert

The department was recommended to me for graduate study. My references were ringing endorsements of my suitability for the course. Any doubt exists soley within myself.