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University coursework mark unfairly graded

Hi there,
I have recently received a coursework mark (second year uni student), which was 64%. I felt that the mark was too low for the work that I submitted. For clarification I usually get between 75-85 with my results, and have received 93% before, so it is not a question of not trying. I had a similar piece of coursework with another module, where I received 75%. I tired to learn from the critique, and put it into practice with this current one - 64%. I personally felt that this was the better coursework input, but clearly the marks do not represent that.
I spoke with my professor about it, but he defended his marking. I understand some of the points he made, but still think his grade, does not match the marking scheme he had on paper - from that I would say I should have a least got 68%.
I said that I would like to appeal, which he said fine, however he made the point of saying my grade could turn out much lower. It felt as if he was saying this to scare me out of doing it, or to suggest he was being generous with my grade at 64%.
Has anyone here had a similar experience, and if so what did you do, or think regarding my situation.
My gut tells me that the mark is wrong and that I should appeal.
No he is just explaining to you that you mark could go down - as that is a possibility, he has to mention it.
The tutor has given you a clear indication that the mark of 64 stands. This is quite normal, as tutors generally mark carefully according to clear marking criteria.
However, it is this you will be challenging so your appeal will have to be meticulous in how this is taken apart.
It sounds like you have accepted that 68 would have been a "fairer" mark - so are probably quibbling over 4 marks. I think you can forget about getting over 70 even if you are successful wth your appeal.
I would ask yourself what is to be gained from going ahead with this appeal.
Can you absorb the mark of 64% without it affecting your overall classification profile?
Can you avoid taking classes with this particular tutor again?
Reply 2
Hi there,

Thank you for the response. I can absorb the mark and still attain a good average, but for me it was more on the principle I suppose. I would most likely have him again next year for a few lectures, but am not 100 percent sure on that front.
Looks it up to you but it sounds like little damage has been done, apart from the feeling that you have been unjustly marked.
Original post by Dh5840722
Hi there,
I have recently received a coursework mark (second year uni student), which was 64%. I felt that the mark was too low for the work that I submitted. For clarification I usually get between 75-85 with my results, and have received 93% before, so it is not a question of not trying. I had a similar piece of coursework with another module, where I received 75%. I tired to learn from the critique, and put it into practice with this current one - 64%. I personally felt that this was the better coursework input, but clearly the marks do not represent that.
I spoke with my professor about it, but he defended his marking. I understand some of the points he made, but still think his grade, does not match the marking scheme he had on paper - from that I would say I should have a least got 68%.
I said that I would like to appeal, which he said fine, however he made the point of saying my grade could turn out much lower. It felt as if he was saying this to scare me out of doing it, or to suggest he was being generous with my grade at 64%.
Has anyone here had a similar experience, and if so what did you do, or think regarding my situation.
My gut tells me that the mark is wrong and that I should appeal.


How much was the piece of coursework worth? I can understand say if it was worth 50%+, but it it contributed to less than 50% of the module grade I probably wouldn't bother.
Reply 5
Original post by Dh5840722
Hi there,
I have recently received a coursework mark (second year uni student), which was 64%. I felt that the mark was too low for the work that I submitted. For clarification I usually get between 75-85 with my results, and have received 93% before, so it is not a question of not trying. I had a similar piece of coursework with another module, where I received 75%. I tired to learn from the critique, and put it into practice with this current one - 64%. I personally felt that this was the better coursework input, but clearly the marks do not represent that.
I spoke with my professor about it, but he defended his marking. I understand some of the points he made, but still think his grade, does not match the marking scheme he had on paper - from that I would say I should have a least got 68%.
I said that I would like to appeal, which he said fine, however he made the point of saying my grade could turn out much lower. It felt as if he was saying this to scare me out of doing it, or to suggest he was being generous with my grade at 64%.
Has anyone here had a similar experience, and if so what did you do, or think regarding my situation.
My gut tells me that the mark is wrong and that I should appeal.

You'd need to check your university's regulations, but you can't typically appeal against the exercise of academic judgement.

The approach I would take (and it sounds like you already have) is to have a discussion with the academic regarding "where you went wrong" and "what/how you could have done better". It's just possible that such a discussion (being careful to avoid suggesting to the marker that he/she got it wrong) might result in the marker deciding to change a mark -- but I'd expect they'd only do that if on review they decided that they'd got the mark significantly wrong (and not just a few marks).

Typically the overall effect on your final mark (i.e. the one used to calculate your degree classification) from the mark for one single piece of work will be tiny. So I'd suggest that you accept what you've been given, put the irritation behind you, and resolve to do even better going forward.
I appealed and the academic appeal wasn't upheld. Then it went to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator and the university said they didn't follow the marking procedures so said they will remark 2 assignments. It can work you should try for it and appeal.
(edited 10 months ago)
Thanks for the update. Please let us know what the final outcome is.
Original post by Dh5840722
Hi there,
I have recently received a coursework mark (second year uni student), which was 64%. I felt that the mark was too low for the work that I submitted. For clarification I usually get between 75-85 with my results, and have received 93% before, so it is not a question of not trying. I had a similar piece of coursework with another module, where I received 75%. I tired to learn from the critique, and put it into practice with this current one - 64%. I personally felt that this was the better coursework input, but clearly the marks do not represent that.
I spoke with my professor about it, but he defended his marking. I understand some of the points he made, but still think his grade, does not match the marking scheme he had on paper - from that I would say I should have a least got 68%.
I said that I would like to appeal, which he said fine, however he made the point of saying my grade could turn out much lower. It felt as if he was saying this to scare me out of doing it, or to suggest he was being generous with my grade at 64%.
Has anyone here had a similar experience, and if so what did you do, or think regarding my situation.
My gut tells me that the mark is wrong and that I should appeal.

Hi there,

Firstly, I am so sorry about this. I can relate, having faced a similar situation myself.

Regarding your appeal, I strongly encourage you to pursue it if you believe there has been an error or unfairness in your grading. I've been in a situation where my group module received a grade of 58%, but upon appealing, it was revised to 75%. In my case, my course leader served as the marker, and fortunately, my professor was understanding and personally reviewed our work, leading to a fairer outcome.

I suggest reaching out to any other professors you know who might be able to provide feedback before submitting your appeal. Their insights could be invaluable in understanding where the grading discrepancy may lie. If this isn't feasible, don't hesitate to proceed with the appeal process. Best of luck with it!

Cheers,
Shri (MSc International Business Student).

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