Question regarding special circumstances and degree classification

1

Hello,

I just finished my final year of university and was awarded a 2.1 degree. However this last semester has been very difficult as I have suffered from a neurological illness that negatively impacted my academic performance. I applied for special circumstances and was informed that my dissertation grade which was unfortunately a 50% would be disregarded from my degree classification. This means that despite doing poorly on my dissertation, I have still gotten a 2.1. If my dissertation grade was counted it would have pulled me down to a 2.2. However, I was hoping to do a masters degree in a couple of years but now I am wondering how this poor dissertation mark will be viewed an admissions panel. Will master programs be able to see my dissertation mark and will the discrepancy between my degree classification and transcript negatively impact me?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

ageshallnot

21

Original post by akdfdkffkelfk

Hello,
I just finished my final year of university and was awarded a 2.1 degree. However this last semester has been very difficult as I have suffered from a neurological illness that negatively impacted my academic performance. I applied for special circumstances and was informed that my dissertation grade which was unfortunately a 50% would be disregarded from my degree classification. This means that despite doing poorly on my dissertation, I have still gotten a 2.1. If my dissertation grade was counted it would have pulled me down to a 2.2. However, I was hoping to do a masters degree in a couple of years but now I am wondering how this poor dissertation mark will be viewed an admissions panel. Will master programs be able to see my dissertation mark and will the discrepancy between my degree classification and transcript negatively impact me?

@Admit-One might be useful on postgraduate applications...

Reply 2

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by akdfdkffkelfk

Hello,

I just finished my final year of university and was awarded a 2.1 degree. However this last semester has been very difficult as I have suffered from a neurological illness that negatively impacted my academic performance. I applied for special circumstances and was informed that my dissertation grade which was unfortunately a 50% would be disregarded from my degree classification. This means that despite doing poorly on my dissertation, I have still gotten a 2.1. If my dissertation grade was counted it would have pulled me down to a 2.2. However, I was hoping to do a masters degree in a couple of years but now I am wondering how this poor dissertation mark will be viewed an admissions panel. Will master programs be able to see my dissertation mark and will the discrepancy between my degree classification and transcript negatively impact me?

Good question.

I am presuming the dissertation was a standalone 'module' and not combined with another element to provide an overall score?

If so, it will be visible on your transcript, which will be required for most (all?) Masters applications. Typically it will have a code next to it instead of a grade, which will indicate it wa a condoned pass or similar. Working in postgrad admissions, I'd usually look for your referee to explain the circumstances of this. If not, I might contact you for more info.

With a suitable explanation, I don't think it would b a hindrance to the majority of postgrad courses, although obviously I can't rule out that it might disadvatage you at some very competitive places.

(Thanks for the tag @ageshallnot)

Question regarding special circumstances and degree classification

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you