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University Degree Grade Uplifted

Hi everyone. I found out my results today, I had gotten 58% overall but the uni have awarded me with a 2:1 because I achieved 60s and 70s in more than half of the modules and I am within the 2% boundary.

I wanted to ask if I should retake an exam to bump the 58% to 60%? My GPA is 3.0 and although I am not looking to work abroad in the US where a 2:1 would be a 3.3 GPA, I am abit bitter. Do you think theres any value or point in me retaking an exam to improve a grade to have an overall of 60%? Do employers look at transcripts or would my 2:1 certificate be sufficient enough to satisfy employer requirements of wanting a 2:1?

Thank you

Reply 1

Wait you got 2:1 with 58% overall, but how? Because I've calculated my marks and I'm getting 59.35 overall, does that mean i will be awarded a 2:1 as well?
Original post by Anonymous
Hi everyone. I found out my results today, I had gotten 58% overall but the uni have awarded me with a 2:1 because I achieved 60s and 70s in more than half of the modules and I am within the 2% boundary.

I wanted to ask if I should retake an exam to bump the 58% to 60%? My GPA is 3.0 and although I am not looking to work abroad in the US where a 2:1 would be a 3.3 GPA, I am abit bitter. Do you think theres any value or point in me retaking an exam to improve a grade to have an overall of 60%? Do employers look at transcripts or would my 2:1 certificate be sufficient enough to satisfy employer requirements of wanting a 2:1?

Thank you

Have you actually been given the opportunity to retake anything? University isn't like A-levels, you can't retake exams to improve grades normally.

Typically you can only retake exams either because you failed it the first attempt and it was not condoned/is a "must pass" module (in which case the module is normally capped at the minimum pass grade, usually 40%), or because you had extenuating circumstances which you submitted the relevant forms for and have been given the opportunity to take an uncapped resit.

Reply 3

Original post by apprehensive-lan
Wait you got 2:1 with 58% overall, but how? Because I've calculated my marks and I'm getting 59.35 overall, does that mean i will be awarded a 2:1 as well?

Yes a lot of universities have this criteria. If you are in the 2% range AND have gotten 60% grades in half your modules that carry the most credits then the uni will automatically award you the next grade classification.

Reply 4

Original post by artful_lounger
Have you actually been given the opportunity to retake anything? University isn't like A-levels, you can't retake exams to improve grades normally.
Typically you can only retake exams either because you failed it the first attempt and it was not condoned/is a "must pass" module (in which case the module is normally capped at the minimum pass grade, usually 40%), or because you had extenuating circumstances which you submitted the relevant forms for and have been given the opportunity to take an uncapped resit.

Yes I have been given the opportunity to retake two exams for two modules because of extenuating circumstances.

Reply 5

Original post by apprehensive-lan
Wait you got 2:1 with 58% overall, but how? Because I've calculated my marks and I'm getting 59.35 overall, does that mean i will be awarded a 2:1 as well?

However, if your mark was 59.5% it would automatically be rounded to 60% (for nearly all unis I believe)
Original post by Anonymous
Yes I have been given the opportunity to retake two exams for two modules because of extenuating circumstances.

Personally I would just do the retakes, unless you have a specific reason not to (e.g. you are already holding a job offer or graduate study offer which you have met the requirements for, and need to graduate in the summer in order to begin the role/course).

Reply 7

Original post by artful_lounger
Personally I would just do the retakes, unless you have a specific reason not to (e.g. you are already holding a job offer or graduate study offer which you have met the requirements for, and need to graduate in the summer in order to begin the role/course).

Oh, whats your reasoning for doing the retakes? I have been told that the overall mark will not be on my transcript or on the certificate, and because I have been awarded a 2:1 I have earned that degree classification which employers would be looking at thus, the mark then not being a concern.
Original post by Anonymous
Oh, whats your reasoning for doing the retakes? I have been told that the overall mark will not be on my transcript or on the certificate, and because I have been awarded a 2:1 I have earned that degree classification which employers would be looking at thus, the mark then not being a concern.


I don't know, personal satisfaction I guess? Avoiding getting to a point a few years in the future and thinking "what if...?" etc.

Your transcript should have all your module marks as well as your overall result, that's what a transcript is normally in my experience? It won't be on your degree certificate usually though.

Some employers may want to see transcripts (I doubt many though), and most graduate degrees will want to see your transcript if you wanted to apply for a masters or similar.

Reply 9

Original post by artful_lounger
I don't know, personal satisfaction I guess? Avoiding getting to a point a few years in the future and thinking "what if...?" etc.
Your transcript should have all your module marks as well as your overall result, that's what a transcript is normally in my experience? It won't be on your degree certificate usually though.
Some employers may want to see transcripts (I doubt many though), and most graduate degrees will want to see your transcript if you wanted to apply for a masters or similar.

True, I have been feeling bitter about it but then have been thinking maybe abit too bitter for nothing. I did get 75% the other day for my dissertation and was marked incorrectly for many of my other assignments so I think my 2:1 is warranted. Yeah for most universities the overall mark is also on the transcript but for my university it isnt. If employers want verification of transcripts and overall mark then they can request it from my university however, I doubt they will go to these lengths. I appreciate your response, thank you!!

Reply 10

Original post by Anonymous
Yes I have been given the opportunity to retake two exams for two modules because of extenuating circumstances.

Hi there,

It's great that you've been given the opportunity to retake. I think that if you have the time and are willing to retake then it couldn't do any harm - just improve your learning. Do you mean retaking the whole year? Because I think that you should consider the financial perspective and (as you wouldn't be full-time) maybe try to also find some relevant work experience during that time- which may help you a lot when looking at opportunities in the US!

I hope that helps!
Jaz - Cardiff student rep

Reply 11

Original post by Anonymous
However, if your mark was 59.5% it would automatically be rounded to 60% (for nearly all unis I believe)

I received a 49.50 and it did not get rounded up, now trying to get an uplift

Reply 12

Original post by Gillella11
I received a 49.50 and it did not get rounded up, now trying to get an uplift

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear this! I believe that it might vary across schools and universities. It's worth reaching out to your school and asking if it's possible.

All the best,
Jaz - Cardiff student rep

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