Is it possible to go from a 2:2 in first year to a 2:1 overall?
so I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you 
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
In my first year at university I just achieved a Pass. Not a Merit, not a Distinction, just a basic Pass.
Many years and a change of university later, I graduated with First Class Honours.
So yes, absolutely.
Many years and a change of university later, I graduated with First Class Honours.
So yes, absolutely.
Reply 2
Yeah defo. I literally failed my 1st year @ LSE. Graduated with a high 2:1, 2% short of a 1:1. 1st year carries the least weight for a reason.
Original post
by Anonymousso I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.Your year 1 is worth 10%... that means that you literally have 90% of your grades yet to be decided, and you were one percentage point away from a 2:1... of course you can get a 2:1 overall or even a first overall
Original post
by Scotland YardYour year 1 is worth 10%... that means that you literally have 90% of your grades yet to be decided, and you were one percentage point away from a 2:1... of course you can get a 2:1 overall or even a first overall
In some (many) universities the first year doesn't count towards the final degree classification at all.
Reply 5
Original post
by Anonymousso I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.I suspect you will end up with a First.
Reply 6
Original post
by Anonymousso I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.hey! you have done sooo well so far - it was just a blip. from your results you've done so well and definitely have the ability to get a 2:1. stil got lots of time left to change things. plus i knew loads of people who got 2:2 etc and ended up getting a 2:1. YOU GOT THIS.
Reply 7
Original post
by Anonymousso I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.Hi there!
This is definitely possible - as others have said, some universities don't count your first year and even if they do you will still have lots of opportunities to get a 2:1 or a first!
Here are some quick tips I have for bringing your grades up:
•
Ask your tutors any questions you have, or if you want them to read your work ask them if they can do this. They will be happy to answer any of your questions so even if you feel awkward asking, make sure you clarify anything you need.
•
Start your work as early as you can so you have time to redraft as many times as you need. This will really help you overall.
•
Make use of resources such as JSTOR, google scholar etc to get academic references.
•
Make sure the little things are done well - references in the correct format and order, assignment formatted correctly etc.
I hope some of this helps and good luck for your next year,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 8
Hi there,
Firstly, well done for persevering through your studies—it’s clear that you’re capable of achieving strong results, especially with the 70s and an 82%, regardless of the cap. That already shows you have the ability to aim for a 2:1.
One thing that can make a big difference at higher levels is developing your critical thinking and analysis skills. A tool that many students find useful is a literature matrix. This is simply a table or spreadsheet where you record key details about your reading. For example, you might include:
This makes it easier to compare sources, spot patterns, and integrate them into your essays. Also, when you’re reading or writing, try to ask yourself questions such as:
These questions help you go beyond summarising and instead show the kind of critical engagement that scores well.
It’s also really valuable to review your marking criteria carefully. Look at what’s expected for a 2:1 —whether that’s argument, structure, evidence, originality, or analysis—and, if possible, ask your lecturers for examples of past assignments at those levels.
Finally, keep in mind that some universities have policies where if you finish very close to a grade boundary in your final year, your result may be rounded up.
You’re clearly capable and already have strong evidence of that 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Firstly, well done for persevering through your studies—it’s clear that you’re capable of achieving strong results, especially with the 70s and an 82%, regardless of the cap. That already shows you have the ability to aim for a 2:1.
One thing that can make a big difference at higher levels is developing your critical thinking and analysis skills. A tool that many students find useful is a literature matrix. This is simply a table or spreadsheet where you record key details about your reading. For example, you might include:
•
Reference (Author, Year)
•
Key Concepts/Themes
•
Methods Used
•
Evaluation (strengths, limitations, gaps)
•
How to Use It (e.g. supports your argument, provides a counterpoint)
This makes it easier to compare sources, spot patterns, and integrate them into your essays. Also, when you’re reading or writing, try to ask yourself questions such as:
•
Who is the author and what perspective are they writing from?
•
What is the main argument or conclusion?
•
Are the methods reliable and appropriate?
•
Do the conclusions logically follow from the evidence?
•
What are the limitations, biases, or assumptions?
•
What’s missing that you could explore further?
These questions help you go beyond summarising and instead show the kind of critical engagement that scores well.
It’s also really valuable to review your marking criteria carefully. Look at what’s expected for a 2:1 —whether that’s argument, structure, evidence, originality, or analysis—and, if possible, ask your lecturers for examples of past assignments at those levels.
Finally, keep in mind that some universities have policies where if you finish very close to a grade boundary in your final year, your result may be rounded up.
You’re clearly capable and already have strong evidence of that 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Reply 9
Original post
by Anonymousso I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.Hi there 😊
I am a current university student at DMU. I think it’s completely understandable to feel disappointed, but please don’t be too hard on yourself. What you’ve achieved, especially considering the challenges you faced with your mental health, really shows strength and resilience.
Getting 70s in your first semester and even an 82% in a resit (despite the cap) clearly demonstrates that you have the ability and potential to achieve high marks. Remember, the first year does not count towards your overall degree classification, so there’s still plenty of opportunity to raise your average in the second and third years. Many students find that once they settle into university life and build confidence in their study habits, their grades naturally improve.
It’s absolutely still possible to achieve a 2:1 or even a First if you continue working hard and look after your wellbeing. If you ever feel you’re struggling again, please do reach out for support. If the university you attend offers a health and well-being service, then please make use of it. As a DMU student, I always felt confident because of the support available; we have wellbeing services, study skills workshops, and personal tutors who help you stay on track both academically and personally. If you can find anything similar, that would help stay on track based on my experience.
You’ve already shown you’re capable — keep believing in yourself and use your experience as motivation moving forward. You’ve got this 💪
Best wishes,
Elmehdi Tahiri— De Montfort University Representative
Reply 10
Original post
by Anonymousso I just got my results back and I did two resits, both of which were capped at 40%. ln the first semester of first year I got mostly 70s in all of my assignments with one assignment at 67. In the spring semester I was struggling with my mental health and I had to resit two modules, both of which were capped at 40%. In one of my assignments that I had to resit I got 82% which was my best result in the whole academic year, but because it was capped I only got 40% in that module. Overall that means I got an average of 59% in first year. First year is worth 10%, second year is worth 30% and third year is worth 60%. I really want to do well and get into a masters in social work in the future and hopefully, if I can, get a 1:1 but I’m worried that it might be difficult for me. However, I wonder if I am capable because of my results in the past. I was just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation before? Thank you I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.
I feel really sad and upset about being so close to a 2:1 but just narrowly missing it by 1%.I very nearly got kicked out of my first year and that was the FOUNDATION year. I was too complacent since it was easy and was going to raves and with all that entails. I was really close to getting chucked out but I made a plea of extenuating circumstances and somehow blagged that to do the full foundation year in summer. Worked really hard that summer while everyone was out having fun and got a pass.
This was not immediately the success story though as I mucked about for at least the first year and almost failed again. I think the 2nd year I started to crack down and by the third year I was first in last out the library most days.
Ended up with a 2:1. I was mad though because I was gunning for a 1st but missed it because I did not follow lecturer's advice to take a 'safe' topic for the dissertation which dragged down the whole average as most of my essays were 1sts, but hey ho.
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