Grading Standards for LSE Law

14

fuzzytransition

How many people pursuing the LLB at LSE receive a first class honors degree? What about a first or upper second class honors? What about just an upper second class honors?

I would guess about 10 - 15 get a 1st. Normally between 5-10%.. but it varies from uni to uni.

As to a 2:1 the vast majority do - but the truth is there is a great spread of grades within that - and employers look at that closely. So a 2:1 is not the same as another 2:1 necessarily.

Basically if you work hard - you should be guaranteed a decent 2:1 - how hard you work and your natural ability will determine whether you get a 1st

Reply 2

rahul.parmar

How about Firsts and 2.1's at other univerities (such as Manchester). Thats where i am goign and, coming from a canadian school, am wondering what kind of grades i can expect. Im an english and history major at the University of Western Ontario and currently have a 76-78ish average in my first year...if that helps at all.

Regards,
Rahul

Reply 3

14

rahul.parmar

How about Firsts and 2.1's at other univerities (such as Manchester). Thats where i am goign and, coming from a canadian school, am wondering what kind of grades i can expect. Im an english and history major at the University of Western Ontario and currently have a 76-78ish average in my first year...if that helps at all.

Regards,
Rahul

Well - lets put it this way - people hardly EVER get above a 75 - a 70 is a first... no one EVER gets an 80 and above.

But Manc doesnt stick out in my mind as being particularly stingy with firsts - so Id say you have a good shot!

Reply 4

rahul.parmar

Im thinking its liek a 10% hit downwards from here, in the sense that here NOBODY gets a 90..and 80s are extremley rare. A 78 average has me near the top of the class..not AT the top, but near it.

Any idea on what %age of mancehster grads are awarded firsts? Or perhaps where i can find this information?

Thanks,
Rahul

Reply 5

tiantang

8

fuzzytransition

How many people pursuing the LLB at LSE receive a first class honors degree? What about a first or upper second class honors? What about just an upper second class honors?

I've been told that LSE don't give out 1's and only 2.1's!!

At open day the question was asked and the tutor said "not enough 1's and far too many 2.1's."

This view was backed by Hughski (LSE law PG) on the forums a while back.

Reply 6

6

tiantang

I've been told that LSE don't give out 1's and only 2.1's!!

At open day the question was asked and the tutor said "not enough 1's and far too many 2.1's."

This view was backed by Hughski (LSE law PG) on the forums a while back.

LSE (or UCL or KCL) does give out a few firsts each year. And it's not a matter of whether they will or will not, it is simple mechanics: out of eight papers examined in second and third year, you will graduate with a first if you get a first in four papers or more. All the London colleges adopt this grading system for law.

Simple as this may sound, do not be deceived. It is awfully hard to get a first in any one paper, let itself in four! I have seen the statistics for all the London colleges in the past five years, the numbers of firsts at all colleges range over the years and across the colleges between 1% - 10%.

Reply 7

14

tiantang

I've been told that LSE don't give out 1's and only 2.1's!!

At open day the question was asked and the tutor said "not enough 1's and far too many 2.1's."

This view was backed by Hughski (LSE law PG) on the forums a while back.

They certainly do give them out. However as far as I am aware - KCL has the reputation for being the most tight fisted - though the external examiners have been complaining - and I think this is changing gradually.

Reply 8

goneaway56

6

lawgrad

LSE (or UCL or KCL) does give out a few firsts each year. And it's not a matter of whether they will or will not, it is simple mechanics: out of eight papers examined in second and third year, you will graduate with a first if you get a first in four papers or more. All the London colleges adopt this grading system for law.

Simple as this may sound, do not be deceived. It is awfully hard to get a first in any one paper, let itself in four! I have seen the statistics for all the London colleges in the past five years, the numbers of firsts at all colleges range over the years and across the colleges between 1% - 10%.

So you can guarantee a first by the 2nd year then? (in theory)

Reply 9

6

Lawz-

Well - lets put it this way - people hardly EVER get above a 75 - a 70 is a first... no one EVER gets an 80 and above.

Oh I have!! But sadly only once...ever!! :-)

Reply 10

4

lawgrad

Oh I have!! But sadly only once...ever!! :-)

In which subject?

Reply 11

6

Lottelo

So you can guarantee a first by the 2nd year then? (in theory)

Yes, but that is extremely rare. I was the only person in my year to get firsts in all four papers - and that was almost surely with some luck!! (not showing off here by the way....just to explain the statistical rarity). I only know of one other law student at UCL who got firsts in all four papers during her second year - she was from the year above me.

Reply 12

6

UCL_Law

In which subject?

Get ready to laugh your lungs out - Introduction to Law!! HAHAHAHAHA.

Reply 13

4

Wow, I got my worst mark in that in my first year! lol Didn't give it much respect, but then it didn't feel like it deserved it, glad they've changed it.

Oh and I've just worked out who you are! lol

Reply 14

6

UCL_Law

Wow, I got my worst mark in that in my first year! lol Didn't give it much respect, but then it didn't feel like it deserved it, glad they've changed it.

Oh and I've just worked out who you are! lol

Well for goodness sake, be discreet about it (seriously)! :-) lol

PM me to let me know who you are...if you don't mind.

Reply 15

4

Don't worry, I won't say! (Actually is there bribing potential here?! lol) And there's no way you know me, so my name would mean nothing to you.

Reply 16

6

UCL_Law

Don't worry, I won't say! (Actually is there bribing potential here?! lol) And I'm not in one of your tutor groups, so my name would mean nothing to you.

SShhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Reply 17

4

What'd I say?!!

Reply 18

14

lawgrad

Oh I have!! But sadly only once...ever!! :-)

Really? Congrats - my teacher used to grade out of 80 ... so it was pretty much impossible....

I once got 78... a 76 and 75 ... but nothing in the 80s ... I dont think I know of anyone who has outside of you! :biggrin:

Reply 19