Considering the UK honours degree classification system Jane W Denholm Director Critical Thinking 11 May 2004

The study Ways of recording and measuring undergraduate and other qualifications Comparative study –International degrees - 11 –UK qualifications different systems and methods

Framework for analysis Three themes: Method of assessment Nature of award Role of assessment

Methodology Literature review –limited information available –obscure/partial Interviews –potentially subjective –potentially sectarian –potential for misunderstandings/misinterpretations –opinions useful

Coverage: UK –The UK honours degree –Scottish medical degree (MB ChB) –Scottish National Qualifications –Scottish Higher National Qualifications –City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma/Master Professional Diploma –City & Guilds Technical Certificate –SVQs –Foundation degrees –A levels

Coverage: International Transcripts USA Australia Germany Italy Sweden Norway Denmark Hungary Ireland

Findings: Assessment (Almost) all higher education systems are national Few use UK degree classification Widespread use of 3/4/5-point scale Distinguishing excellence Differentiating components Cumulative assessment/final assessment

Findings: National Characteristics Role of thesis Oral exams National standards Lecturers’ judgement Consistent methods Resit policies Formative assessment

Conclusion No ‘magic bullet’ Consider the classification system Consider the method for calculating it Consider what change (if any) is necessary

Any questions? Jane W Denholm