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

2. The study Ways of recording and measuring undergraduate and other qualifications Comparative study –International degrees - 11 –UK qualifications - 10 21 different systems and methods

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

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

10. Any questions? Jane W Denholm j.denholm@criticalthinking.co.uk