Considering the UK honours degree classification system 11

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

The study • Ways of recording and measuring undergraduate and other qualifications • Comparative study – International degrees - 11 – UK qualifications - 10 • 21 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 Ch. B) 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 • j. denholm@criticalthinking. co. uk