Hi all - my first day on here and joined because I just received my results for my first semester and i'm not happy :-(

Would really like a distinction but need some tips. I havent studied for over 15 years and I must admit I did not put a massive effort into my semester 1 assignments, so this semester and next year and want to buck up my ideas. I work full time, study pt evenings 2 nights a week, so my time to study is very limited. Last semester, I'd do a little reading the day before (or day of) my class but other than that nothing, except when it was time to do an assignment. I dont think im naturally academic, but am use to getting grades in the 70s rather than 60s. Do you think my downfall is that I dont read enough...?

Where am I going wrong? Any tips for what is required to get a distinction in pg study?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You're probably falling down on essay writing technique/exam technique, especially if you haven't been in education for a while.

In my uni, to get a good grade the writing style needs to be clear, well laid out (lots of signposting) and importantly - to get above 70, needs to be critical, with a use of a wide range of evidence.

I'd suggest meeting up with one of the markers to go through one of your last assignments to see if you can improve your style.

I agree that technique is probably one area where you could use some advice from people in your department. There is a very particular way of writing academic prose - quite dense, with tight structure and focus. Worth getting detailed advice within your department if there's someone who can give it to you.

I'd also say that yes, if you want a distinction you need to read more. It's difficult when you're working, so the most important thing is being focused in the reading, picking things that give the best value for the time. That may be focusing mostly on the assignments, but it is worth following other areas that interest you too, when you have the time - I found that some of my highest marks came from making connections between ideas from different areas, rather than sticking rigidly to the latest things I was coming across. And that made me a better all-round student (and now researcher) too.

But also, don't beat yourself up about marks! My marks were much lower at the start of my Masters than they were at the end - I've heard it described as 'exit veolocity', where you're getting better at your subject as you get further into it (and closer to the end). If you're coming back to studying after a long break, I think this phenomenon tends to be even stronger!

I did find that reading more really was important during my own MA, as the more I read the more I was able to see the different ways in which a question could be approached. I think the expectation is that you will be able to draw together more themes and prespectives in a MA essay than was expected in undergrad essays, if that makes sense.

Dear all, thank you so much for your advice and comments, they have really encouraged me.

I spent all weekend reading (with breaks) and feel all the better and knowlegdeable for it! I have had feedback from one of my tutors who says my writing style, presentation & lay out is 'excellent' but I need to be more critical (as you said Sneaks) so im meeting her tomorrow to discuss HOW I can be more critical.

If any of you guys have any tips on analysing critically, that would be great.

Have a great day!

Hi

As a tutor in English for academic purposes on the side when I'm not PhDing, I get asked by many students how they can be more critical in their reading and writing. I've used a chapter from a Stella Cottrell study skills session in my classes and it's brilliant - it basically teaches you how to do it.

If you'd like me to email you the chapter, PM me your email address and I'll get it to you.

Hope that might help a bit and happy reading!

Hi Clarabelle - I have Stella's study skills book, first used it 17 years ago!!!! I have it to hand so will check out the chapter - could you tell me which chapter it is please?

you can take lot of study material online and many tips are available online you can go for it..