Hey,

I'm doing a Master's degree in English literature at a British university. I just completed all my two semesters with only a dissertation left to do, so my grade average without my dissertation mark at the moment is 68%. I didn't get any As in all of the modules I took and really want to graduate with a distinction. I'm just wondering if I try to get an A in my dissertation and have my overall of 68-9%, would the university consider lifting me up to a distinction?

I know that in undergrad in the UK, if you get 68% overall and several firsts (especially in your dissertation) in your final year, the uni will consider giving you a first.

I suggest you check the degree regulations. They'll specify exactly what you need to do to get a Distinction.

With my MSc in Statistics, the requirements were 70%+ in 2/3 of the modules, including the dissertation, for a Distinction, 60%-69% average overall for a Merit and 50%-59% average overall for a Pass.

I think the regulations are only guidelines.
In order to ensure parity with previous years, grade boundaries can and do move around. 70% may not be enough. Conversely 68% might be enough in some years. It works like this at school level too.
Someone here who is involved in marking might be able to clarify but I think I am right here.

Hello. It is still possible. In most Master programs, the dissertation weights around quarter of the whole credit. If you get a distinction at dissertation, it could also mean 75% or 80% not necessarly 70%.
An example of calculation for Master with 120 ECTS (European credit transfer system, some sort of credit hours)
if you have (90 ECTS * 68 % + 76% * 30 ECTS)/ 120 ECTS = 70%
Moreover, like pm133 said, the marks are averaged and 68% might be a distinction in its own.
All the best

Thank you so much for all your replies, they really help me stay positive!!