I started my MA Social Work in September. For my undergraduate I got a 2:1 so was not too worried about the essay side of things but I am really struggling! For my first essay I failed it and had to re-do it (which I passed). Failing this essay caused me to really pull my socks up for the second and I worked really hard on it. I just got the mark back and I got 50%, which is the min passed mark. I am quite upset by this, my peers seem to be in the 60's and above percentage wise but I just do not seem to be getting there. I am starting to feel that my passing and qualifying is constantly on a knife edge and I am seriously stressed. I have not read the feedback yet for my latest assignment as I am on placement at the moment and I have not been able to go in and collect my essay. Can anyone offer me any words of advice as to how to bump up the marks for my future assignments?
Hiya,
Have you been given module outlines or course outlines that tell you the marking criteria and learning objectives etc? We had these for each of our modules and they were helpful in knowing what we were required to demonstrate through writing.
The main difference between undergrad and postgrad seems to be critical analysis. At undergrad level we were expected to show knowledge and understanding, but at postgrad it has been about critically unpicking all information and all of our thoughts. ie: don't just apply a theory, explain all the thinking behind the choice and the pros and cons of the theory being applied to the situation.
And use current research where possible to explore the issues you discuss, as it keeps things up to date.