Degree Classification
Bev Thomas • 2 June 2016
One question I am being asked ... Just what is a BA Hons exactly?
Since returning to study and finally Graduating with what has been a dream of mine to complete, I now find myself anticipating my final mark. As of writing this blog, I still do not know what my results are but I know what I set out to achieve. Yep I set myself a goal! The results are set to be sent through the post, anytime during the month of June. Since nearly Graduating I find a number of people, who have not studied a BA Honours Degree/level 6, asking just what is a 1st or a 2nd? So I felt that writing this blog might help clear up some unanswered questions. Nearly all students will be awarded a degree with honours at the end of their course, providing they complete the necessary modules that are required. If a student is awarded a pass degree (i.e. a degree without honours) this is usually because they have failed the honours examination, or significant parts of it.
Most Universities award a class of degree based on an average mark, (this average mark is attained from all of the student's completed modules). Classification is then given, you may hear words like a 1st
or a 2:1
, 2:2, 3rd.
- First-Class Honours In Most Universities a First-Class Honours is the highest honour which can be achieved. A minority of universities award First-Class Honours with Distinction. A First-Class Honours or 1st is awarded when you gain 70% and above.
- Second-Class Honours The bulk of university graduates fall into second-Class Honours, which is sub-divided into Upper Second-Class and Lower Second-Class. An Upper Second-Class Honours or 2:1 is an overall grade between 60-70%. A Lower Second-Class Honours or 2:2 is between 50 60%.
- Third-Class Honours is the lowest honours classification. A Third-Class Honours or 3rd is a grade between 40 - 50%.
- An Ordinary degree or pass below 40%.
- A Fail
is no degree awarded.
I am really glad I returned to study after gaining my HND many years ago and I have made many new friends who are anticipating their results to in the next few weeks. Our Degree show comes to an end soon therefore I will be uploading the images of my self-portraits, so be sure to keep following.
'In the meantime keep following your dreams , my blog and instagram'
Bev x
Firstly, I must apologise the lack of updates on this blog but then again who actually reads? Times have been up and down to say the least, and that has played with my mental well being, especially when it has come to my photographic practice. For many years, I have concentrated on giving 100% to my passion and this is my source of income as a professional photographer. However, the pandemic has made me stop and think about sustainability within the photographic industry and just what is it all about and for what?
Photographs are not just images; they are physical artifacts. The physical form of the photographic image, prescribed by prevailing technology, determines what can be photographed, how it can be displayed or published, how it can be encountered by others, how it can circulate through public culture.
I wanted to introduce the toy photography work that I am involved with. This is a collaboration with the wonderful team over at Stuck in Plastic (SiP Link) .
Having grown up in the 70’s, I thought I could find some old photographs from this time in my life but sadly, I have been unable to locate any and that makes me recall little moments that stand out in my vivid memory which helps me write this post.
In the search for the ideal image it became evident that I had seen everything before and I wanted to produce something different. My intent was to take image manipulation further away from the real but I was also aware this could come with some critic good or bad.
Having successfully completed my MA, I began to turn my focus on reflecting over my time at Falmouth University’s Institute of Photography. What became very evident is that my work is now informed and my intent is clearer than it was.
Welcome to the very first post of my new blog. On the contrary, I am familiar with writing blogs and I had initially decided to continue writing regular posts on my Photographic Critical Research Journal , to which I started writing at the beginning of my Masters degree at Falmouth University’s Institute of Photography.
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue ... well there was nothing blue about this amazing wedding, it was pink and full of fun and laughter. I met Kayleigh two years ago when she started wedding planning, turned out that I know her mother and father very well but as the years went by our connections had gone in different directions. But I always knew they were a special couple who if ever my family needed them that they would be there for us, so as you can imagine I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to capture their daughters wedding day. The Bride & Groom chose a beautiful location, the hotel is called Wolfscastle Country Hotel otherwise known as "All yr Afon" https://wolfscastle.com located just 15 minutes from Haverfordwest, in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside and 9 miles from our stunning Pembrokeshire coast. I arrived at 11.30am in order to get some prep photographs of Kayleigh's shoes etc and the bride and bridesmaids getting ready. When I arrived everyone was so calm and ready to go, the bridesmaids hair and make-ups were completed and they were in their dresses ready. Wearing sparkly rose gold gowns they looked stunning. The bride was still getting ready with finishing touches being adjusted. She wore a stunning wedding gown with a cathedral train made from tulle. The flowers were made by Flowers by Quita, they incorporated vintage roses and peonies. Everyone was in high spirits. Not only was it Kayleigh and Mark's wedding day but they were both celebrating birthdays. I completed what I need to do then myself and Gill, my assistant headed downstairs to capture the groom. I had not met Mark at any of the appointment prior to the big day, so once I found him I introduced myself and to be honest, I felt like I already knew him. He had just finished formalities with the Registra and checking that the best men had the all important wedding rings. The video guys were ready, I was ready and Kayleigh was ready ... 12.20pm Kayleigh was descending down the stairs with her father, that was an emotional moment. She had given him a pair of cuff links which read 'of all the walks we have had, this one is my favourite' such a lovely moment to treasure forever. 12.30pm Mark was patiently waiting for his beautiful bride, and there she was standing in the doorway ready to met her husband to be. The ceremony was perfect and a kiss seals the the forever moment when the Registra pronounces Kayleigh & Mark as Husband & Wife, Mr & Mrs Williams.
Since starting my MA program, I am required to keep a critical research journal in the form of a written document, so I have created another blog on Wordpress which I will continue to update on a regular basis. I have completed the first module and I am now looking at the second module. This blog at https://beverleythomasphotographydotcodotuk.wordpress.com is being made as part of an accredited educational programme.
