Question Author
Sorry to be blunt but I have been long enough at this game (degree) to not be already aware of everything the two replies contained. I realise it is futile to complain about people supplying their value judgments when factual information is sought - it is one of the pleasures of this website after all - but please if anyone has any factual information, it would be appreciated. My original posting did not (intentionally) give sufficient background so the responses I have received are only tangentially relevant to my specific circumstances. The fact that no two lecturers give the same grade is only partially correct. Whilst marking is an art, not a science, there are external boards who doublemark random samples to ensure marking is uniform across not just one uni, but the whole country, and lecturers do get feedback about how accurate their marking is. So getting a second opinion should indeed mean no major surprises. I do not wish to go into my specific circumstances but I have now completed 28 modules (some were exams, some were coursework), I only have two modules left to do (next year) to graduate, and this is only the second time I have felt the need to have a second opinion, and if I can find a way (for ex. an examination board willing to oblige, for a fee perhaps) then I shall jolly well do so.