Unlocking Distinction: Top 6 tips for achieveing distinction on assessments at Bristol

Achieving a Distinction score is something that many students strive for. Yet, this is not a simple task. A smart and specific strategy will help you maximize your chances of conquering Distinction points. This blog post will detail the six strategies I used to get Distinction in the first semester modules of my master's degree program.?

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1. Get ready for your lessons in advance?

Dedicate a solid 2-3 hours before class to quickly go through the key material that will be covered, ensuring to thoroughly read all the documents labeled as "essential". If you have some spare time, you might want to check out some additional documents that are labeled as "recommended" to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding. When you're going through documents, make sure to mark and highlight the sections that you find challenging or that pique your curiosity. This way, you will have some great talking points to bring up with your teacher during class and delve deeper into the topic.?

2.?? Avoid sitting at the back of the class?

Sitting at the back of the class can hinder your ability to hear the teacher clearly, limit your opportunities to engage with the teacher, and increase the likelihood of losing focus. Here's a helpful tip: make it a habit to arrive about 15 minutes early for class and try choosing a central location and sitting near the front row of desks. This way, you will be able to focus better on listening to lectures and have more chances to interact with your lecturers.?

3.?? Attend office hours?

In addition to classroom lectures, lecturers often have a fixed office hour where students can come and ask questions. You should take advantage of this chance to ask the lecturers further questions regarding the topics covered in class and get clarification on anything you do not understand clearly.?

4.?? Effectively manage your assessment time?

Try to set a deadline for yourself about one week earlier than the actual due date of the assessment. Taking the time to carefully review your assignment before submitting it will help you avoid the last-minute rush and ensure a polished final product. In addition, it is important to break down the different tasks involved in the assessment and set aside dedicated time to complete each one. This will help you manage your assignment's progress more effectively.?

5.?? Study smarter, not harder?

If you're putting in the effort to “study hard” but not seeing the desired results, it might be time to evaluate if you are “studying smart” as well. Here are a few factors you should consider:?

• Do you clearly understand the learning outcomes of this module??
• Do you clearly understand the marking criteria for this module? How much of your assignment meets those requirements??
• Does the tone, structure, grammar, punctuation, referencing, etc. in your assignment satisfy the grading teacher's requirements??

All of these elements are clearly shown in the unit handbook as well as in the teachers' lectures. Therefore, you must carefully read the unit handbook, assessment criteria and pay attention to the teacher's instructions in lectures. This will provide you with a clear roadmap of what is expected from you and guide your efforts accordingly.?

6.?? Practice critical thinking?

Unlike the bachelor's degree, students at the master's level are expected to incorporate critical thinking skills into their work. In order to truly excel in their work, you should go beyond just describing, analyzing, and applying theory. You need to critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and contradictions of the theories you employ. So, it is important to remember that not all theories taught in class or found in books are completely accurate. Always consider, analyze, and evaluate both the strengths and limitations of every piece of knowledge you come across.?

In conclusion, there will be challenges along the way to distinction, but they may be conquered by those who are determined, resilient, and have a growth mindset. Therefore, always keep yourself motivated, have faith in your ability, and remember to celebrate your progress along the way. Moreover, keep in mind that the quality of your learning and the progress you make are more important indicators of success than your final grade. Best of luck on your academic endeavors!?

This article was written by Thuy Hang Tran , who is a Postgraduate student at the University of Bristol studying Marketing.