Turning Your Dissertation From a 2:2 into a 2:1

How to Improve Your Dissertation: Go From a 2:2 to a 2:1

Understanding Marking Criteria

When you begin your undergraduate coursework, you are (or should be) provided with the marking criteria that will be used to assess your work. By the time you reach your dissertation, these same basic judgements still apply. While tutors and lecturers have some discretion, and your dissertation will be marked by more than one person, the fundamental criteria remain consistent at every level.

The Difference Between a 2:2 and 2:1

The gap between a 2:2 (50–59%) and a 2:1 (60–69%) can be as little as 2%. However, in practice, your work is marked interpretively, so to ensure you move up a grade, you should aim for a comfortable margin, not just a borderline improvement.

Logical Steps to Improvement

To raise your grade, consider how you can improve in each of the applicable criteria. Before starting your dissertation, review the marking criteria and identify where the differences between a 2:2 and a 2:1 lie. Both require:

• Understanding of the question.
• Identifying the major themes.
• Developing a well-structured argument.
• Including supplementary evidence from primary texts, correctly referenced.
• A strong conclusion.
• A bibliography using your institution’s referencing style.

If these seem standard, that’s good—success depends on expanding each of these requirements.

Key Differences: Depth of Research and Quality of Analysis

The main distinctions between a 2:2 and a 2:1 are:

• Depth of research.
• Quality of analysis.

Focus on enhancing your research and analytical skills. Your research and analysis must be seamlessly integrated into your argument. To achieve a 2:1, you should:

• Make your points cogently.
• Demonstrate reading beyond the required texts.
• Use credible sources, such as bibliographies from primary texts.

Analyse evidence critically, ensuring it informs your argument and is never separate from your central themes.

What a 2:1 Dissertation Demonstrates

A 2:1 dissertation reflects a deeper level of thought than a 2:2. Most respected universities require at least a 2:1 for postgraduate research. Within the 2:1 range, aim for 65–69% to be secure in your grade. To do this, you must show:

• The ability to develop an argument and anticipate challenges to it.
• Reading that goes beyond the basics, both in breadth and coherence.
• Analysis that adds to your argument and develops your thinking.
• A conclusion that synthesises wide-ranging yet focused thought, not just summarising your argument.

Remember, a 2:1 grade reflects the excellence of your academic institution as much as your own, so it is not awarded lightly—but that is what makes it valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turning a 2:2 Dissertation into a 2:1

What are the main differences between a 2:2 and a 2:1 dissertation?

• Depth of Research: A 2:1 dissertation demonstrates broader and more comprehensive research, going beyond the minimum requirements.
• Quality of Analysis: There is a stronger, more critical analysis of sources and arguments in a 2:1 dissertation.
• Cohesion and Structure: Arguments are better structured and more logically developed in a 2:1.
• Use of Evidence: Evidence is integrated effectively and consistently supports the main argument.
• Conclusion: Conclusions are not just summaries, but syntheses that reflect on the implications and significance of the research.

How can I improve my research to move from a 2:2 to a 2:1?

• Expand Your Reading: Go beyond the reading list and consult a wider range of credible sources.
• Consult Primary Sources: Use original research, data, or texts wherever possible.
• Review Bibliographies: Look at the bibliographies of key texts to identify further relevant literature.
• Stay Current: Include recent studies and developments in your field.

What should I focus on in my analysis?

• Critical Engagement: Don’t just describe—analyse and critique the arguments and evidence.
• Link Back to Your Question: Ensure every point you make relates directly to your research question.
• Anticipate Counterarguments: Address possible challenges to your argument to show depth of understanding.

How important is referencing and academic style?

• Consistency: Use your institution’s required referencing style throughout.
• Accuracy: Double-check all citations and bibliography entries.
• Academic Tone: Maintain a formal, objective, and precise writing style.

What are common mistakes that keep dissertations at a 2:2?

• Superficial Analysis: Relying on description rather than critical evaluation.
• Limited Research: Using only the most obvious or easily available sources.
• Weak Structure: Poorly organised arguments that do not flow logically.
• Neglecting the Conclusion: Failing to synthesise findings or reflect on their significance.

What practical steps can I take to boost my grade?

• Review the Marking Criteria: Identify exactly what differentiates a 2:2 from a 2:1 in your department.
• Seek Feedback: Ask your supervisor or peers for feedback on drafts.
• Plan and Structure: Create a detailed outline before writing.
• Proofread: Carefully check for errors in grammar, spelling, and referencing before submission.

Other Guides in this Series

• How to Turn a Dissertation from a 2:2 into a 2:1
• How to Turn a Dissertation from a 2:1 into a First Class
• How to Turn a Dissertation from a First Class into an Upper First Class

References for Improving Your Dissertation To Go From 2:2 to 2:1

• Chowdhury, N. (2025) How to Write a First-Class Dissertation in the UK. LinkedIn. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-write-first-class-dissertation-theuk-nasif-chowdhury-nlffc [Accessed 9 July 2025].
• Ivory Research (n.d.) 5 Ways To Improve Your Dissertation from a 2:2 (C) to a 2:1 (B) Grade. Available at: https://www.ivoryresearch.com/library/other-articles/5-ways-to-improve-your-dissertation/ [Accessed 9 July 2025].
• Ivory Research (n.d.) How to Improve Your Dissertation From a 2:1 (B) to a 1st (A) Grade. Available at: https://www.ivoryresearch.com/library/dissertation-articles/improving-your-dissertation-a-grade/ [Accessed 9 July 2025].
• Royal Holloway, University of London (n.d.) Dissertation – Marking Criteria. Available at: https://intranet.royalholloway.ac.uk/mathematics/informationforcurrentstudents/msc/dissertation-markingcriteria.aspx [Accessed 9 July 2025].
• University of Cambridge (n.d.) Marking Criteria Optional Dissertation (HML). Available at: https://www.mmll.cam.ac.uk/files/hml_dissertation_marking_criteria.pdf [Accessed 9 July 2025].
• University of West London (n.d.) Tips for completing your dissertation. Available at: https://www.uwl.ac.uk/current-students/support-students/study-support/how-to-prepare-for-your-assessments [Accessed 9 July 2025].