• Between 90 and 95 per cent of all MA students at the University of Oslo get an A, B or C on their exams, according to a report from the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions.
• External examiners from the University of Oslo give better marks than national external examiners, according to the same report.

In a report from the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions (UHR), it has been revealed that 90-95 per cent get one of the three top marks when they pass the MA exam at the University of Oslo (UiO). Several national external examiners think that too large a percentage receive an A, B or C when more than two thirds of students end up with these marks. In other words, UiO is far above the level recommended by the national examiners. Over time marks are supposed to be divided in the following way: A: 10%, B: 25%, C: 30 %, D: 25 %, and E: 10 %.

The same report presents a survey carried out by UHR that shows deviations between marks set by national external examiners and those set by ordinary examiners connected to the universities. The national examiners set stricter marks in 46 of the 95 cases included in the survey.

Too much contact?

Per Manne, a member of the analysis group at UHR, believes that one cannot come to a clear conclusion when it comes to the deviations between national and ordinary examiners, as the investigations that were carried out were merely random samples.

- However, the analysis group has discussed whether the supervisor should be part of the examination commission. The supervisor and the student have a close working relationship, so it can be difficult to set a weak mark, even though this would be the right thing to do professionally.

The survey also shows variations in marks between subjects. It is a problem when such varying practices occur, because then one no longer knows what a mark stands for, says Manne.

- People with backgrounds from different subjects are competing for the same jobs, for admission to the same study programmes and for PhD scholarships. It is important that the mark scale is used in the same way everywhere.

- A headache

In UiO’s report on the quality of study for 2007, which was put forward to the University Board this summer, it is clear that the faculties are aware of the fact that MA marks at UiO deviate from the norm. The faculties want measures from the university administration, and wonder how to handle this problem.

Monica Bakken, Director of Academic Affairs at UiO, points to the fact that it is natural for MA students to have higher marks than BA students, as a selection has already taken place.

The Ministry of Education and Research has made it clear that the university needs to cut down on the excess of good marks, but according to Bakken they do not say how this should be done.

- The Ministry of Education and Research keeps putting the ball back in our court. There is not much sympathy to be had from their side, she states.

- Where does UiO stand with regards to the survey that shows that national examiners are stricter than ordinary examiners?

-The survey is based on limited evidence, and we must take a closer look at the report in order to determine what we should deal with and how we should do this.

- Do you think that supervisors might be afraid of giving weak marks due to the close working relationship they have had with the MA student?

- We are aware of this problem, and several academic environments have taken steps to prevent such suspicions. We must continue to focus on this.