I failed a paper, should I retake the course?
Mar 04, 2007
Dear Jamesa,<br>I did a BA Social Sciences degree at Makerere University, 1999-2002 . However, I did not finish the course and I have never graduated because I failed one paper. I re-sat the paper three times, but still failed it. I got discouraged, disappointed and sat back. Nevertheless, I manage
Dear Jamesa,
I did a BA Social Sciences degree at Makerere University, 1999-2002 . However, I did not finish the course and I have never graduated because I failed one paper. I re-sat the paper three times, but still failed it. I got discouraged, disappointed and sat back. Nevertheless, I managed to get a job and I am now working. In spite of this, I am worried because I do not have a degree. I cannot go back to Makerere University to repeat the whole course since I work upcountry and my job is very demanding. I have been thinking of doing an online course that can enable me earn another degree in a short time. I am confused and I need your guidance.
Herbert
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Dear Herbert,
It must be disappointing and disheartening to fail a paper three times. You need to note that different universities have different policies that regulate examinations.
Makerere University’s examination policy holds that students who fail a paper three times are discontinued.
The discontinuation on the grounds of academic incompetence is done by issuance of a letter.
After issuing such a letter, the university, through the office of the Academic Registrar, bars the student from sitting for that paper again. The grades attained earlier in the programme are lost and the degree has to be abandoned.
Even after discontinuation, the university does not bar you from applying afresh to pursue another degree programme, different from your initial programme. This means you have to begin afresh and study for three years like any other fresh applicant.
How was your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for the semesters you studied? Students who score CGPA that is lower than 2.00 for three consecutive semesters are also discontinued.
Whichever the case, if you consider the option of applying afresh, you are free to apply for any other programme except BA Social Sciences.
Doing an online degree programme would be a viable option only if you establish a credible institution that offers recognised online degrees.
Your decision on this is also determined by the cost that such study entails.
Let us explore distance learning as an option:
- Distance education: Apart from some two weeks of face-to-face orientation and tutorials in the course of the semester, distance learning gives you flexible time to study as you work. Since the study programme requires that you do most of the work on your own, you have to be disciplined and work harder than a full-time student.
Institutions offering distance education:
- Makerere University, Institute of Adult and Continuing Education offers Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Commerce degrees.
- Kyambogo University, Faculty of Education, department of distance education offers a Bachelor of Education degree programme.
- Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi has different undergraduate programmes through distance education.
Visit any of the above mentioned universities and find more information about a programme that meets your needs. Having a job might be consoling, but without proper qualifications you are headed for tough times in the long run.
Going back to the university for another three years might appear tiresome, but failure to do so will place you in a very risky position. Spending part of your salary on your education is not wastage of money, but an investment whose dividends will pay off later. Think about the best option depending on your circumstances, but bear in mind that there are short cuts in education or career growth.
Send your questions to
Education Vision
P.O. BOX 9815, Kampala or
jwagwau@newvision.co.ug
I did a BA Social Sciences degree at Makerere University, 1999-2002 . However, I did not finish the course and I have never graduated because I failed one paper. I re-sat the paper three times, but still failed it. I got discouraged, disappointed and sat back. Nevertheless, I managed to get a job and I am now working. In spite of this, I am worried because I do not have a degree. I cannot go back to Makerere University to repeat the whole course since I work upcountry and my job is very demanding. I have been thinking of doing an online course that can enable me earn another degree in a short time. I am confused and I need your guidance.
Herbert
Â
Dear Herbert,
It must be disappointing and disheartening to fail a paper three times. You need to note that different universities have different policies that regulate examinations.
Makerere University’s examination policy holds that students who fail a paper three times are discontinued.
The discontinuation on the grounds of academic incompetence is done by issuance of a letter.
After issuing such a letter, the university, through the office of the Academic Registrar, bars the student from sitting for that paper again. The grades attained earlier in the programme are lost and the degree has to be abandoned.
Even after discontinuation, the university does not bar you from applying afresh to pursue another degree programme, different from your initial programme. This means you have to begin afresh and study for three years like any other fresh applicant.
How was your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for the semesters you studied? Students who score CGPA that is lower than 2.00 for three consecutive semesters are also discontinued.
Whichever the case, if you consider the option of applying afresh, you are free to apply for any other programme except BA Social Sciences.
Doing an online degree programme would be a viable option only if you establish a credible institution that offers recognised online degrees.
Your decision on this is also determined by the cost that such study entails.
Let us explore distance learning as an option:
- Distance education: Apart from some two weeks of face-to-face orientation and tutorials in the course of the semester, distance learning gives you flexible time to study as you work. Since the study programme requires that you do most of the work on your own, you have to be disciplined and work harder than a full-time student.
Institutions offering distance education:
- Makerere University, Institute of Adult and Continuing Education offers Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Commerce degrees.
- Kyambogo University, Faculty of Education, department of distance education offers a Bachelor of Education degree programme.
- Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi has different undergraduate programmes through distance education.
Visit any of the above mentioned universities and find more information about a programme that meets your needs. Having a job might be consoling, but without proper qualifications you are headed for tough times in the long run.
Going back to the university for another three years might appear tiresome, but failure to do so will place you in a very risky position. Spending part of your salary on your education is not wastage of money, but an investment whose dividends will pay off later. Think about the best option depending on your circumstances, but bear in mind that there are short cuts in education or career growth.
Send your questions to
Education Vision
P.O. BOX 9815, Kampala or
jwagwau@newvision.co.ug