Undergraduate progression

The College follows the University Assessment Procedures described within the Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awards: Taught Programmes.

Progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2

In order to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2, the following criteria must be met:

  • A credit weighted average mark of 40% or more in the 120 credits studied at Stage 1;
  • The passing of at least 90 credits at Stage 1, and
  • The fulfillment of any additional requirements of the programme specification, and of any professional accrediting institution.

External Examiners will not normally be involved in the Stage 1 assessment process, except where consulted for advice in cases of failure.

The marks achieved in Stage 1 will not be taken into account in determining classification of any final award made in relation to the programme.

Progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3

In order to progress from Stage 2 to Stage 3, the following criteria must be met:

  • A credit weighted average mark of 40% or more in the 120 credits studied at Stage 2;
  • The passing of at least 90 credits at Stage 2, and
  • The fulfillment of any additional requirements of the programme specification, and of any professional accrediting institution.

To proceed to Stage 3 of the MSci programmes, candidates must normally have achieved a credit weighted average mark in Stage 2 of at least 60% (the requisite mark set in any one year will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Examiners). For MSci candidates who successfully achieve the general progression requirement for the Stage 2 assessment but who do not achieve the requisite credit weighted average mark for progression to Stage 3 of the MSci programme, a recommendation will be made to Faculty Board for transfer to an equivalent 360 credit BSc programme (with entry to an appropriate Stage in the subsequent academic year).

In the particular case of MSci programmes, if re-assessment cannot result, or does not result, in satisfying the requisite credit weighted average mark for progression to Stage 3 in that programme, then a recommendation will be made to Faculty Board to transfer to an equivalent 360 credit BSc programme (with entry to an appropriate Stage in the subsequent academic year).

External Examiners are involved in the Stage 2 assessment process.

The marks achieved in Stage 2 will be taken into account in determining classification of any final award made in relation to the programme.

Progression from Stage 3 to Stage 4 (MSci programmes and BSc programmes with an Industrial Placement)

In order to progress from Stage 3 to Stage 4, the following criteria must be met:

  • A credit weighted average mark of 40% or more in the 120 credits studied at Stage 3;
  • The passing of at least 90 credits at Stage 3, and
  • The fulfillment of any additional requirements of the programme specification, and of any professional accrediting institution.

External Examiners are involved in the Stage 3 assessment process.

The marks achieved in Stage 3 will be taken into account in determining classification of any final award made in relation to the programme.

Summative assessment (BSc)

The Summative Assessment determines the award given for the programme and the classification of that award.

Award of a BSc Honours Degree in the Summative Assessment requires:

  • A credit weighted average mark of 40% or more in the 120 credits studied in the final stage,
  • The passing of at least 90 credits at the final Stage, and
  • The fulfilment of any additional requirements of the programme specification, and of any professional accrediting institution.

Summative Assessment (MSci)

For candidates who commenced Stage 1 of their degree in or before the academic year 2012/13:

The award of a MSci Honours degree in the Summative Assessment requires:

  • A credit weighted average mark of 40% or more in the 120 credits studied in the final Stage;
  • The passing of at least 90 credits at the final Stage, and
  • The fulfilment of any additional requirements of the programme specification, and of any professional accrediting institution.

For candidates who commenced Stage 1 of their degree in or after the academic year 2013/14:

The award of a MSci Honours degree in the Summative Assessment requires:

  • A credit weighted average mark of 50% or more in the 120 credits studied in the final Stage;
  • The passing of at least 90 credits at the final Stage, and
  • The fulfilment of any additional requirements of the programme specification, and of any professional accrediting institution.

The total credits taken throughout the course of the degree programme will include:

MSci integrated masters programmes: a total of 480 credits to include up to 150 credits at level 4 (normally 120 credits), and not less than 210 credits at level 6 or higher, of which not less than 120 must be at level M

BSc (Hons) programmes: a total of 360 credits to include up to 150 credits at level 4 (normally 120 credits) and not less than 90 credits at level 6.

All decisions of the Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee (APAC) are subject to approval by Faculty Board, and formal minutes will be kept of all meetings of APACs.