Award classifications

The College observes the standard University Assessment Procedures, which set out the detailed rules by which a candidate's eligibility for a particular award is judged, and the classification of that award. Awards are determined by the College Assessment, Progression and Awarding Committee based on the overall level of performance as indicated by the marks submitted to the Committee

The information presented here should be read in conjunction with Chapter 9 (Classification of Awards) of the University's Handbook for Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes.

Undergraduate degree awards

This section outlines the conventions used to determine classification of the award of undergraduate degrees.

The marks achieved at stage 1 (for the first 120 credits of a programme) do not count towards classification or award. The weighting of all other stages contribute to the final weighted mark as follows:

  • 3 year undergraduate programme: The credit-weighted mean of the second and third stages weighted 1:2.
  • 4 year undergraduate programme with year abroad/placement in stage 3: The credit-weighted mean of the second, third and fourth stages weighted 2:1:4.
  • 4 year undergraduate integrated masters programme: The credit-weighted mean of the second, third and fourth stages weighted 2:3:4

Rules for classification of undergraduate degrees

This section presents the conventions used to determine classification of undergraduate Bachelors and Integrated Masters awards. The rules are applied in descending order.

Qualifies for First Class Honours A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 69.50%

or

A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 50% of stage weighted credits with a module mark greater than or equal to 69.50%

Qualifies for Upper Second Class Honours A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 59.50%

or

A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 50% of stage weighted credits with a module mark greater than or equal to 59.50%

Qualifies for Lower Second Class Honours A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 49.50%

or

A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 50% of stage weighted credits with a module mark greater than or equal to 49.50%

Qualifies for Third Class Honours A final weighted mark greater than or equal to 39.50%
Pass/Fail threshold for the programme The pass / fail threshold for the programme is a final weighted mark of 39.50%

Postgraduate taught degree awards

A Masters degree is awarded when a student gains a total of 180 credits including at least 150 at Level 7, on a designated programme.

A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded when a student gains a total of 120 credits including at least 90 at Level 7 on a designated programme.

A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded when a student gains a total of 60 credits including at least 45 at Level 7 on a designated programme.

Rules for classification of postgraduate taught degrees

This section presents the conventions used to determine classification of the award of postgraduate taught degrees of Masters, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. The rules are applied in descending order.

Qualifies for Distinction Award A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to

69.50%

or

A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to

68.00% and modules to the value of at least 50% with a module mark greater than or equal to 69.50%

Qualifies for Merit Award A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to

59.50%

or

A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to

58.00% and modules to the value of at least 50% with a module mark greater than or equal to 59.50%

Overall pass mark A final credit-weighted mark greater than or equal to

49.50%

Pass/Fail threshold for the programme The pass / fail threshold for the programme is an average of 49.50%