How do I pass a module?

You need to get 40% or more overall to pass a module and accumulate the credits towards your degree. You do not need to pass each test and exam separately, but you need to average 40% or more across the whole module. Lots of marks of 40% will bring you a lower classification for your degree, however.

What happens if I fail a module?

If you fail a module by getting less than the pass mark of 40%, you may still pass the module via condonement, which may be given if your average mark for the stage is 40% or over. You can only get up to a maximum of 30 credits of condonement in one year. However at level 1 all modules on the NSC programmes are non-condonable so the procedures for condonement only apply to optional modules in future years.

If you fail a module for the first time, and it is not condoned, then you will be offered a chance to re-sit the exam or CA. This is called being referred. These referred exams normally take place in the summer vacation and you will have to return to Exeter to take them and pay an administrative fee.

If you fail a module for the second time, then you may well have to take the whole module again or take another different module to pick up your credits.

How will I find out how I have done in a test or an exam?

It is the University's aim that all Course Assessment tests will be marked and returned within three term weeks of you taking them. If the test was a written test, then you will get your paper back with some written feedback. You will be able to view your marks using iExeter once the module has been completed, but this may not show all of them if there are lots of components to the overall CA. You are welcome to contact the lecturer to find out more about your marks.

We aim to publish the exam marks within 4 weeks after the examinations. For students in Stages 1, 2 and 3, you will be invited to meet with your Personal tutor at a convenient time to discuss your scripts and the feedback sheets. Please note that these meetings will not be immediately after the exams as there are a lot of scripts to sort! Exam scripts for levels 1, 2 and 3 are retained by the University and may not be copied.

Essay exams are marked against a set of marking criteria and you should look at these carefully before taking any exams, as they will tell you what your markers are looking for. After you get your marks, match them against the criteria so that you can see where you need to improve. Discuss your performance with your Personal Tutor. Marking criteria for each module are on ELE.

What kind of degree will I get, and how is it calculated?

Honours degrees require 360 credits (480 for 4-year programmes) and are awarded at various standards: first class (³70%), upper second class (³ 60%), lower second class (³50%) and third class (³40%). An ordinary degree can be awarded for 300 passed credits.

For the BSc programme assessment at Stage 1 does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for Stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2, respectively.

For the MSci programme assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for Stages 2, 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 2:3:4 respectively. At the end of stage 3, you may be permitted to exit with a BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences provided that you have achieved 360 credits in total, you have taken no more than 150 credits at level 4 and at least 90 credits at level 6 or 7. If you do exit with a BSc (Hons) the award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively. to progress to Stage 3 of the MSci you must achieve an average mark of at least 60% across Stages 1-2, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences.

How will I find out my exam results?

Students at Stages 1 and 2 will get a full breakdown of exam results from either their Personal Tutor or via their SRS portal. Students at Stage 3 will be able to find out their degree classes after the meeting of the examination board (the date will be well publicised). Natural Sciences will endeavour to make marks available via the SRS system as soon as possible after the Exam Boards. After graduation, the University will provide students with complete transcripts, including marks for all modules at all levels. Subsequent copies of transcripts may be obtained from the University website on payment of a fee. Please note that Natural Sciences will not post results to individual students except in exceptional circumstances.

Where are the full rules about exams, credits and degree classes?

Natural Sciences treatment of assessments, exams, the award of credit and the determination of degree classes is described in our Exam Conventions. You can read these on the intranet pages. Here you can find everything you will possibly need to know about University examination process.

What do I do if I am unhappy with my marks?

If you cannot understand the marks you have received in a particular module or feel that the marks that you got are unfair, then you should go and see the lecturer in charge of that module, i.e. the Module Co-ordinator. You can also discuss the matter with your Personal Tutor.

If you are unhappy with the class of degree that you are awarded at the end of your programme, then you must act quickly. You will probably want to discuss the matter with your Personal Tutor, who will normally be available in their office after the results are released. If you feel there are special circumstances that have not already been considered by Natural Sciences in awarding your degree, then you will need to follow the formal appeals procedures. All such appeals must be lodged within ten days of the release of results with Info at Peter Chalk. Procedures concerning academic appeals are covered in the University Calendar.

Other Information

Details of examination procedures and dates of the Exam Boards are displayed on noticeboards well in advance of the examination period. The University will not accept appeals against degree classifications if previously known evidence is presented after the Examination Board. It is your responsibility to inform Natural Sciences of such evidence and to check that it is on file.