CSM Student and staff handbook

3.7 Degree classification

3.8 Associateship of the Camborne School of Mines

3.9 Interim awards

3.10 Examinations

 

3.7 Degree classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards for BSc/BEng and integrated masters programmes corresponds to the following percentage marks:

  • Class I (1st): 70% +

  • Class II Division I (2:1): 60-69%
  • Class II Division II (2:2): 50-59%
  • Class III (3rd): 40-49%

The Board of Examiners uses 2 criteria to assess which degree band your results fall in.  A profile of your results is produced, and the total credits in each of the classification bands is calculated.  The band for which you have a cumulative average percentage in excess of 50% is an indicator of the class of degree that you should be awarded.  The weighted average mark for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th years is also calculated, and this is another indication of the degree that you should be awarded. The Examination Board uses both of these factors to decide your degree classification.

 

Procedures for dealing with borderline candidates in terms of degree classification

We define a borderline candidate as having a mark 2% below the recommended award classification boundary (38-40%, 48-50%, 58-60% and 68-70%). Borderline candidates are considered as follows:

  • Assignment and examination scripts are reviewed by the External Examiner.
  • The candidate is interviewed by the External Examiner where possible.
  • The number of overall module scores that fall in the 1st, 2:1, 2:2, 3rd classification bands is considered.
  • Mitigating evidence (not previously allowed for) is considered.

The Examination Board will consider the evidence for each individual candidate. This includes a verbal report by the External Examiner where possible. The Board agrees a decision, recommending either that:

  • the candidate should remain in the class below the borderline or,
  • the candidate should be considered as having achieved a score above the classification boundary and be awarded a degree classification corresponding to this classification.

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3.8 Associateship of the Camborne School of Mines

Mining Engineering students: Students gain relevant work experience during their summer vacation period between years 2 and 3 for CSM3042: Industrial Placement and Project by undertaking an industrial placement, often overseas, at a surface or underground mine or within a mining-related discipline. Research, data analysis and technical report writing skills are then tested in this module. Satisfactory completion of the industrial placement report will entitle students to be awarded the Associateship of the Camborne School of Mines (ACSM)

Geology: Students graduating from the BSc/BEng programmes will automatically be awarded the ACSM.

3.9 Interim awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 are at stage 2 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education.

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3.10 Examinations

Most modules are partially or completely assessed by means of examinations which take place in January for Term 1 modules and in May for Term 2 and "long-thin" (30-credit) modules that run over both terms. The pass mark for modules in years 1-3 is 40% and in Year 4 is 50%. Should you fail a module you will usually be referred in exam and/or coursework elements in the summer, but depending on your circumstances, the Board of Examiners may recommend to the Board of the Faculty of Undergraduate Studies that a student be permitted a referred examination in late August/early September for a maximum mark of 40% in years 1-3 and 50% in Year 4. The procedures regarding examinations and reassessment are described in Section 3 and below. All CSM exams are moderated.

Students should refer to the University Exams in Cornwall webpage for further information, including for dates for examination sessions.

Past papers for CSM can be found here, and module-specific links are provided on each module ELE page.

 

Exam timetable

You will be informed of the availability on the Exams in Cornwall webpage approximately 8 weeks before the exam session starts. Exam dates, times and locations will then be populated on your personal timetable in iExeter ahead of the exam session.

If you are registered on a module that has an exam as an assessment component, you will be automatically registered for the exam. It is therefore very important that we have an accurate record of what modules you are taking. You can check your module registration in iExeter. Get in touch with Info at Penryn if this is incorrect.

University Examinations are normally held straight after the Christmas Vacation, in Week T2:00, and during the Summer term in weeks T3:02-05. The results of the year's examinations are normally considered by the Board of Examiners in week T3:07. The results of referred and deferred examinations are considered at a September meeting.

Candidate number

You will be allocated a Candidate Number by the Examinations Office, which will change each academic year. This is also available in iExeter.

Exam attendance

Attendance at your exams is compulsory. If you are unable to attend an exam due to illness or another mitigating circumstance, you must inform your college immediately by emailing Info at Penryn or by phoning +44 (0) 1326 371800. If there is good reason for your absence, the College may agree to defer your examination (i.e. you will be able to re-sit your exam in the August / September examinations sessions as if it were your first attempt). You should note, that if we are not informed of the reason for your absence from an exam, the Board of Examiners will deem you withdrawn from the programme, and the University Faculty will be informed.

Students are reminded that there are strict regulations concerning conduct during an examination, and should be aware of these regulations before attendance at an exam. Please read the full Guidance for Candidates since any breach of the rules will be considered academic misconduct.

Guidance for candidates

We recommend that all students read the University Guidance for Candidates prior to sitting any exams. In particular, we draw your attention to the following important points:

  • You must take your Unicard, or other photo ID, and a copy of your exam timetable with you to the exam
  • You are only permitted to use a completely clear case, or clear plastic bag, for your pens, pencils and other stationay in examination halls.
  • You must be present outside of the exam hall at least 10 minutes before your exam is scheduled to commence
  • If you arrive late, you will be admitted to the exam hall without question during the first half-hour of the exam period, but you will not be allowed extra time in which to complete your exam
  • Mobile phones/swatches, pagers or any other means of sending/receiving messages are not allowed within the exam halls. Any electronic devices brought in by accident must be switched off and handed over to supervisory staff. Any electronic device that causes a disturbance during the course of the examination will result in a fine and an academic penalty may also be applied. Any student found with an electronic device after the exam has commenced will have this device confiscated and a report will be sent to the Faculty Office for further action.

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