D. Pass marks and degree classification – L4

Pass marks and degree classification

Degree classification is based on the marks from the six components weighted as outlined in section Assessments and examinations (MSciL4) and is determined at a meeting of the Board of Examiners for a particular Degree Programme, with the External Examiner present to act as advisor and arbiter. The following numerical boundaries will be used as guidelines by the Board of Examiners in deciding your degree category:

First class 70% and above
Upper Second class 60% and above
Lower Second class 50% and above

The pass mark is 40% in Year 1-3 and 50% in Year 4.

Please note, that there are additional criteria to be met in order to obtain a degree class commensurate with the final weighted average mark. In addition to obtaining a final mark within boundaries set out above, in order to obtain a lower second degree or above, 80 final year credits must have marks of at least 50%.

N.B. The Board of Examiners will take into account the following points when deciding degree classification:

Where there are factors that may have adversely affected a student’s performance OR where a student is within 2% below a boundary, cases will be considered individually to determine whether the higher degree classification should be awarded.
The External Examiner plays an important role. He/she moderates examination question papers and reads student examination scripts and placement/project reports.
Degree classifications for candidates whose average overall mark falls within 2% below the borders between degree classifications will be decided as follows. If you have marks in the next higher degree class over or 75 credits then you will automatically be awarded the next higher classification. If you do not fall into this category, then classification review by viva voce will occur, as set out in “Regulations for Undergraduate Awards”Appendix A. Classification review will not be applied in cases where there is a penalty of one lower degree class due to failure of more than 40 credits.
In reaching their decision on academic results, Examination Boards may take account of certain circumstances brought to their attention (for the University’s policy on mitigating circumstances please see Section Mitigating Circumstances).

Absence from any final-level examination will normally result in a zero mark being returned for that examination. There are no referrals. A candidate who is ill must follow the procedures indicated under ‘Guidelines on Ill Heath’ Section. However, students should make every effort to take the paper.