Senate Regulation 5: Regulations governing Undergraduate Programmes of Study: Award (5.29-5.68)

Award and classification

5.29

Boards of Examiners will consider the marks of each final level student in accordance with the relevant scheme of assessment detailed below.

5.30

Students who have failed modules at the end of their programme of study will be permitted to resit/re-submit the failed assessments on one occasion at the next available assessment period. In the case of students completing their studies at the end of the academic year it is expected that re-sits will take place during the July/August examination period.

5.31

Where students have failed modules but met the criteria for the award of a degree or other qualification an opportunity for re-assessment will only be offered where successful re-assessment could potentially result in a student becoming eligible for a higher degree classification.

5.32

To be considered for a Bachelor Degree a student must have taken the minimum number of credits specified in 5.7 above and submitted or sat all associated assessments, unless otherwise agreed by a Mitigating Circumstances Panel, and obtained a pass mark of at least 40.00% in 300 credits, with no more than 45 failed credits at levels 5 and 6 in total. In the case of a first class honours degree a maximum of 30 credits may be failed at levels 5 and 6.

5.33

In addition, students undertaking major/minor degree programmes must pass at least 45 credits of their minor subject at honours level (40.00%), with at least 15 credits of these at each of levels 5 and 6 (i.e. a minimum of 15 credits at 40.00% or above at each level).

Degree classification

5.34

The following descriptors apply to a student’s performance across all modules which contribute to the final degree classification. An undergraduate Bachelor Degree can be awarded with first class, upper second class, lower second class or third class honours or as a pass degree and an Integrated Master Degree can be awarded with first class, upper second class or lower second class honours only.

5.35

The criteria for the award of each classification are detailed in the below.

Criteria for award

First Class Honours (1st)

Overall a student has:

• achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme to an excellent standard
• demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the subject matter and of appropriate technical and analytical skills
• demonstrated a high level of achievement in the development of intellectual and transferable skills

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

Overall a student has:

• achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme to a very good standard
• demonstrated very good knowledge of the subject matter and of appropriate technical and analytical skills
• demonstrated a high level of achievement in the development of intellectual and transferable skills

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

Overall a student has:

• achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme to a good standard
• demonstrated good knowledge of the subject matter and of appropriate technical and analytical skills
• demonstrated a satisfactory level of achievement in the development of intellectual and transferable skills

Third Class Honours (3rd)

Overall a student has:

• achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme to the minimum acceptable standard required for the award of an honours degree
• demonstrated limited knowledge of the subject matter and of appropriate technical and analytical skills
• demonstrated a satisfactory level of achievement in the development of intellectual and transferable skills

Pass

Overall a student has:

• achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme to the minimum standard required for the award of a degree
• demonstrated adequate knowledge of the subject matter and of appropriate technical and analytical skills
• demonstrated some level of achievement in the development of intellectual and transferable skills

Calculating the credit weighted average

Three Year Degree Programmes

5.36

Degree classifications will be determined on the basis of a credit weighted average or on the basis of credit weighted average and a specified number of credits within the degree classification. Marks of individual modules and credit weighted averages are expressed to two decimal places.

5.37

The credit weighted average for three year undergraduate degree programmes is calculated on the basis of all level 5 and level 6 module marks, with a weighting of 33:67.

5.38

Level 5 and level 6 averages are calculated independently, and then combined. If the modules in a level have different credit values (e.g. some 15 and some 30) they are weighted by their credit value in calculating the level average. If all modules in a level have the same credit value the average for the level is a simple average.

Borderline category

5.39

In each of the schemes below a borderline category is identified. Such students may be considered for the higher degree classification by the Board of Examiners on the basis of a review of the module marks obtained and the following criteria:

• the design of the curriculum and any special features
• the year in which the results were achieved
• the profile of marks, and in particular any distorting elements
• performance in substantial pieces of work (dissertations, projects)
• the outcome of vivas, where these are held
• mitigating circumstances
• the impact of marks obtained elsewhere (for example, from a year abroad).

Students with a credit weighted average and module profile which do not meet the stated borderline requirements may not be considered for a higher degree class even where there are accepted mitigating circumstances. Boards of Examiners will not have access to details of an individual student’s circumstances which were accepted for mitigation.

Degree classification scheme

5.40

Honours degrees will be classified in accordance with the regulations below.

Scheme of assessment for Honours degrees

First Class Honours (1st)

A credit weighted average of at least 70.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 70.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 68.00% or better, including at least 90 credits at 70.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

A credit weighted average of at least 60.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 60.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 58.00% or better, including at least 90 credits at 60.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

A credit weighted average of at least 50.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 50.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 48.00% or better, including at least 90 credits at 50.00% or better, at least 30 of which must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Third Class Honours (3rd)

A credit weighted average of at least 40.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 38.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 40.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5 and 6 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Pass

A credit weighted average of at least 35.00%.

Undergraduate Degree Programmes incorporating a year abroad or year in industry

5.41

In the case of four year degree programmes which incorporate a year abroad or a year in industry which is assessed on a pass/fail basis only, the degree classification scheme above is applied using the level 5 and level 6 marks awarded during the second and fourth year at the University.

5.42

In the case of four year undergraduate degree programmes where module marks from the year abroad or in industry count towards the degree classification this will be weighted 20:20:60.

Degree classification scheme 

First Class Honours (1st)

A credit weighted average of at least 70.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 70.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 68.00% or better, including at least 150 credits at 70.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

A credit weighted average of at least 60.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 60.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 58.00% or better, including at least 150 credits at 60.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

A credit weighted average of at least 50.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 50.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 48.00% or better, including at least 150 credits at 50.00% or better, at least 30 of which must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Third Class Honours (3rd)

A credit weighted average of at least 40.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 38.00% and modules to the value of at least 120 credits at 40.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 6.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Pass

A credit weighted average of at least 35.00%.

Integrated Master Degree Programmes

5.43

For Integrated Master Degree programmes the credit weighted average is calculated on the basis of all level 5, 6 and 7 marks, with a relative weighting of 20:30:50.

Degree Classification Scheme

First Class Honours (1st)

A credit weighted average of at least 70.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 70.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 7.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules from levels 5, 6 and 7 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 68.00% or better, including at least 150 credits at 70.00% or better in level 6 and 7, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 7.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules from levels 5, 6 and 7 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

A credit weighted average of at least 60.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 60.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 7.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5, 6 and 7 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 58.00% or better, including at least 150 credits at 60.00% or better in level 6 and 7, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 7.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5, 6 and 7 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

A credit weighted average of at least 50.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 50.00% or better, of which at least 30 credits must be from level 7.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5, 6 and 7 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 180 credits at 48.00% or better, including at least 150 credits at 50.00% or better in levels 6 and 7, at least 30 of which must be from level 7.

AND

No more than 45 credits of modules from levels 5, 6 and 7 with a mark of less than 40.00%.

BA/BSc Top Up Degrees

5.44

BA and BSc top up degrees consist of 120 credits at Level 6. Such degrees will be classified on the basis of the level 6 credits studied at the University only.

Degree Classification Scheme

First Class Honours (1st)

A credit weighted average of at least 70.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 70.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 68.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 68.00% or better, including at least 45 credits at 70.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

A credit weighted average of at least 60.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 60.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 58.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 58.00% or better, including at least 45 credits at 60.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

A credit weighted average of at least 50.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 50.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

A credit weighted average of at least 48.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 48.00% or better, including at least 45 credits at 50.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Third Class Honours (3rd)

A credit weighted average of at least 40.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 38.00% and modules to the value of at least 60 credits at 40.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Pass

A credit weighted average of at least 35.00%.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Foundation Degrees (FDA/FDSc)

5.45

Foundation Degrees consist of 240 credits, 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5.

Degree Classification Scheme

5.46

Foundation Degrees are classified on a pass, merit or distinction basis, using the following classification scheme.

Distinction

Credit weighted average of at least 70.00%.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

Credit weighted average of 68.00 to 69.99%.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Merit

Credit weighted average of at least 60.00%.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Borderline

Credit weighted average of 58.00 to 59.99%.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Pass

Credit weighted average of at least 40.00%.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

Diploma of Higher Education

5.47

A Diploma of Higher Education may be awarded to students registered on a Dip HE programme and as an intermediate award to students registered on an undergraduate degree programme. Students studying any bachelors or integrated masters awards who fail to meet the requirements for their intended award will be eligible for consideration for the award of a Diploma of HE as standard, where they meet the requirements set out below:

A credit weighted average of at least 40.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 38.00% and modules to the value of at least 210 credits at 40.00% or better.

AND

No more than 30 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

5.48

Some programmes may not offer a Diploma of Higher Education as an intermediate award and in such cases this will be specified in the relevant programme specification.

5.49

Where a student is eligible for an intermediate award the Board will award the highest intermediate award for which the student qualifies. Students will not be awarded a Certificate and a Diploma of HE for the same programme.

5.50

Where a Diploma of Higher Education is awarded as an intermediate award a maximum of 30 credits at Level 6 may be substituted for failed credit at Level 5.

5.51

Diplomas of Higher Education are awarded in a named discipline but are unclassified. There may be some programmes where Diplomas of HE are given as an intermediate award but under a different named discipline for Professional Body or other reasons. Where this is the case this will be specified in the relevant programme specification.

5.52

Where a student has completed a year in Industry or a period (either a year or a semester) abroad they will be eligible to achieve a Diploma of Higher Education in a named discipline with a Year/Semester Abroad or a Year in Industry, subject to meeting the academic requirements set out in 5.47 above and the published requirements for passing the year in Industry or Year/Semester abroad which can be found on the University website.

Certificate of Higher Education

5.53

A Certificate of Higher Education may be awarded to students registered on a Cert HE programme and as an intermediate award to students registered on an undergraduate degree programme. Students studying any bachelors or integrated masters awards who fail to meet the requirements for their intended award will be eligible for consideration for the award of a Certificate of HE as standard, where they meet the requirements set out below:

A credit weighted average of at least 40.00%.

OR

A credit weighted average of at least 38.00% and modules to the value of at least 105 credits at 40.00% or better.

AND

No more than 15 credits of modules with a mark of less than 40.00%.

5.54

Some programmes may not offer a Certificate of Higher Education as an intermediate award and in such cases this will be specified in the relevant programme specification.

5.55

Where a student is eligible for an intermediate award the Board will award the highest intermediate award for which the student qualifies. Students will not be awarded a Certificate and a Diploma of HE for the same programme.

5.56

Where a Certificate of Higher Education is awarded as an intermediate award a maximum of 30 credits achieved at Level 5 may be substituted for failed credit at Level 4.

5.57

Certificates of Higher Education are awarded in a named discipline but are unclassified. There may be some programmes where Certificates of HE are given as an intermediate award but under a different named discipline for Professional Body or other reasons. Where this is the case this will be specified in the relevant programme specification.

5.58

Certificates of Higher Education are not typically eligible to be awarded with a Year/Semester Abroad or a Year in Industry other than in cases of exceptional mitigating circumstances. The award of a Certificate of Higher Education with a Year/Semester Abroad or a Year in Industry will require approval by the Academic Registrar.

Foundation Certificate

5.59

A Foundation Certificate is provided to a student who completes a foundation year programme and passes all modules but does not progress to an undergraduate degree programme at the University. A Foundation Certificate may be provided on request to a student who completes a foundation year programme and passes all modules, progresses to an undergraduate degree programme at the University but does not achieve a Certificate of Higher Education.

5.60

A Foundation Certificate is equivalent to a level 3 award and is unclassified.

Aegrotat Awards

5.61

A student who has completed their undergraduate degree programme may be considered for an aegrotat degree where, due to exceptional circumstances, such as illness, they have been prevented from completing and passing a maximum of 60 credits for the final level of their award.

5.62

The circumstances experienced by the student should be such that they are unlikely to be able to complete outstanding assessments at a future date and have insufficient credits for a degree to be awarded or a classification determined. In all other circumstances standard re-assessment regulations will apply.

5.63

Boards of Examiners should be satisfied that, on the basis of the student’s performance prior to the circumstances, the student would have been expected to pass the assessments if the circumstances had not occurred.

5.64

Students must have successfully completed 60 credits of the final level of study, including passing the required assessments and may not be exempted from completing a dissertation or research project where this is a requirement of the programme.

5.65

A student should indicate that they are willing to accept an aegrotat award and understand that no further opportunities will be available for re-assessment.

5.66

An aegrotat award will be unclassified.

5.67

If a student has completed a degree programme but completed less than 60 credits of the final level and will be prevented from completing outstanding assessments at a later date, a Board of Examiners will consider them for the intermediate award of either a Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education, based on the number of credits accumulated and marks obtained.

Posthumous Awards

5.68

A Board of Examiners may posthumously award an integrated Masters Degree, a Bachelor Degree, a Foundation Degree, a Diploma of Higher Education or a Certificate of Higher Education on the basis of credit successfully completed. A Bachelor or integrated Masters Degree may be awarded where a pass has been obtained in at least 60 credits of the final year modules. Where less than 60 credits have been passed the appropriate intermediate award will be made on a posthumous basis.