Degree awards and classification (5.86 - 5.102)

Calculating the credit weighted average

5.86

A credit weighted average will be calculated for each of the individual years of a programme, and for the programme as a whole.

5.87

The year credit weighted average is calculated based on all the credit bearing modules in that year, weighted by their credit value.

5.88

The programme credit weighted average is calculated based on the weightings of the years of the programme which contribute to the degree classification. The year credit weighted average for each contributing year is calculated first and these are then combined to form the programme credit weighted average, as set out in the table below.

• For Certificates or Diplomas of Higher Education with a year abroad or in industry, please see 5.108-5.116
• For the calculation of a CWA for an Ordinary (Pass) degree please see 5.97

Requirements for award

5.89

In order to be eligible for any of the following awards a student must have:

• a) Achieved a pass or compensated pass in the number of credits for the award specified in the table in 5.8
• b) Have no more than 30 credits in the compensated pass range in any year of the programme and no more than 60 credits in the compensated pass range across the whole programme
• c) Met all programme specific requirements set out in the programme specification

5.90

Students in their final year who do not achieve a pass or compensated pass in all modules at the first attempt will have one further attempt at relevant assessments in the next available assessment period. Where, due to accepted mitigating circumstances students have not had two valid attempts following the summer re-assessment period, any further valid attempts will be undertaken via re-sit without residence.

5.91

Students who do not meet the credit requirements for their intended award after all attempts are exhausted will automatically be considered for the highest intermediate award for which they meet the criteria.

Bachelors programmes with Honours (excluding top up): Classification

5.92

Where a student meets the eligibility criteria for award set out in 5.89 the Board of Examiners will apply the following criteria in order to determine the classification of the award. Where credits are referenced, this applies to credits studied in year 2 and 3 of the programme.

First Class Honours (1st)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 70.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 3

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 60.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 3

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 50.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 3

Third Class Honours (3rd)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 40.00%

5.93

This scheme also applies to Bachelors programmes with non-integrated placements and to the 2 year LLB programmes.  In the case of the latter, the credit requirements refer to years 1 and 2 of the programme.

Bachelors programmes with Honours with an Integrated placement: Classification

5.94

Where a student meets the eligibility criteria for award set out in 5.89 the Board of Examiners will apply the following criteria in order to determine the classification of the award. Where credits are referenced, this applies to credits studied in year 2 and 3 of the programme and the credits completed on placement.

First Class Honours (1st)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 70.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 3

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 60.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 3

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 50.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 3

Third Class Honours (3rd)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 40.00%

Ordinary (Pass) Degree

5.95

Where a student on a Bachelors programme with Honours has reached the end of their final year and failed to reach the requirements to be awarded they may be considered for the award of an Ordinary (Pass) Degree.

5.96

In order to be awarded an Ordinary (Pass) Degree a student must have met the credit requirement set out under 5.8, complied with the limitations on compensated pass set out in 5.48 and achieved a programme credit weighted average of 40.00%.

5.97

The Programme Credit Weighted Average for an Ordinary (Pass) Degree is calculated on the basis of the best 180 credits from across years 2 and 3, including a minimum of 60 credits from year 3. All contributing credits will be weighted equally within the calculation.

5.98

An Ordinary (Pass) Degree is unclassified.

5.99

Where a student has failed to meet the requirement for an Ordinary (Pass) degree they will be considered for the next highest intermediate award.

Integrated Masters programmes: Classification

5.100

Where a student meets the eligibility criteria for award set out in 5.89 the Board of Examiners will apply the following criteria in order to determine the classification of the award. Where credits are referenced, this applies to credits studied in year 2, 3 and 4 of the programme.

First Class Honours (1st)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 70.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 4

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 60.00%, or
• A programme 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 year 4

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 50.00%

Bachelors (Hons) (Top Up) programmes, including Intercalated: Classification

5.101

Where a student meets the eligibility criteria for award set out in 5.89 the Board of Examiners will apply the following criteria in order to determine the classification of the award. Where credits are referenced, this applies to credits studied in year 3 of the programme.

5.102

An Ordinary (Pass) Degree is not available as an intermediate award for students registered on a Bachelors Top Up degree.

First Class Honours (1st)

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

Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)

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

Lower Second Class Honours (2:2)

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

Third Class Honours (3rd)

• A programme credit weighted average of at least 40.00%