How is my degree classified – your questions answered

Around this time each year we are regularly asked about what is required to achieve a degree and what grades are required to achieve say an upper second class (2:1) degree. There is a link to all this information (FAQ) in the Assessments>Award Details container on your SOLE pages.

What do I need to be awarded a degree?
To be awarded an honours degree you will need to meet the following requirements:
To pass a total of 360 credits (this will often include the need to pass the 30 credits Level 6 Independent Study module)

Most students achieve this total credit requirement by passing 120 credits at levels 4, 5 and 6 but the rules for some courses permit some flexibility but all courses require students to:

To pass at least 120 credits at level 4 and
To pass at least 120 credits at level 6

The full flexibility is described in the Undergraduate Regulatory Framework.

How is my degree classification calculated?
Using 15 credit modules, the Honours degree classification will be calculated two ways, and the Board of Examiners will confirm whichever of the two methods results in the higher classification. For the majority of students the classification will be the same using both methods.

Method 1: classification is determined on the profile of the best three grades (45 credits) achieved at Level 5 and the best 8 grades (120 credits) at Level 6:

Method 2: classification is determined on the profile of the best 8 grades (120 credits) at Level 6:

When a result is for a 30 credit module rather than 15 credits, the grade achieved will be used twice e.g. a grade B in MOD1001 which is a 30 credit module will count as two B grades in the calculation.

The rules are defined formally in the Undergraduate Regulatory Framework.

Changes to Student Regulations

The University regularly reviews its student regulations and following discussions with staff and student representatives a number of significant changes have been agreed to the student regulations with effect from 1 September 2010. The changes are being introduced in response to very high levels of non-submission of assessment items and also widespread use of the “24 hour rule”. Feedback showed that the existing arrangements were unfair to the many students who submitted their work by the deadline.

It was also clear that students who did not submit at the first opportunity forfeited the opportunity to receive feedback, which might be helpful in the case of resubmission. There was also a widespread view, which was shared by staff and students that meeting deadlines is an important skill and that students should be encouraged to acquire the ability to manage their work to meet deadlines in preparation for their future employment.

Following extensive consultation, Academic Board has agreed the following changes to regulations:

Late submission of coursework
All coursework must be submitted by the 3pm deadline. Work submitted within 24 hours of the deadline will no longer be considered on time and will therefore be considered a late submission and the grade will be capped at the minimum pass grade.

Non-submission of assessment items
Students who fail to submit an item of assessment or attend an examination will no longer be able to submit reassessment and a student will be required to RETAKE the module again. An undergraduate student who fails 90 credits due to non-submission will be required to leave the course and the University and will not have the opportunity to retake the year.

Mitigating Circumstances
Students who make encounter difficulties outside of their control may submit a claim for mitigating circumstances. Claims for Mitigating Circumstances will only be accepted for non submission of assessment if the circumstances are such that submission within 14 days of the due date was not possible.

Arrangements for Reassessment
Reassessment has been moved from the end of August to the end of June. For this academic session reassessment examinations will be held w/c 27 June 2011.

Undergraduate classification methods revised

Academic Board have approved a change to the methods for classifying undergraduate degrees.

Previously, students have been required to achieve a specific grade in the level 6 Independent Study module in order to be awarded specific classifications. This grade requirement has been removed from the regulations.

For full details for the classification rules see either the revised award FAQ or regulations.