Classifications
Classifications
The type of degree classification you achieve depends on how you perform in each module you take, whether your programme is at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Undergraduate classifications
In order to gain credit in a module, you must achieve a module mark of at least 40% (and satisfy any other requirements included within the module specification). For an undergraduate Bachelors degree, you will need to accumulate at least 100 credits to pass each year and qualify for an Honours degree. In the case of an undergraduate Master’s degree, you will need 120 credits and a Part Mark of at least 55% to pass each year and receive your award. Many Schools set additional requirements for specific programmes and there are some special requirements in the case of Engineering and other degrees with professional accreditation. Programme specifications will tell you about these in more detail.
Your first year (Part A) marks will not contribute to your final degree classification. Module marks awarded in each subsequent year will be used to calculate the Programme Mark by which your final degree classification will be determined. A Part Mark for each year will be calculated on the basis of your weighted Module Marks and then the Part Marks for each year will be weighted and combined to determine your overall Programme Mark. The minimum Programme Marks required for each degree classification are:
| Classification | Mark |
|---|---|
| First Class | 70% |
| Second Class, Upper Division | 60% |
| Second Class, Lower Division | 50% |
| Third Class | 40% |
The Programme Board has the discretion to lower any of these thresholds by 2 percentage points. See Regulation XX and your Programme Specification for full details.
Postgraduate Taught classifications
In order to gain credit in a module, you must achieve a module mark of at least 50% (and satisfy any other requirements included within the module specification). You will need at least 150 credits (with the remaining module marks at 40% or above) to qualify for a Master’s degree. Some Schools set additional requirements for specific programmes and there are some special requirements in the case of Engineering with professional accreditation. Programme specifications will tell you about these in more detail.
Your Programme Mark will be calculated on the basis of your weighted Module Marks and, if you have achieved 180 credits for a Master’s degree, used to determine whether you are eligible for a Merit or Distinction:
| Classification | Mark |
|---|---|
| Distinction | Programme Mark of 70% or above |
| Merit | Programme Mark of 60% or above |
The Programme Board has the discretion to lower any of these thresholds by 2 percentage points. See Regulation XXI and your Programme Specification for full details.
Note that Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates have different requirements to Masters degrees, all of which are specified in Regulation XXI.