Degree classification

Students commencing or repeating Level 4 study in full from September 2022

Please note that the Levels of study referred to below are those used in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

SCOPE: The following degree classification algorithm applies to all students entering Level 4 or repeating Level 4 in full from September 2022. Please see here for students commencing or repeating Level 4 study prior to September 2022

This degree algorithm also applies to those students entering their degree programme directly into a higher level of study, as follows:

  • All students entering directly into Level 5 from September 2023
  • All students entering directly into Level 6 from September 2024

Please note that the Levels of study referred to below are those used in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). 

To qualify for the Bachelor's degree award, a student must pass 120 credits at Level 4, 120 credits at Level 5 and 120 credits at Level 6. For all modules, a minimum mark of 40 must be achieved on all assessment elements to pass the overall module.

A student's degree classification will be calculated as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

A weighted average module mark of at least 70%

OR a weighted average module mark of at least 68% and at least 60 Level 6 credits all gained from modules with a mark of 70 or higher;

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

A weighted average module mark of at least 60%

OR a weighted average module mark of at least 58% and at least 60 Level 6 credits all gained from modules with a mark of 60 or higher;

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

A weighted average module mark of at least 50%

OR a weighted average module mark of at least 48% and at least 60 Level 6 credits all gained from modules with a mark of 50 or higher;

THIRD CLASS HONOURS

A weighted average module mark of at least 40% 

DEFINITIONS:

Weighted average module mark: the sum of one third of the average module mark obtained at Level 5 and two thirds of the average module mark obtained at Level 6.

Module: A 15 CATS-credit unit

NOTES:

For students repeating a year of study at level 5 or 6 it will be the marks achieved for modules taken in the repeat year that will be used in the classification.