Degree classification

Students commencing or repeating Level 4 study in full prior to 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 algorithms apply to all students commencing or repeating Level 4 study in full prior to September 2022. Please see here for students commencing or repeating Level 4 study from September 2022. 

These degree algorithms also apply to those students entering their degree programme directly into a higher level of study, as follows:

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

To obtain the award of BA (Hons) International Governance and Public Policy, a student must pass 120 credits at Level 4, 120 credits at Level 5 and 120 credits at Level 6. Credits are gained from modules provided by Keele University and BFSU.

Where a student has failed no more than 15 credits at a level of study and has an overall module mark between 30 and 39 credit will be awarded to the failed module/s. This is referred to as module condonement. Condonement can only be applied after the maximum allowed assessment attempts have been completed. Condonement can be applied to modules provided by Keele University and by BFSU but does not apply where the failed module includes a mark classed as a 'qualified' fail. Condonement cannot be applied to any English language modules on this programme.  

 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 67%  AND at least 45 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 57% AND at least 45 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 47% AND at least 45 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%.

PASS

A weighted average module mark of at least 35%.

DEFINITIONS:

Weighted average module mark: This is calculated as follows. The average mark for Level 5 s calculated from the module marks from the 120 credits at Level 5 and this contributes 50% to the weighted average module mark. The average mark for Level 6 is calculated from the module marks from the 90 credits at Level 6 of Keele modules (as assigned in the Programme Specification). This contributes the other 50% to the weighted average module mark. Module marks from BFSU modules do not contribute to the degree classification. 

Module: a 15 CATS-credit unit

NOTES:

(a) 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.

(b) Re-assessment of Semester Two Level 6 modules is not offered until degree results have been classified. Only students who fail to achieve a degree or are only awarded a pass degree at the first attempt will be offered re-assessment of failed Level 6 modules capped at 40%. These students will remain eligible for an honours degree if re-assessment is successfully completed to the standard required for an honours degree.