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Exams/Degree Classifications

University criteria for marking exam scripts

 Class  Criteria  Mark

 High I

 Definite I

 Low I

  Outstanding answer which shows considerable independence of thought and critical judgement. Shows an excellent grasp of all the issues involved, originality and evidence of wide reading and knowledge beyond course content.

 90

 80

 75

 High Iii

 Definite Iii

 Low Iii

  Comprehensive awareness of the issues. Well argued answer with evidence of independent thought. A good understanding of course material and evidence of reading and knowledge beyond course content.

 68

 65

 62

 High IIi

 Definite IIi

 Low IIi

  Answer reasonably argued, showing awareness of the main issues. A satisfactory understanding of course material but little reference to outside reading.

 58

 55

 52

 High III

 Definite III

  Adequate answer with weak to fair understanding of course material. No outside material presented. Arguments not strong.

 48

 45

 Low III  Adequate answer but weak in material and understanding of course content. Omissions and inaccuracies.  42
 Marginal Fail  Recognises the aim of the question and has material to answer, but generally inaccurate and limited in understanding of the material.  35
 Weak Fail  Some recognition of the meaning of the question but little understanding. Knowledge vague, skimpy and inaccurate.  25
 Poor Fail  Few points relevant to the question; the bulk of the answer is either irrelevant or a misunderstanding of the material.  15
 Nothing of Merit  Minimal or no material of value to the question asked. No recognition of the question.  0

(Download these Conceptual Equivalent Descriptors here)

University Criteria for Classifying Degrees

Degree classifications are calculated by applying both the 'aggregate' and 'predominance' rules to the 12 module marks attained after first year. On the aggregate rule the average marks for the assessed modules fall within the following bands:

 First  70+
 2.1  60-69.9
 2.2  50-59.9
 3  40-49.9
 Fail  Below 40

Example: 90, 85, 75, 74, 68, 68, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 60 = 840 ÷ 12 = 70.0 = First

On the predominance rule the bands are:

 First  67+
 2.1  57-66.9
 2.2  47-56.9
 3  37-46.9
 Fail  Below 37

and at least half the papers must fall within the class. So a student who failed to achieve a First, say, by the aggregate rule could do so by the predominance rule if a sufficient number of papers were 70+.

Example: 75, 75, 72, 72, 72, 70, 68, 63, 63, 58, 58, 58 = 804 ÷ 12 = 67.0 = First

More than two fails normally result in students being referred to the Faculty Student Progress Committee, which may grant permission to resit failed modules for a mark of no more than 40%.