39. Awards (taught postgraduate)

39.1   The taught component mark is calculated by averaging the relevant weighted individual unit marks. The result of the calculation should then be rounded to the nearest integer.

39.2   The weighting of each unit mark, in calculating the ‘taught component mark’, will correspond to the credit point value of the unit. See annex 11 for an example of how to do this calculation.

39.3 The dissertation mark should be rounded to the nearest integer, where applicable.

39.4   An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications.

An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds.

An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students leave their intended programme because ofexceptional circumstances.

39.5   The classification of the award in relation to the overall taught component mark and the dissertation mark is as follows:

  • Award with Distinction          at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for Masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds*.
  • Award with Merit                  at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds*.
  • Pass                                    at least 50 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for Masters awards, at least 50 out of 100 for the dissertation.
  • Fail                                     49 or below out of 100 for the taught component overall or, where relevant, 49 or below out of 100 for the dissertation.

* Any higher threshold for classification should be detailed in the relevant student handbook

Exceptions

  1. Where applicable, the classification of the award for programmes using the 5-point (A-E) scale should be reached by using a fixed mid-point for each grade where A = 75, B = 65 and C = 55. The same boundaries as in 39.5 will apply.
  2. See Annex 2 for the classification of degrees in the MA in Law.