Postgraduate taught degree classification from September 2021

Postgraduate taught degrees can be classified as Pass, Merit or Distinction according to the regulations below. 

The classification rules for Taught Masters, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates (that is, the award of Merits and Distinctions) are contained in the University’s Taught Postgraduate Regulations. The classifications are:

• Distinction = 70% and above
• Merit = 60% - 69%
• Pass = 50% - 59%

Borderlines for these qualifications are:

• 69 Borderline Distinction
• 59 Borderline Merit
• 50 Pass (there is no borderline at Pass/Fail)

Following moderation an agreed algorithm is used to determine the final composite mark. 

If this falls within a borderline as defined above, the weighted profiling system as stated in the programme specification will be applied to determine the final classification. That is, for students entering Taught Postgraduate programmes from 2021/22 onwards, Schools should use only the standardised weighted profiling system for determining the degree class of borderline students.

A student should be given the higher classification if the following criterion is met:

• Two thirds or more of the final credits are in the higher class.

This does not preclude the consideration of Extenuating Circumstances of students, whether inside or outside the borderline.

The Unit mark is the mark awarded for an individual piece of assessed work, which goes towards the computation of a module mark using a weighting formula.

Students with acceptable extenuating circumstances must be considered in accordance with the extenuating circumstances policy and procedures.  For more information on Extenuating Circumstances please consult the Policy on circumstances affecting students' ability to study and complete assessments in the Related Regulations Policies and Procedures below.

Degree classification

Policy on circumstances affecting students' ability to study and complete assessments