What happens if I fail my dissertation?

The rules given above apply only to taught (non-dissertation) modules. Different rules about compensation and reassessment apply to the dissertation (or Independent Study/Capstone Project Module) of a Masters programme.

Compensation is not permitted in dissertations. However, if you are given a ‘marginal fail’ mark of between 40-49%, then you will have the chance to make amendments which will enable a minimum threshold to be reached, with the mark after resubmission capped at 50%. Details of the sort of revisions that would be expected are given in the Guide to Assessment, Standards Marking and Feedback.

When you resubmit, you will be required to include a cover sheet detailing the changes you have made. You will be given up to two months in which to resubmit, even though it is expected that no more than two weeks full time effort will be required. You will be informed of your resubmission date when you receive your feedback.

If you fail a master’s dissertation with a mark below 40%, then no reassessment is permitted