Your final degree classification

The University applies the following mark scale to postgraduate work:

●   Distinction: 70-100

●   Merit: 60-69

●   Pass: 50-59

●   Marginal fail (potential to compensate): 40-49

●   Fail: 0-39

For information on calculating your degree classification, see the rules for progression and award in University assessment policies and procedures.

Unlike undergraduate degrees, postgraduate awards are not classified i.e. you do not receive a 1st, 2:1, 2:2 or 3rd classification. Some postgraduate degrees may be awarded with Distinction, or with Merit. The exact criteria are given below. 

For the purpose of calculations for the award of merits and distinctions, where a reassessment is taken, the module mark following reassessment (capped at 50) will be used.

Masters award criteria

Distinction

• To be recommended for a Masters with distinction you must achieve the following:

  • A rounded credit-weighted mean of at least 70% over all modules

  • A mark of at least 70% in your dissertation

Merit

• To be recommended for a Masters with merit you must achieve the following:

  • A rounded credit-weighted mean of at least 60% over all modules

  • A mark of at least 60% in your dissertation
    
    

Postgraduate Diploma award criteria

Distinction

• To be recommended for a PGDip with distinction you must achieve a rounded credit-weighted mean of at least 70% over all modules.
  
  

Merit

To be recommended for a PGDip with merit you must achieve a rounded credit-weighted mean of at least 60% over all modules.