Standard degree

The standard 3-year degree classification is determined by two calculations which consider both:

• Your weighted average grade i.e. the average of all your level 2 and 3 grades. Your level 3 grades count for twice your level 2 grade.
• The distribution of your weighted grades.

Integrated master's degree

Integrated Master's degrees, e.g.. MEng, MChem or MPhys are prepared in a similar way to a standard three year degree. However, the level weighting for levels 2, 3 and 4, where a year in industry or abroad is not involved, is 1:2:2. In other words, levels 3 & 4 modules count for twice those at level 2.

Degrees with intercalated credit-bearing year in industry or abroad

If your degree includes a year in industry or abroad, which is assessed and counts towards your degree, you should find out from your department or course handbook which level weighting applies to your degree. Then a calculation of your degree classification will be made as for a standard three year degree or an integrated Masters degree.

Postgraduate masters degrees

If you obtain 180 credits, then you will be awarded a Master's degree. Where there is provision for a diploma or certificate, you may be awarded one of these if you obtain 120 credits (Diploma) or 60 credits (Certificate). The examiners may award you a Master's degree if you get not less than 165 credits, provided you have an average grade of not less than 50 and not less than 40 in any failed units. If you get at least 105 credits, you are eligible for a Diploma, provided that you have an average grade of 50 (not including the dissertation) and not less than 40 in any failed units. If you get at least 60 credits, you are eligible for a Certificate, provided that you have an average grade of 50 (not including the dissertation) and not less than 40 in any failed units.

Distinctions and merits

The examiners may award a Distinction or Merit for a Master's degree provided:

• For a Distinction, you must obtain a weighted mean grade of at least 69.5 overall. You must also get the grade of not less than 70 in units totalling at least 90 credits.
• For a Credit, you must obtain a weighted mean grade overall of at least 59.5. You must also get grades of not less than 60 in units totalling at least 90 credits.

The examiners may award a Distinction or Merit for a Diploma provided:

• For a Distinction, you must obtain a weighted mean grade of at least 69.5 overall. You must also get the grade of not less than 70 in units totalling at least 60 credits.
• For a Certificate, you must obtain a weighted mean grade overall of at least 59.5. You must also get grades of not less than 60 in units totalling at least 60 credits.