Degree classifications

A formula is used to calculate honours degree classifications. The exact formula that will be used to determine your degree outcome will depend on when you started your studies.

If you started your studies before 1 August 2022, the key features of the formula are:

• only the marks for 100 credits at level 6 and 100 credits at level 5 (or other level 6 credits) are included
• marks for the 100 level 6 credits are weighted three times those at level 5 (or other level 6 credits)
• marks used are the best overall module marks you have achieved at each level.

If you started your studies after 1 August 2022 (and you are expecting to graduate in or after 2025), the key features of the formula are:

• all credits at level 6 and the best 100 credits at level 5 are included
• marks for level 6 credits are weighted three times those at level 5.

If you started your studies after 1 August 2022 but you are expecting to graduate before 2025, your degree will be calculated in line with formula listed for students who started their course before 1 August 2022.

This calculation cannot be done until all marks are confirmed by the end of year examining boards.

For the vast majority of students, the total credit requirement for a degree with honours is 360 and their programmes follow the standard formula. However some programmes are exceptions to this, usually because a professional or statutory body has different or additional requirements to enable it to accredit the award. Always consult your programme specification to determine if any variant academic regulations apply to your programme and what impact these may have on your classification calculation. If you require support, a Student Support Adviser will be able to explain any differences if they apply to you.

Your foundation degree contributes 240 credits towards the total of 360, and you take the remaining 120 credits in year 3.

The classification for students who progress from a foundation degree to the final year of an honours degree will be calculated based only on the marks achieved in that final year where all credits are counted.

Direct entrants to programmes should note that the marks or grades awarded by another institution do not contribute towards a classification for honours, or to the granting of an award with merit or distinction. For most of direct entrant students, the following will apply:

• Direct entrants to Level 5 will have their honours degree classification calculated as per the single University-wide formula.
• Direct entrants to Level 6 will have their honours degree classification based upon all credits at Level 6.

To be eligible for a Master's degree, you are required to pass 180 credits. Once you have achieved 180 credits your classification is determined by the average weighted mark of all modules undertaken.

Merit

A merit will be awarded where a weighted average of at least 60% has been achieved.

Distinction

A distinction will be awarded where a weighted average of at least 70% has been achieved. The calculation will use the weighted average of all credits at level 7 to determine your final outcome.

To be eligible for an integrated Bachelor/Master's degree, you are normally required to pass 480 credits. Once you have achieved 480 credits the outcome for the award is then calculated using your best marks for all credits at level 7.

Merit

A merit will be awarded when an overall average of at least 60% has been achieved across 210 credits at level 6 or above. This average will be calculated based upon the marks for all of the level 7 modules and the marks for the best level 6 modules, which are required to make up the credit total.

Distinction

A distinction will be awarded when an overall average of at least 70% has been achieved across 210 credits at level 6 or above. This average will be calculated based upon the marks for all of the level 7 modules and the marks for the best level 6 modules which are required to make up the credit total.