Part G Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes

Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Academic Year 2019-20

Part G Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes

G1 General Principles

G1.1 Explanation of Terms

(i) Assessment component - essays, presentations, group work activities, projects

or other assessments (commonly termed coursework), and seen or unseen
examinations. An assessment component may sometimes take the form of a
number of smaller submissions or elements e.g. lab reports or short in-class
tests. The mark for each assessment component is recorded in the student
record system with the appropriate weighting, and these are used to calculate
the overall module grade.

(ii) Assessment criteria - the requirements of an assessment, identified through

specific learning outcomes, used when marking a student's work. They are a
useful guide to the student to indicate the expected content or approach for an
assessment.

(iii) Deferral - an approved extension to the deadline date for an assessment,

usually as approved by an EEC panel (Section I). A deferred assessment will be
marked across the whole grade range, up to 100% (G5).

(iv) Referral - when a student does not pass an assessment component at the first
attempt they may be offered the opportunity to submit further work to achieve a
pass standard. If the referral work is pass standard the work will be graded 50%
(G7.2).

(v) Retake – when a student has failed a module at the first attempt, including any
referral opportunities there may be entitlement to re-enrol and retake the module
(G7.3).

G1.2 Awarding credit for learning achievements.

Credits are awarded to students in recognition of their learning achievements, either

within modules studied in their programme, or from accredited prior learning (RPL,
Section C). Every module has a validated credit value, which is expressed as a
number of credits at a specific level, see Section B.

G1.3 Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome is a learning achievement, which may take the form of the
acquisition of knowledge, understanding, an intellectual skill or a practical skill.
Learning outcomes are the basis for the learning and assessment strategy in
modules. Each module has a formally identified set of learning outcomes. The

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learning outcomes, credits, subject content and the level of the module together
define the standard.

G1.4 Assessments

Assessments are designed to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the

learning outcomes. Different assessment components (coursework and/or
practicals/examinations) may be ascribed to a module. Each assessment component
may carry one or more learning outcomes which will be assessed against
assessment criteria. Students must be informed of the assessment criteria which are
designed to test achievement of the learning outcomes of the module and indicate
the level of performance required.

G1.5 Modules and Components

The combination of assessment components must test every stated learning outcome
for a module. Some modules may have a pass/fail component weighted at 0%.
Where this is the case, the pass/fail component will count as one of the components
of assessment. The lowest weighting that can be applied to a percentage-marked
assessment component is 10% and all weightings must be expressed as a multiple of
10%.

G2 Student Responsibilities

G2.1 Understanding what is expected

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they understand the assessment
criteria and learning outcomes against which their work will be marked. Continual
engagement with the delivery of the module is important to enable a student to gain
this understanding (see the Student Participation Policy in Section E), and to fulfil
their responsibility to the learning experience of fellow students. It is the responsibility
of the student to ensure that they engage with all components of assessment within a
module. Assignments must be submitted by the formally declared deadline.

G2.2 Academic offences

Students must understand what constitutes an academic offence (Section J),

including plagiarism, collusion, breach of examination room regulations (Section H),
and ensure that they do not commit such offences in their studies and assessments.

G2.3 Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances

It is the responsibility of a student to submit a claim for exceptional extenuating

circumstances (EEC) where an unexpected or unpreventable situation that will affect
their performance in assessment arises. This must be submitted prior to the original

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submission deadline, with evidence and the work completed to date. See Section I for
full details.

G2.4 Support plans

If a student has a disability which affects their academic performance it is their

responsibility to contact the Student Wellbeing Service and discuss whether a
support plan is appropriate. Support Plans identify a student's support needs, and are
used to help a student engage fully with assessment.

G2.5 Research ethics

Students must comply with the University Research Ethics Policy and Code of
Practice and follow the requirements of the policy as it relates to their studies.

G2.6 Legibility of work submitted for assessment

If handwritten coursework is judged by the examiners to be illegible the work will not
be accepted for assessment and will receive a mark of 0%.

In the event that examiners find their difficulties in reading an examination script
affects their ability to assess the candidate's work, they may ask the candidate to
produce a typed transcript of all or part of the work. In such cases the candidate will
be required to work under supervised conditions using a copy of the relevant parts of
the original script, and will normally be charged a fee to cover the additional
administrative costs. This fee will be determined by the Academic Registrar.

G3. Outcomes of Assessment

G3.1 Judging academic performance in an assessment:

In assessing a student's work, the tutor is required to judge the standard achieved in
accordance with the criteria stated in Section G3.2. If the work demonstrates that the
learning outcomes have been achieved, a grade is assigned on the basis of the
grade descriptors in Section G3.2 and the level descriptors in Section B3.2. If the
learning outcomes have not been met, the appropriate fail grade is given. In the case
of an examination assessment, it is the overall grade which matters, not the grades
given for individual answers or sections.

G3.2 The Postgraduate Marking Scale

The Postgraduate Marking Scale applies to Level 7 modules. Level 8 modules are
graded as pass or fail, and some Level 7 modules are validated to be marked as
pass or fail only.

These are typical characteristics of the quality of work associated with each grade.
The descriptors are illustrative only and for guidance only. They are not

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comprehensive, and will need contextualisation within individual courses to reflect the
academic discipline concerned.

Some modules are validated to be marked as pass/fail; feedback will be given in line
with the Mark Descriptors below

Category
% Mark Grade Descriptors

90-100% Excellent
Meets all criteria in 80-89% range below, plus demonstrates exceptional ability and
insight, indicating the highest level of technical competence; work is virtually flawless

Distinction
and has potential to influence the forefront of the subject and may be of
publishable/exhibitable quality. Relevant generic skills are demonstrated at the highest
possible standard.

Exceptional achievement distinguishable even amongst the best quality work and
deserving of the highest possible marks within the Distinction grade.

80-89% Excellent
High to very high standard work with most of the following features: authoritative subject
knowledge; a high level of critical analysis and evaluation; incisive original
thinking; commendable originality; exceptionally well researched, with a very high level

Distinction
of technical competence; high quality presentation; impressive clarity of ideas; excellent
coherence and logic. Work is close to the forefront of the subject and may be close to
publishable or exhibitable quality. Relevant generic skills are demonstrated at a very
high level. Referencing is consistently used, complete and accurate. Only trivial or very
minor errors.

Very high quality work worthy of a high Distinction grade mark.

70-79% Excellent
Authoritative, current subject knowledge; excellent critical analysis and evaluation –
including dealing with ambiguity in the data; significant originality; well researched with
Distinction

a high level of technical competence – work is accurate and extensively supported by

appropriate evidence; excellent presentation; commendable clarity of ideas; thoughtful
and effective presentation; very strong sense of coherence and logic; relevant generic
skills are demonstrated at a high level; referencing is excellent– consistently used,
complete and accurate; a small number of misunderstandings/minor errors only.

High quality work deserving of a Distinction grade.

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60-69% Very good

Work is well-developed and coherent; demonstrates sound, current subject knowledge;
a very good level of critical analysis and evaluation; some evidence of original thinking
or originality; well researched; no significant errors in the application of concepts or

Merit
appropriate techniques; a very good standard of presentation; ideas generally clear and
coherent; relevant generic skills are demonstrated at a very good level; referencing is
very good; minor errors and misunderstandings only, possibly with some deficiencies in
presentation.

Well above pass standard and worthy of a Merit grade.

50-59% Good/Satisfactory
Has achieved intended learning outcomes as evidenced by the following features.
Satisfactory subject knowledge; a fair level of critical analysis and evaluation; the work
is generally sound but tends towards the factual or derivative, and there may be minimal
evidence of original thinking or originality; adequately researched; a sound standard of

Pass
presentation; ideas fairly clear and coherent; some significant errors and
misunderstandings, possibly shown by conceptual gaps or limited use of appropriate
techniques; relevant generic skills are generally at a satisfactory level; referencing is
generally accurate; some weakness in style or presentation.

Satisfactory overall – a clear pass

Unsatisfactory
40-49%
Has narrowly failed to achieve intended learning outcomes as evidenced by the following
features. Satisfactory subject knowledge to some extent; some sound aspects but
some of the following weaknesses are evident: factual errors; conceptual gaps;

Marginal Fail
inadequate critical analysis and evaluation; little evidence of originality; not well
researched – limited use of appropriate techniques; presentation does not meet the
standard required; ideas unclear and/or incoherent; some significant errors and
misunderstandings; relevant generic skills unsatisfactory to some extent; referencing
may be inadequate.

Work is unsatisfactory but shows potential for achieving learning outcomes if feedback is
addressed - Marginal fail
Very Poor
5-39%
Has failed to achieve intended learning outcomes in several critical respects. Will have
some or all of the following features to varying extent: inadequate subject knowledge;
factual errors; conceptual gaps; minimal/no awareness of relevant issues and theory;
limited/no use of appropriate techniques; standard of presentation unacceptable; ideas
Fail

confused and/or incoherent – work lacks sound development; a poor critical analysis
and evaluation; no evidence of originality; inadequately researched; some serious
misunderstandings and errors; quality of relevant generic skills does not meet the
requirements of the task.

A clear fail well short of the pass standard

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Nothing of Merit
1-4%
Nothing of value is contained in the submitted work. The work presents information that
is irrelevant and unconnected to the task; no evident awareness of appropriate
principles, theories, evidence or techniques

Non-submission
NS No work has been submitted

Academic offence notation

Z Applies to proven instances of academic offence

G3.3 Assessment component grades

The mark assigned to an assessment component is recorded as a whole number and

held for calculation purposes

(i) If the module involves more than one assessment component, a mathematical
weighting is applied to reflect the relative importance of each component. These
weightings will be used to compute the overall grade for the module.

(ii) Overall module marks will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage point.
Calculations of level averages will be to 2 decimal places.

(iii) In the case of the Master’s degree the categories shown on the scale (G3.2) are
applied to the final award, and are indicative only at module level.

G3.4 Module mark

(i) The relative weightings are applied to the grades achieved in each component
of assessment in order to calculate the overall module grade.

(ii) To pass a module, and therefore be awarded credit, all assessment

components must be passed. Where this has not been achieved, credits are
not awarded and the referral regulations apply (G7.2).

G3.5 Feedback

Students are entitled to feedback on assignments and this may be verbal, or in

written or electronic form. Feedback on examinations is available on request from the
marking tutor.

G3.6 Designated Deadline and Assessed Extended Deadline (AED)

Work must be submitted by the published designated deadlines.

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The exception is where a student has been granted an Assessed Extended Deadline
via a university approved support plan. In such circumstances the student should
ensure that the support plan is discussed with the module leader at the earliest
opportunity. Any work submitted past the designated deadline or AED is deemed late.

Note: Where the AED is not in line with the assessment or professional requirements
of the programme outlined in the programme specification and module handbook a
further discussion between the student and module leader may be required and
outcomes documented appropriately.

See G6 for Late Submission regulations.

G4 Passing Modules

G4.1 If a student passes a module, by achieving an average grade of at least 50%, the
credit is awarded by the Assessment Board. It is not possible to retake a module that
has been passed, unless there is allowance made by an external body associated
with the programme, explicitly stated in the programme specification.

G5 Deferral

G5.1 Consideration in respect of illness, or other valid cause, is given only if the student
concerned has submitted a formal written claim (EEC) with their work and has
provided acceptable evidence according to the regulations in Section I. If the EEC
panel decides to uphold a claim one of the remedies is to offer the opportunity for the
student to submit a fresh piece of work by a revised deadline. This is a deferral.

G5.2 Deadlines for resubmission of work will usually be within the same academic year. In
the case of examinations, the student will normally be directed to take the
assessment at the next available exam period.

G5.3 The full range of grades will be available provided the work is submitted in line with
the approved deadline. For work submitted after the deadline refer to G6, Late
Submission.

G5.4 If, following deferral, the assessment is not submitted by the stipulated date, the
assessment is considered failed and the referral regulations apply (Section G7.2).

G5.5 Students who have an Assessed Extended Deadline identified in their support plan
will be entitled to a deferral. Where appropriate, the AED can be added to the deferral
deadline.

G6 Late Submission

G6.1 Work which is submitted after the designated deadline (including any formally
approved Assessed Extended Deadline)) for a coursework assessment is deemed
late.

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There may be module and /or programme specific requirements or Professional and
Statutory Regulations where late submission is not appropriate or applicable. These
exceptions should be outlined in the programme specification, programme handbook
or ‘assessment brief’ as appropriate.

A student that is likely to miss a deadline should discuss the situation as early as
possible with the personal academic tutor and the module leader.

G6.2 Late submission with good reason

a. Where a student has a good reason for late submission which does not
amount to an exceptional circumstance, the relevant Discipline Lead or Senior
Manager can authorise a late submission request granting an extension of up
to a maximum of 7 days with no grade penalty. The student will be expected to
submit the late submission request, and provide evidence to demonstrate that
such an extension is appropriate

b. If serious circumstances beyond a student’s control affect their ability to

complete an assessment they may submit a claim for Exceptional Extenuating
Circumstances (EEC). This must be accompanied by evidence and the work
done to date, by the original assessment submission deadline. An EEC panel
will consider this. Details of the policy and procedure are in Part I of these
regulations.

G6.3 Late submission without good reason with penalty

Where applicable this only applies to first sit coursework only, and only to graded
work and not to work that attracts a pass/fail grade.

Where coursework is submitted late without good reason, but within 7 days of the
designated deadline or an Assessed Extended Deadline (G3.6), the work should be
marked in the normal way and a penalty applied.

For the purposes of the External Examiners and others, the original mark and the
penalty should be clearly indicated. With the pre-penalty mark, being used for the
purposes of student feedback and moderation purposes, and the post-penalty mark
recorded in the student’s academic record, and used in any progression and award
calculation.

The penalty for late submission:

i. If the work is of a pass standard the maximum that can be obtained

will be 50%
ii. If the work is received after day 7 the work will not be marked and a

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NS will be recorded
iii. Referred works submitted late will not be marked and a NS will be
recorded
iv. Any work submitted late after an Assessed Extended deadline (G3.6),
will be entitled to submit late with penalty in accordance with G6.3
above.
v. Work received after an approved LSR/or EEC deadline will be capped
at 50%, up to a maximum of 7 days. Any work received after 7 days
will not be marked and a NS will be recorded

The time stamp of the work will be indicated by the submission date recorded in the
electronic submission or in the event of a manual submission clearly evidenced by
the receipt issued.

Day 1 starts immediately after the deadline is passed, and will constitute 24 hours
from that initial point.

G7 Failing Modules

G7.1 A module is failed if:

(i) The student does not pass all assessment components with a minimum of
50% and achieve a minimum overall module average of 50%.

(ii) Work has not been submitted for a module assessment. If a student fails to
submit an assignment a mark of NS will be recorded.

(iii) The student has committed academic offences and a penalty of failing the
module has been imposed (see Section J).

If a student fails a module, the appropriate option from the following will apply:

G7.2 Referral in an assessment component

(a) Entitlement to referral:

Students are normally entitled to one referral opportunity in each of the failed
assessment components. The deadline for resubmission of work will be at the next
assessment point. In the case of examinations, the student will be directed to take
the assessment at the next available examination period. If work is submitted after
the deadline, it will not be marked and NS will be recorded.

For the referral it may be necessary to set an alternative and equivalent assessment,
appropriate to the learning outcomes of the module(s). Any and all entitlements to
referral can be removed following a proven academic offence or if special conditions
apply to meet the requirements of an external agency.

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(b) The grade awarded for an assessment following referral:

(i) The highest grade that can be awarded for a referred assessment component
is 50%. If that grade is achieved, it replaces the original fail grade on the
student’s marks profile.

(ii) A referral grade of less than 50% will also replace the original grade unless it
is lower than the grade obtained at the first attempt.
The student’s marks profile will show both the first and second attempt marks.

(c) Recalculation of the module grade following referral:

Following re-assessment, the overall module grade is recalculated using the grades
recorded for the referred assessments (if higher than the first attempt grade) and the
standing grades in the assessment components which were passed at the first
attempt.

If a student fails the initial referral attempt they normally have the opportunity to
retake the module in the next available session (Section G7.3).

G7.3 Retaking modules

(i) If a student has failed a module (grade below 50%) at the first attempt, including
any referral opportunity, there is normally an entitlement to re-enrol for and
retake the module in in its entirety. Retaking necessitates attendance and
requires completion of all the assessments. Any assessment grades from the
previous attempt at the module cannot be carried forward.

(ii) If a student fails the module, including the referral opportunity on the second
attempt there is no automatic entitlement to a further attempt. The offer of a third
attempt is at the discretion of the Assessment Board, and will only be made if
there are compelling reasons to support that decision.

(iii) Students may only attempt a module in its entirety a maximum of three times,
subject to additional requirements of relevant professional bodies or external
agencies.

The maximum overall grade available for a retaken module is 50%.

G8 Failure in Independent Scholarship/Research and the Viva Voce Examination

G8.1 When a student does not satisfy the requirements of the Independent
Scholarship/Research at the first attempt, the student is referred. The revision
required is indicated in a written report prepared by the examiners. The examiners
will also recommend the time available for the revision. Minor revision may be
checked and approved by one examiner but major revision should be checked and

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approved by both examiners. If the resubmitted work satisfies the requirements, the
student is awarded a grade 50%.

G8.2 If the resubmitted work still does not satisfy the requirements, then the Independent
Scholarship/Research is confirmed as a fail. The offer of one further opportunity to re-
take the module in its entirety (including a referral) is at the discretion of the
Postgraduate Assessment Board, and will only be made if there are compelling
reasons to support that decision. This may be subject to any additional requirements
of relevant professional bodies or external agencies. It should be noted that the
registration periods need to be considered before any offer of re-take is permitted
(D11.4).

The Independent Scholarship/Research must be a new piece of work, and not

revisions to the original and will be limited to the minimum pass mark of 50%.

There is no opportunity for a third attempt. In the event of a failure at G8.1 or G8.2,
the programme leader* may advise the student to re-register for a lower award and to
submit a revised version of the Independent Scholarship/Research towards this lower
award.

G8.3 If a student for the master’s [MRes and MPr] or doctorate [DProf] awards fails to
satisfy the examiners in the viva voce examination, they may require the student to
undertake a second viva voce examination. In these circumstances the programme
leader* will normally appoint an appropriately qualified and experienced member of
staff to act as chair. If the second viva voce examination is also unsatisfactory [fail]
then the student does not gain a pass in Independent Scholarship/Research for the
registered award.

G9 Recommendations of the Postgraduate Assessment Board

G9.1 Following consideration of the evidence of student performance in assessment, an

Assessment Board may recommend that the student should pass, or be referred, or
be deferred or should fail a module. Where it is recommended that a student should
pass a module, the Assessment Board will confirm the number of credits and the
level of the credits to be awarded in respect of the module.

G9.2 It is important to note that marks for all assessment components will be considered at
Assessment Boards, and only those marks will be accepted as the formal marks for
the module. Students deferred or referred in named assessment components will be
required to resubmit work for the whole component.

G9.3 Students who have qualified for the stage award at interim levels are entitled to
progress to the next stage.

G9.4 The Assessment Board may permit a student who has been referred in one standard
20 credit module (or equivalent) in a stage to progress to the next. The student must

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redeem the failure in order to be awarded the qualification indicated at that stage.
Students must complete the preceding award before they are eligible for the next.

G9.5 Profile indicating concern

If at any given time (normally at a meeting of the Assessment Board) a student has
two or more standard modules (40 credits) in a referred/failed condition (that is failed
and not yet redeemed), then the profile is regarded as indicating significant concern.

In these circumstances the Assessment Board may ask the programme leader* to
issue a written warning to the candidate on behalf of the Board, expressing concern
about the performance. The Assessment Board may wish to indicate the risk of
termination of registration unless remedial action is effective within a specified
timescale.

G9.6 Formal release of marks

The University will release module and award results on-line through appropriate
student systems, currently College Student Centre. Students should therefore make
themselves aware of publication dates as this will affect their rights under Section K4
Making an Appeal. These results might still be subject to ratification by an
Assessment Board on behalf of Academic Board.

Students are expected to accept or reject referrals opportunities by the required

deadline. Failure to do so may result in a referral examination not being scheduled.

G9.7 Results publication and notification

Students may view module results and classification outcome within the My Grades
section of College Student Centre. At the end of each stage of the programme of
study a Statement of Achievement will be available to every student to print from their
College Student Centre. This will list all modules taken by the student which can
count towards a postgraduate award, together with any modules (credits) approved
through RPL thereby showing the total number of credits at each level achieved to
date.

G10 Credit Structure, Stages and Awards for Postgraduate Programmes

For all awards, supplementary modules do not normally contribute to the

accumulation of credits towards the stage award. The credit requirements for
achieving a dual award are given in the programme specification, and will be greater
in volume than for a standard degree awarded solely by the University of Derby.

G10.1.1 Credit Requirements for the Master’s Degree Programmes:

The minimum number of credits for each award are indicated in the tables below.
Master’s degrees may be classified with Distinction or Merit for those students whose

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performance is outstanding (see Section G11).

Total Total
credits per credits
Stage Award title Credit requirements stage overall
1 PG Certificate 60 credits at Level 7 60 60

2 PG Diploma 60 credits at Level 7 60 120

3 Masters MA, MSc, 60 credits at Level 7* 60 180

MEd, MBA, LLM
May include up to 20 credits at level 6 in either stage 1 or 2 as validated in the
programme specification
* Normally including at least 60 credits from Independent Scholarship.

G10.1.2 Credit Requirement for Integrated Masters

In order to qualify for the award of Integrated Masters students are required to gain
240 credits over level 6 and 7, subject to a minimum of 60 credits at level 6 and a
minimum of 120 credits at level 7.

Step off awards, as detailed in G10.1.1 may be available for integrated masters if the
programme design is suitable (B4.11).

Stage Award title Credit requirements Total credits overall

3 Integrated masters Minimum 120 credits at 240 over level 6 and 7
Level 7* and 60 credits at
level 6
* Normally including at least 60 credits from Independent Scholarship.

G10.2 Credit Requirements for the Master’s Advanced Diploma Programme

In order to qualify for the award of Master’s Advanced Diploma, students are required
to gain 60 credits at level 7 from the third stage only of an existing master’s level
award in a closely allied discipline. The student will have already satisfied the
learning outcomes of the first and second stages.

Stage Award title Credit requirements Total Total

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credits credits
per stage overall
3 Masters Advanced 60 credits at Level 7 60 60
Diploma*
* Students who already hold a Master’s Degree may take Stage 3 only in a closely
related discipline and qualify for a Master’s Advanced Diploma (MAdDip)

G10.3 Credit Requirements for the Master of Research Degree Programme

Stage Award Title Contribution

1 PG Certificate in Research Methods 20 credits at Level 7; Research
Research Training Skills modules: 40 credits at level 7
Total: 60 credits
2 PG Diploma in Research Methods 20 credits at Level 7; Research
Research Training Skills modules: 60 credits at level 7; Specialist subject
20 credits at Level 6 or 7; independent research 20
credits
Total: 120 credits
3 Master of Research Research Methods 20 credits at Level 7; Research
Degree Skills modules: 60 credits at level 7; Specialist subject
20 credits at level 6 or 7; independent research 80
credits
Total: 180 credits

G10.4 Credit Requirements for the Master of Professional Practice Programme

Stage Award Title Contribution

1 PG Certificate in Independent Research into Practice: 20 credits level 7
Professional Research Skills modules: 40 credits at level 7
Practice Total: 60 credits
2 PG Diploma in Independent Research into Practice: 40 credits level 7
Professional Research Methods and Research Skills modules: at
Practice least 60 credits at level 7;
Work based professional practice: up to 20 credits at
level 7
Total: 120 credits

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3 Master of Independent Research into Practice: at least 80 credits

Professional but not exceeding 120 credits at level 7
Practice Research Methods and Research Skills modules: at
least 60 credits at level 7
Work based professional practice: up to 40 credits at
level 7

Total: 180 credits

G10.5 Credit Requirements for the Professional Doctorate Programme

In order to qualify for the award of Doctor of Professional Practice [DProf], students
are required to:

(i) Gain a total of 540 credits.

(ii) Achieve at least 420 credits at level 8 through Independent Research.

Achieve the remaining 120 credits at level 7, with the exception that up to 20 credits
may be contributed at level (5 or) 6 where programme regulation permit.

(iii) No credits may be contributed from levels lower than level 5.

 At least 60 credits at level 7 must be achieved in research skill, which

encompass ethical and professional considerations, research planning,
organisation, management, research methods and presentation.

G11 Determining the Overall Category of Master’s Degree Achieved

G11.1 Eligible awards for merit and distinction

The candidate must have passed all modules to fulfil the credit requirement of 180
credits.

Typically full Master’s awards are awarded with a category of pass, merit or
distinction. The category is calculated using an average of the total of the level 7
credit marks achieved; the credit mark average.

Note; Some Postgraduate Awards maybe validated to be categorised as ‘Pass’ and

graded between 100-50%.

G11.2 Calculation for Masters

The credit mark average is calculated by:

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1. The credit mark is found by multiplying the percentage mark achieved in a level 7
module by the number of credits the module carries.

2. The credit mark average is calculated by totalling up the credit marks awarded for
each module and dividing this by the credit value of the level 7 modules. The
maximum number of credits used for this calculation will be 180.

• A credit mark average of 50%-59.99% will result in a Pass

• A credit mark average of 60%-69.99% will result in a Merit

• A credit mark average of 70% and above will result in a Distinction

Where the candidate has achieved more than 180 credits, the compulsory modules
and the best results of the remaining modules are used. In the case of dual awards,
where more than the number of credits expected at a level as stated in the
programme specification has been achieved, the compulsory modules and the
highest graded expected credits for the award will be used for the calculation.

G11.3 Calculation for Integrated Masters

For an Integrated Masters award the candidate must have passed all modules to fulfil
the credit requirement of G10.1.2. The credit mark average required for the
classification is calculated by:

1. The credit mark is found by multiplying the percentage mark achieved in a level 7
module by the number of credits the module carries.
2. The credit mark average is calculated by totalling up the credit marks awarded for
each module and dividing this by the credit value of the level 7 modules. The
maximum number of credits used for this calculation will be 180.
• A credit mark average of 50%-59.99% will result in a Pass.

• A credit mark average of 60%-69.99% will result in a Merit

• A credit mark average of 70% and above will result in a Distinction

Where the programme specification requires an independent scholarship at level 7

this must be included in the classification.

The table below gives examples of programme structure and the modules required to
calculate the award classification.

Programme Credit Requirements Award Classification

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Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Academic Year 2019-20

Level 6 Level 7 Level 7 - min 120*

60 180 180

80 160 160

100 140 140

120 120 120

* Normally including at least 60 credits from Independent Scholarship.

Where the candidate has achieved more than 180 credits, the compulsory modules
and the best results of the remaining modules are used.
G11.4 Borderline credit mark averages

The borderlines are as follows:

• Pass to Merit 58% - 59.99%

• Merit to Distinction 68% - 69.99%

Where a candidate’s average credit mark places them in the borderline range
between two categories, then the candidate’s performance in their Independent
Scholarship will be given further consideration. The Independent Scholarship must be
at level 7.

For the Pass to Merit borderline, if the candidate’s Independent Scholarship carries a
mark of less than 60% then the candidate will remain in the Pass category. If the
Independent Scholarship carries a mark of 60% or more then the candidate will move
into the Merit category.

For the Merit to Distinction borderline, the same rules will apply with an Independent
Scholarship graded at 70% or more moving the candidate into the Distinction
category.

G11.5 Advanced Standing

Where a candidate registers on a programme with advanced standing, the method of

calculating their final category will be as detailed in G11.2, G11.3 and G11.4 above.
However, their average credit mark will be divided by the number of credits studied at
the University of Derby rather than the full 180 credits of the programme.

G12 Preparation for Entry to Postgraduate Taught Programmes

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Part G Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes
Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures Academic Year 2019-20

Students who are required to enrol on preparatory modules, usually at levels 4, 5 or

6, are normally expected to complete these modules before progressing to Stage 1 of
the postgraduate programme. However, the Assessment Board may use its powers
of discretion to declare itself satisfied with the students’ participation and
achievement in a preparatory module, and permit the student to progress without
obtaining the formal academic credit.

The Assessment Board cannot withhold a postgraduate award to a student who has
qualified for that award by accumulating the necessary credits on the grounds that a
preparatory module has not been passed.

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