Frequently asked questions about postgraduate taught results

If you have a questions regarding your results you are not alone. In order to help you get the answers you need when you need them we've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and answered them below.

If you have valid extenuating circumstances, further regulations apply. These are not covered below.  Further information on the academic regulations, including those in respect of extenuating circumstances, can be found in the student handbook.

If you can't find the answers you need or you are still unsure in anyway please do contact your faculty office / partner institution.

How many credits do I have to achieve to gain a taught postgraduate degree?

You must achieve the following number of credits to gain the following awards:

What is the pass mark for a postgraduate taught module?

For students undertaking a 17/18 module (including extended referral)

The pass mark for a module is 50%. Where a module includes more than one element, a student is also required to achieve a minimum of 40% in each element.

For students on all modules from 18/19 onwards

The pass mark for a module is 50%. There is no minimum requirement for the element.*

*Some modules are part of an accredited programme and may have different requirements. For non-standard pass marks refer to your Student Programme Handbook, published on your programme DLE site.

What is a compensated pass?

In certain circumstances we allow your overall performance to compensate (CP) for failure in a maximum of 20 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma and 30 credits for a masters award. To be eligible for compensation the following criteria must be met:

• that the aggregate mark for the failed module(s) is 45% or above 
• that the failed credits are not designated non-compensatable modules

I have passed (or been given a compensated pass in a module), but I think I could do much better. Can I have an opportunity to improve the mark?

No, modules already passed cannot be retaken.

Can I appeal against the mark I have been given?

You cannot ‘dispute’ a mark which has been awarded. There are mechanisms in place to ensure quality and standards of marking, involving both internal and external academics.

What you can do is ask for feedback as to why the mark you have been awarded is not what you were expecting – hopefully once the feedback sheets have been released this will answer any queries you have, but if not, you are welcome to ask for additional feedback.

What happens if I have failed any of my modules?

If compensation regulations do not apply as described above, the Award Assessment Board may permit one of the following:

• reassessment in the failed module(s), in whole or in part of each element of assessment at the next available opportunity (the Award Assessment Board will decide when this will be)
• repeat the module(s) at the next available opportunity 

My transcript indicates I have been referred in one or more modules and I don’t understand what the module decision code means?

A three-letter code beginning with R next to one or more elements is a referral code which means you must complete further assessment in that element for the corresponding module. An element is coursework, examination, practice, in-class test or pass/fail assessment. 

The other two letters indicate whether the referral is as a same S or next N attempt, and how the element will be reassessed (A: specified assessment, C: coursework, E: examination, P: practice, T: in-class test).

For example:

RNC against coursework means:

• R - you have been referred in that coursework
• N - this will be regarded as your next attempt
  
• C - you must complete reassessment by coursework 

RNC against examination means:

• R - you have been referred in the examination
  
• N - this will be regarded as your next attempt
  
• C - you must complete reassessment by coursework (even though the original element was an examination)

What happens if I fail any of the modules I have been referred in over the summer?

You are allowed a maximum of two attempts at Level 7 modules. If you fail after two attempts, the Postgraduate Award Assessment Board will consider all the modules you have attempted and make the award appropriate to the number of credits you have achieved.

If you have not reached the maximum number of attempts at a module, the Award Assessment Board will consider whether to allow you to repeat the failed module(s) in their entirety during the next academic year.

What mark will I receive for the referred assessment I am taking?

You will receive the actual mark for any element taken for a second time but the overall module mark will be capped at the pass mark which is normally 50 per cent. 

Please be aware that marks for referred assessments may be lower than previous attempts. In all circumstances the new marks must stand.

I have valid extenuating circumstances for missing an assessment, but have not been asked to undertake reassessment.

If you have passed (or have a compensated pass), we do not require you to undertake reassessment.

If you have valid extenuating circumstances and would like to be reassessed, please contact your Faculty by the appeal deadline.

What mark do I need to achieve in order to gain a merit or distinction?

A Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma with merit will be awarded provided that a credit-weighted average mark of 60% or above across all the modules is achieved.

A Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma with distinction will be awarded provided that a credit-weighted average mark of 70% or above across all the modules is achieved.

A masters degree with merit will be awarded provided a credit weighted average mark of 60% across all modules (including the dissertation/major project) and the mark for the dissertation project module is not less than 60% are achieved.

A masters degree with distinction will be awarded provided a credit weighted average mark of 70% across all modules (including the dissertation/major project) and the mark for the dissertation project module is not less than 70% are achieved.

I have a lot of referred coursework to do over the summer as well as referred exams. Do I have to complete all the referred work during the summer?

If you have up to 60 credits not achieved, you will have been offered the opportunity to redeem these modules normally over the summer. If you do not feel academically able to complete the referred work during the summer referral period you can request a repeat of the modules not achieved during the next academic year.

This would involve you returning to the same stage in September and taking only the modules not achieved next year in their entirety. You should take into consideration the financial implications of this decision as you will be charged a tuition fee for each module you repeat. If you would like to repeat all your non-achieved modules instead of taking them during the summer referred period, please contact your faculty by the deadline given with your transcript of results.

Please be aware that you will not be allowed to take a combination of referral and repeat.