In the process of calculating your final degree at Beds, there are two different approaches to consider, known as Calculation 1 and Calculation 2. Let’s take a closer look at each:
- Calculation 1: This method relies solely on the marks obtained in your final year.
- Calculation 2: This method takes into account the marks from both your final year and your second last year.
- Your final degree classification will be determined by the better result between Calculation 1 and Calculation 2.
Calculation 1 Explained
- Your degree will be based on the best 90 credits taken in your final year, with at least 30 credits coming from your final year project or dissertation.
- Considering a standard academic year consisting of 120 credits, your degree will be calculated based on the top 90 credits.
- For example, if you took four modules worth 30 credits each in your final year and scored 63, 65, 72, and 75, your best 90 credits would be 65, 72, and 75. The average of these three grades will determine your final degree classification.
- To calculate your average grade, you can use the following formula: [CREDITS OF THE UNIT]/90 x [UNIT GRADE]. For instance, if you obtained grades of 68, 72, and 79 in three 30-credit units in your final year, the average grade would be calculated as follows: (30/90 x 68) + (30/90 x 72) + (30/90 x 79) = 73. This would result in a first-class degree.
Calculation 2 Explained
- Your degree will be based on marks from both your final year and your second last year.
- In this method, the best 90 credits taken in your final year, including at least 30 credits from your final year project or dissertation, will be given double weight.
- The best 90 credits taken in your second last year will be single weighted.
- To put it simply, 90 credits from your final year count for two-thirds of your overall degree, while 90 credits from your second last year count for one-third.
- To calculate the average grade per year, you can use the formula: [CREDITS OF THE UNIT]/90 x [UNIT GRADE]. For example, if you received grades of 65, 72, and 73 in three 30-credit units in your final year, the average grade would be calculated as follows: (30/90 x 65) + (30/90 x 72) + (30/90 x 73) = 70.
- Once you have the average grades for both years, you need to combine them. Multiply the average grade gained in your final year by 0.66 (because it is worth two-thirds of your overall grade) and multiply the average grade gained in your second last year by 0.33 (because it is worth one-third of your overall grade). Add these two numbers together to obtain your overall degree mark.
Which Calculation Will Determine My Final Degree Award?
Your final degree award will be based on the better result between Calculation 1 and Calculation 2.
For example, if Calculation 1 produces a mark of 71 (first class) and Calculation 2 produces a mark of 67 (upper second class), Calculation 1 will be used to award your final degree.
Undergraduate Honours Degree Classification Bands
OVERALL GRADE
DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
70 – 100
First Class
60 – 69
2i: Second Class, Division I
50 – 59
2ii: Second Class, Division II
40 – 49
Third Class
0 – 39
Fail
What are Borderline Grades?
When students narrowly miss out on a higher degree classification, it is referred to as a borderline grade. In such cases, the Examination Board will review the student’s final year marks. If 60 credits or more fall within a higher classification category, the student may be recommended for a higher award.
For example, if a student achieved grades of 61, 75, and 70 across their best 90 credits in their final year (three 30-credit modules), their overall degree mark would be 69, which would normally result in a second class, division i classification. However, as this grade falls in the Borderline First Class category and 60 credits are still within the higher category (grades 75 and 70), the student may be recommended for a first-class degree.
GRADE
BORDERLINE
68, 69
Borderline First Class
58, 59
Borderline 2i
48, 49
Borderline 2ii
