Assessment (Taught)

10. Key principles

10.1 Assessment is the way that students’ learning and understanding are tested and measured and is the method by which the University is assured that students have met the intended learning outcomes.

10.2 Successful completion of module assessments leads to the award of credit.

10.3 The expectation is that students should complete all assessments first time, on time. Students who submit assessments on time are likely to achieve better marks, complete their courses on time and achieve better overall degree outcomes.

11. Module marks

11.1 The assessment(s) for each module will generate either a single mark between 1 and 100 or be designated as pass/fail and will not be awarded a numerical mark.

11.2 The module mark is determined by combining the module assessment task marks, according to the task weightings.

11.3 Module marks are calculated to the nearest whole number. If there are multiple assessment task marks within a module that when combined and weighted do not create a whole number, the module grade will be rounded as follows:

• .5 and above – up to the nearest whole number
• .4 and below – down to the nearest whole number

11.4 Module marks are provisional until they have been ratified by an Assessment Board.

12. Passing a module

12.1 To pass an undergraduate module (Levels 3–6), the mark required overall is 40%.

12.2 To pass a postgraduate taught module (Level 7), the mark required overall is 50%.

12.3 The module mark may be calculated in the following ways:

Pass on aggregate

12.4 An average grade of 40% (undergraduate) and 50% (postgraduate) at module level is required to achieve a pass.

12.5 Pass/fail assessment tasks must also be passed in order to pass the module.

Must-pass modules

12.6 These modules require students to achieve the pass mark (40 for undergraduate and 50 for postgraduate taught) in all assessment tasks.

12.7 Pass/fail assessment tasks must also be passed to pass the module overall.

12.8 Compensation is not available on must-pass modules.

12.9 These modules are usually linked to PSRB requirements and a requirement to demonstrate proficiencies.

Minimum threshold

12.10 These modules will require students to achieve a pass mark (40 for undergraduate and 50 for postgraduate taught) and at least a mark of 35 UG/45 PGT in all assessment tasks.

12.11 Pass/fail assessment tasks must also be passed to pass the module overall.

12.12 These modules are usually linked to PSRB requirements.

12.13 The grading basis for each module should be noted in the Module Specification and made clear in the Assessment Briefs.

13. Late submission

13.1 If an assessment is submitted after the designated deadline (including any ‘adjusted deadlines’ provided by a support plan), it will be considered late.

13.2 The late submission period is seven consecutive days (this includes days when the University is officially closed).

13.3 Eligibility:

• Late submission does not apply to examinations or scheduled and timed assessments, such as presentations or performances.
• Late submission does not apply to pass/fail assessment tasks.
• Late submission may not apply to some PSRB modules/programmes.
• Late submission does not apply for reassessments within any module attempt.

13.4 Information on late submission exclusions should be explicit in the Module Specification / Assessment Briefs.

13.5 Sanctions for submitting assessments late:

• Assessments submitted within 24 hours after the designated deadline will incur a 10% deduction from the achieved mark. However, if this deduction brings the grade below the pass mark, the pass mark will be awarded.
• Assessments received 2–7 days late that are of a passing standard will be capped at the pass mark (40 for undergraduate and 50 for postgraduate taught). The cap at the pass mark will only apply to the assessment task that is late (not the average module grade).

13.6 If work is submitted more than seven days late, it will be recorded as a non-submission (NS).

13.7 Late submission for pass/fail assessments in the absence of an approved extension will be marked as an NS.

14. Failure and assessment reattempts

14.1 Students who have not achieved a pass mark for the module will be offered a reattempt at the failed assessment task(s).

14.2 Assessment reattempts can be in the form of the original assessment or, if coursework, the original submission should be reworked to a passing standard following the provision of feedback.

14.3 Assessment reattempts should be completed at the earliest opportunity.

14.4 Module marks following reassessment will be calculated as follows:

• The assessment task that has been reattempted will be capped at the pass mark (40 for undergraduate or 50 for postgraduate taught).
• The highest mark achieved for the assessment task, whether achieved at the first attempt or reassessment, will be used.

14.5 Exceptional reattempts – if after an assessment has been reattempted, the module remains failed, providing that the student has submitted all assessment tasks (initial and reattempts), the student may be permitted one final attempt to pass the assessment task(s). If an NS is recorded for previous attempts, then an exceptional reattempt will not be permitted.

14.6 If, following all reassessment opportunities, the module remains failed, the student will need to retake the module.

14.7 Assessment tasks that have already been passed cannot be reattempted.

15. Retaking a module

15.1 If a student fails a module following all reassessment opportunities, they may retake the module in full.

15.2 When retaking a module, students are required to fully engage with the module in its entirety, attending all scheduled learning and teaching and completing all assessment tasks.

15.3 When retaking a module, students are entitled to an initial attempt at all assessment tasks and, if unsuccessful, one further reattempt. The first attempt for a retaken module will not be capped at the pass mark. However, reattempts in the retaken module will be capped at the pass mark.

15.4 Exceptionally, where the module is required to enable progression or final award, providing that the student has submitted all assessment tasks (initial and reattempts), the student may be permitted one final attempt to pass the assessment task(s). If an NS is recorded for previous attempts, then an exceptional attempt will not be permitted.

16. Compensation

16.1 Compensation can award credit for modules falling within the marginal failure range.

16.2 Eligibility for compensation:

• Only for undergraduate modules (Levels 3–6)
• The student must have an overall module mark of 35–39
• The student’s average for the level of study must be at least 40

16.3 If the student is eligible, the Assessment Board can award a maximum of 20 credits compensation per level of study (e.g. 20 credits at Level 4, 20 credits at Level 5 and 20 credits at Level 6).

16.4 Compensation is reviewed upon completion of a stage, when all modules have been attempted.

16.5 If there are more than 20 credits that fall within a compensation zone, the Assessment Board will decide which module to apply the compensation to – subject to the student meeting the full eligibility criteria.

16.6 Some programmes that are regulated by a PSRB do not permit the use of compensation. Exclusions to the use of compensation should be recorded in the Programme Specification.

16.7 Compensation is not available for postgraduate taught modules (Level 7).

17. Progression

17.1 Progression describes the moving from one level of study within a programme to another higher level of study.

Undergraduate

17.2 Undergraduate students must not progress to a higher level unless they have passed a minimum of 100 credits at their current level of study.

17.3 A maximum of 20 credits may be retaken alongside the higher level of study. Additionally:

• Students on a programme with an integrated foundation level who are progressing to Level 5 must have successfully completed all 120 credits at Level 3.
• Students progressing to Level 6 must have successfully completed all 120 credits at Level 4.
• Students on a four-year programme with a placement year between Levels 5 and 6 must complete Level 5 before attempting the placement year.

17.4 There may be specific PSRB requirements that require all modules at a level to be passed before progression is permitted. This should be recorded in the Programme Specification.

17.5 Students may use the Request for Additional Consideration process to apply to retake a whole level of study where there is evidence that they have been affected by considerable exceptional circumstances.

Postgraduate taught

17.6 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 (certificate) of the postgraduate programme. However, the Assessment Board may use its discretion if it is satisfied with the student’s participation and achievement in a preparatory module and permit the student to progress without obtaining the formal academic credit.

17.7 Students who have completed an interim stage (Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma) may progress to the next stage of study.

17.8 A maximum of 20 credits may be retaken alongside the higher level of study.

18. Sufficient progress

18.1 It is expected that all students will make sufficient progress towards the completion of their awards.

18.2 For undergraduate students:

• Full-time students who have not passed a minimum of 40 credits in an academic year* will be withdrawn for academic failure.
• Part-time students who have not passed any credits in an academic year* will be withdrawn for academic failure, unless their studies have been paused through a Break in Learning.

18.3 For postgraduate taught students:

• Students who have more than one module with a reattempt/failed status at the point of an Assessment Board should be issued with an academic progress warning letter, as their profile indicates significant concern.
• Students who have not passed any credits in an academic year* will be withdrawn for academic failure, unless their studies have been paused through a Break in Learning.

*For the purposes of these regulations, the academic year relates to the student’s intake point (e.g. September/January/May).

18.4 Assessment Boards may exercise discretion to confirm or overturn a decision to withdraw a student when compelling circumstances are evidenced. This discretion should only be applied if the board determines that continuing is in the student’s best academic interest, they are likely to achieve their final award and all other regulatory requirements (e.g. registration periods and reattempt regulations) are satisfied.

19. Making an award

19.1 The credit requirements for university awards are outlined in the Award and Credit Framework.

19.2 The credit requirements for dual awards are given in the Programme Specification and may be greater in volume than for a standard degree awarded solely by the University.

19.3 Confirmation of an award (exit or final) automatically terminates the student’s registration. The credits attributed to the award are considered ‘spent’, and they therefore cannot be used again to qualify for an alternative award. However, they could be used to gain direct entry to a higher-level programme.

19.4 Qualification for an award

19.4.1 In order to qualify for an award, students must have satisfied both:

(i) The general credit requirements for the award; and

(ii) All the specific requirements defined in the intended learning outcomes for the programme, for each of the stages leading to the award.

19.5 Exit awards

19.5.1 Credits at a higher level may substitute those at a lower level if a student terminates their studies prior to completing the final award for which they were registered. Any resulting award will be the highest possible based on the number of credits achieved.

19.5.2 If a student accepts the award of a bachelors degree (non-honours), they may not return to the same programme to continue for an honours degree.

19.5.3 Exit awards are unclassified.

20. Classifications of final awards

20.1 The following table describes the classification thresholds for university awards:

Note: Some major awards are unclassified. This will be recorded in the Programme Specification.

21. Calculating award classifications

21.1 Higher national awards

Certificate

21.1.1 A weighted average of all marked credits at Level 4 is calculated, truncated to one decimal place.

21.1.2 Where more than 120 credits have been achieved at a level, the highest-marked 120 credits will be used for the calculation.

21.1.3 The weighted average will be compared with the threshold marks for each classification (see the classification table). No other measures are considered unless the result falls within the borderline range.

21.2 Diploma

21.2.1 A weighted average of all marked credits at Level 5 is calculated, truncated to one decimal place.

21.2.2 Where more than 120 credits have been achieved at a level, the highest-marked 120 credits will be used for the calculation.

21.2.3 The weighted average will be compared with the threshold marks for each classification (see the classification table). No other measures are considered unless the result falls within the borderline range.

21.3 Foundation degree

21.3.1 A weighted average of all marked credits at Level 5 is calculated, truncated to one decimal place.

21.3.2 Where more than 120 credits have been achieved at a level, the highest-marked 120 credits will be used for the calculation.

21.3.3 The weighted average will be compared with the threshold marks for each classification (see the classification table). No other measures are considered unless the result falls within the borderline range.

21.4 Bachelors degree

21.4.1 A weighted average of all marked credits at Levels 5 and 6 is calculated, truncated to one decimal place:

21.4.2 Level 5 average x 0.2 + Level 6 average x 0.8

21.4.3 Where more than 120 credits have been achieved at a level, the highest-marked 120 credits will be used for the calculation.

21.4.4 The weighted average will be compared with the threshold marks for each classification (see the classification table). No other measures are considered unless the result falls within the borderline range.

21.4.5 Determination of honours classification following direct entry:

• If the mark average for the penultimate level cannot be calculated (e.g. because the student was a direct entry to the final stage or the student studied abroad for the whole of Stage 2), the mark average for the final level will serve as the overall performance indicator.
• Note specifically that in the case of a student who has achieved a foundation degree and been admitted to the final stage of an honours degree, this constitutes direct entry to the latter, and the honours classification will be based on Level 6 credits only.

21.5 Integrated masters degree

21.5.1 Exit award

21.5.2 Where a student has not completed the full integrated masters degree but has sufficient credit to be awarded a bachelors degree, the calculation follows the normal rules for bachelors degrees.

21.5.3 The final average mark will be taken from the highest-marked 120 credits at Levels 6 and 7, weighted at 80%, plus 120 Level 5 credits, weighted at 20%.

21.5.4 The mark profile for borderline cases will be taken from Level 6 marked credits.

21.5.5 Full integrated masters award

21.5.6 The following table gives examples of programme structures and the credits required to calculate the masters award classification.

*Normally including at least 60 credits from Independent Scholarship.

21.6 Masters awards

21.6.1 The credit mark average is calculated by:

1. Multiplying the percentage mark achieved in a Level 7 module by the number of credits the module carries.
2. 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.

21.6.2 Where a student has achieved more than 180 credits, the mandatory modules and the best results of the remaining modules should be used in the calculation.

21.7 Rules for determining classifications with RPL or direct entry

21.7.1 Where a student registers on a programme with direct entry, the method of calculating their final classification will follow the standard calculation rules. However, their average credit mark will be divided by the number of credits studied at the University of Derby, rather than the full credit requirements of the programme.

22.8 Borderline ranges and consideration

(1) Foundation degree / higher national awards – borderline consideration

If the weighted average falls into the borderline range, the profile of marks will be reviewed against a final level performance indicator (mark profile): at least 60 credits must be at or above the threshold mark.

If the mark profile matches or exceeds the threshold mark, the student will be awarded the higher classification.

(2) Bachelors degree – borderline consideration

If the weighted average falls into the borderline range, the profile of marks will be reviewed against a final level performance indicator (mark profile): at least 60 credits at Level 6 must be at or above the threshold mark.

If the mark profile matches or exceeds the threshold mark, the student will be awarded the higher classification.

(3) Masters degree – borderline consideration

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.