‘Degree algorithm’ is the process (or set of rules) we use to decide how your grades are translated into your final degree classification.
When we reviewed the degree algorithm calculation, we found that placing more importance on level 6 (for most undergraduate students this is your final year) will create fairer classification outcomes for you by focussing on your learning journey while studying with us.
For most undergraduate honours degrees, the current calculation, and the one that was in operation when you joined your programme, takes an average of all grades at level 5, this makes up 20% of the final mark and then an average of the best 90 credits at Level 6 to make up the remaining 80% of the final mark. This is then used to find your final degree classification.
With the new algorithm, 10% of your final mark will be made up of an average of all credits at Level 5 and the other 90% will come from the best 90 credits at Level 6.
For most fulltime undergraduate students Level 5 modules are taken in the 2nd year and Level 6 in your 3rd (or final year).
For current students, we will use both calculations and automatically award you the higher of the two outcomes when you graduate.
By current students, we mean students who are or have been registered in the 2022/23 academic year on an undergraduate programme (including extended and part-time modes of study) and who remain or were continuously registered until completion of the programme (including currently interrupted students).
This change will come into effect now (subject to PSRB requirements).
You don’t need to do anything – we will calculate both degree algorithms and automatically award you the better outcome when you graduate.
If you have any further questions, please log an enquiry on the Digital Student Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my degree classification calculated?
For more information on how your degree classification is calculated, please refer to Section D6 Degree Classification of our Academic Regulations for Taught Awards from 2022-23.
Why are you making this change?
We want to ensure all students receive a fair outcome when they graduate that reflects their learning journey and achievements during their studies. Modelling different calculations established that the new degree algorithm provides fairer classification outcomes for all students.
Do I need to do anything?
No, you don’t need to do anything. If you are a current student, we will calculate both degree algorithms and automatically award you the better outcome when you graduate.
Which programmes does this change not apply to?
The following programmes have specific requirements set by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRB) and are exempt from the new algorithm:
BEng H CIVIL ENG (SEGi UNI KD)
BSc H PHARMACOLOGY & PHYS
BSc H PHARM & PHYS W FDN YR
BEng H CIVIL ENGINEERING
BEng H (EXT) CIVIL ENGINEERING
BSc H PHARMACEUTICAL STUDIES
All final year entry programmes
If further exceptions apply, students will be informed by their Programme Leader of these.
I am graduating this summer (2023) – what does this change mean for me?
Both degree algorithms will be calculated, and the Progression and Award Board will automatically award you the better outcome.
Will I be able to see the two degree algorithms that are calculated for me?
You won’t be able to see both degree algorithms on your results letter, but you will automatically be awarded the higher outcome.
I have evidence that shows the wrong outcome was applied – how can I appeal the decision?
You will automatically be awarded the higher outcome at the Progression and Award Board. You don’t need to do anything for this to happen.
If you believe the wrong outcome has been awarded, you will need to provide evidence to prove this. Your results letter provides information on how to appeal the decision of the Progression and Award Board. You have 14 calendar days from receipt of the results letter to appeal the decision. If you need support with your appeal, you can contact the GSU Advice Team.
I graduated earlier in this academic year (2022/23) – do I still benefit from this change?
Yes. We automatically calculated both degree algorithms for you and will contact you directly if your degree classification has improved. If we don’t contact you, it means you have already been awarded the best outcome.
I am currently in my second or third year of study – will this change still apply when I graduate?
If you continue to be registered on your current programme, we will apply both degree algorithms when you graduate and automatically apply the higher of two outcomes.
I am currently interrupting my studies – will this change still apply when I graduate?
If you continue on the programme you are registered on, we will apply both degree algorithms when you graduate and automatically apply the higher of two outcomes.
I am studying on an extended programme – does this change apply to me?
Yes. If you continue to be registered on your current programme, we will apply both degree algorithms when you graduate and automatically apply the higher of two outcomes.
I am studying part-time – does this change apply to me?
Yes. If you continue to be registered on your current programme, we will apply both degree algorithms when you graduate and automatically apply the higher of two outcomes.
I am changing programmes in 2023/24 – will both degree algorithms still apply to me?
If you are changing your programme of study and register as a new student with us in the 2023/24 academic year (e.g. you are changing from B.A. Criminology to BEng Hons Civil Engineering), only the new degree algorithm will be applied to you when you graduate.
If you are changing your programme of study but continue to be registered on the programme (e.g. you are changing from B.A. Criminology to B.A. Criminology and Criminal Justice), we will apply both degree algorithms when you graduate and automatically apply the higher of two outcomes.
I’m on an integrated Masters degree. If I switch to, or am awarded the bachelors degree instead of the Integrated Masters degree award, which algorithm will be used?
Only the new algorithm will be used as the bachelors degree is deemed an exit award on an Integrated Masters programme and therefore the degree algorithm for bachelors degrees which applies at the time of awarding you will apply. From 2023/24 that will be the new degree algorithm.
Why are you not implementing the change for integrated Masters degrees?
We are not changing the degree algorithm for Integrated Masters as this degree programme has its own unique degree algorithm to take account of the level 7 credit which undergraduate honours degrees do not have.
I’m studying a Masters degree – does this change apply to me?
No. We are only changing the degree algorithm for undergraduate honours degrees.
I am starting a new undergraduate honours degree programme in 2023/24 – which algorithm applies to me?
The new algorithm will apply to you meaning 10% of your final mark will be made up of an average of all credits at Level 5 and 90% will come from the best 90 credits at Level 6.
Does the Students’ Union support this change?
Yes, GSU supports this change. You can find their statement here.
I am still unsure what this means for me – who can I contact for further information?
If you have any further questions, please log an enquiry on the Digital Student Centre.
