19. Degree Classification and Borderline Policy

degree classification


The College Mark is the weighted average of the marks you receive in your modules and in the dissertation.  The classification of your MSc degree depends on your College Mark as detailed below, per the Academic Regulations 2019-20.

College Mark
Dissertation or project
 Classification
70.0-100.0 65.0 or higher Distinction
60.0 or higher 60.0 or higher Merit
50.0 or higher 50.0 or higher
 Pass
For more information on eligibility for awards, academic requirements for awards, and classification of awards, please see the Academic Regulations 2019-20.  Please read the QMUL Code of Practice for Assessment and Feedback: http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/media/arcs/policyzone/Code-of-Practice-on-Assessment-and-Feedback_amended-2016.01.18.pdf. 

Borderline Policy

Examination boards may use a borderline policy when making recommendations for degree classifications. The following criteria are used, according to the Assessment Handbook 2019-20.

  1. Students with College marks within one per cent of a borderline (except at the pass/fail border) shall be determined to fall within the "zone of consideration".
  2. Students with College marks within 1.5 per cent of a borderline and with significant extenuating circumstances not taken into account elsewhere may be determined to fall within the zone of consideration. However, if this approach is taken then the extenuating circumstances may not also be used as a reason to raise the classification itself.
  3. All students falling within a zone of consideration shall be considered as possible cases for application of the borderline policy.
  4. Students falling within the zone of consideration and with at least half of their credits with marks at the level of the upper classification (or higher), shall be raised to the higher classification. The credits at the higher level may include the dissertation or project, but this is not a requirement. Where a student studies on a part-time basis, all modules shall be used in the borderline policy.
  5. Students falling within the one per cent zone of consideration and not meeting the requirements of point 4, but with significant extenuating circumstances not taken into account elsewhere, shall be raised to the higher classification provided the examination board is confident that – without the effect of the extenuating circumstances – the student would have achieved the higher classification.

 Information on graduation can be found at: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/graduation/.