Resits and module failure - undergraduate programmes

You have two attempts at passing a module. If you fail a module at the first attempt, you will either be given a capped resit (second attempt) or, if you have an accepted extenuating circumstances claim, an uncapped first sit (that counts as a first attempt again). Please see the distinction below.

Resits

If you fail a module by not receiving a module mark of over 40, then you will have the chance to resit the module, but any module result you receive will be pegged (capped) at 40 (grade D).

You’ll be automatically registered for any resits by Registry services. Because all your module marks are taken into consideration when your degree result is calculated, it is better to have one or more pegged resit marks of 40% rather than one or more fail marks. You only have one resit opportunity to pass a failed module.

If you fail a module you’ll resit it at the next available opportunity (usually August). You don’t take the module again, but the assignments you resit will depend on the mode of assessment for the module:

· For a module with a standard mode of reassessment, you will be asked to either re-do all the assignments (if you failed them all) or only the assignments that you did not submit or pass.

· For a module with a synoptic mode of reassessment, you will be asked to submit a single piece of work that replaces all the assessments that you may have previously submitted and/or passed.

First sits

If you submitted extenuating circumstances (ECs) for any assignments not submitted or examinations not sat, and the subject examination board accepts your EC application, it may recommend that you be offered ‘first sits’ at the next available opportunity (usually August). First sits usually take the form of standard assessment, meaning that you will complete the outstanding elements of assessment as if for the first time. Any marks from elements of assessment that were completed the first time around will be carried forward. After the June meeting of the subject examination board, we’ll write to you to tell you about any first sits you’re being offered, with a date by which any assignment has to be submitted.

If you are offered a first sit in a module, you can achieve the maximum mark without any penalties being imposed (i.e. it won’t be subject to a pegged or capped mark).

First sits themselves cannot be carried forward. This means that if you don’t submit the assignments for any first sits by the date you’re given, you don’t automatically get awarded first sits in those modules again. However, if you feel that your ability to complete your first sits has been affected by extenuating circumstances beyond your control you should submit a further extenuating circumstances application before the first sits deadline.

Year abroad

If you are a language student and fail your year abroad module(s), you will be offered a resit option consisting of an oral exam, which will take place at the next available exam period.

Retaking the academic year (first take)

 

Students can only be permitted to re-take an academic year in very exceptional circumstances. This is known as a ‘first take’. You must have applied for your extenuating circumstances to be taken into account before the subject examination board meets. If the first take is authorised, you will attend all classes and submit the entire assessment for your modules again. You must take the same modules in your first-take year that you were registered for during the original attempt (unless certain modules are not offered in the following year). Results for first-taken modules are not pegged at 40 and the full range of marks will be available. You are liable for the full tuition fee again if you retake a year.

More information about resits and first sits

Module failure may have consequences for your progression (for continuing students) or degree classification, so make sure that you are aware and understand these requirements.

The regulations concerning resits and first sits can seem confusing. So if you would like more information about these parts of the university academic regulations, or wish to know whether they are relevant to you, please come and talk to someone at the School reception (Arts One 1.40).

You will be contacted by the School office to confirm your resit/first sit deadlines. Students resitting examinations will be able to see an examination timetable on their MySIS portal and should contact the exams office with any queries.