Understanding Your Degree Classification

Introduction

This guidance is designed to help you understand how your final degree classification is determined. It explains what a degree classification is, outlines the four classifications awarded for undergraduate degrees, and details the two different calculation methods (or algorithms) currently in use at the OCA. You can use this guide to learn how your specific classification will be calculated, depending on your enrolment date.

What is a Degree Classification?

A degree classification is the final grade awarded to a student upon completion of their undergraduate degree programme. It is a system used across universities in the UK to categorise a student's overall academic performance, based on certain unit results awarded from the degree that has been studied.

Degree Classes

There are four degree classes used to categorise overall academic performance:

• First Class (1)

• Upper Second Class (2:1)

• Lower Second Class (2:2)

• Third Class (3)

Unit Results

Throughout your studies on a degree programme, your unit results are indicative of what degree classification you are capable of achieving on successful completion of the programme.

Your unit results can fluctuate throughout your studies, and there are no guarantees that they will remain the same or move in any one way. Always bear in mind that they are an indication of achievement for a given unit, reflective of that study in that period of time.

Calculating a Degree Classification

The OCA currently uses two different methods, or algorithms, to calculate degree classifications. This is because degree programmes were recently transferred from one university to another. Each of the organisations involved have worked together to ensure that the impact of the transfer is minimised. The calculation which is used to determine your qualification is dependent upon where you are in your studies - see the 'Which degree classification calculation will apply to you?' section of this guidance to find out more.

The Open University’s (OU) Algorithm

Using the Open University algorithm, your degree classification is decided by calculating a Weighted Grade Credit score.

This score is calculated from your marks for the final two stages of your degree (Stage 2 [HE5] and Stage 3 [HE6]).

Marks from Stage 3 (HE6) are double-weighted, which means they count for more than the marks from Stage 2 (HE5).

After this score is calculated, it's checked against a table to determine your final degree classification.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Algorithm

Using the UCA algorithm, your degree classification is decided by calculating an Average score.

This score is calculated from averaging the marks from your unit results for the final stage of your degree (Stage 3 [HE6]).

The three unit results at this stage are added together and divided by three to calculate the average, determining which of the four classifications will be awarded for the degree.

After this score is calculated, it's mapped against the grade bandings to determine your final degree classification:

• First (1) - 70 to 100

• Upper Second (2:1) - 60 to 69

• Lower Second (2:2) - 50 to 59

• Third (3) - 40 to 49

Which Degree Classification Calculation Will Apply to You?

If you enrolled to your first Stage 2 (HE5) unit after 1 August 2022, The Open University's algorithm applies.

Both the Open University and UCA algorithms are applied if you enrolled to your first Stage 2 (HE5) unit before 1 August 2022, and you are awarded whichever classification is higher.

If you’re uncertain which algorithm applies to you, contact the Assessment Team for clarification.

Crucially, no matter when you enrolled, you must pass all units on your degree programme for you to achieve a BA (Hons) award and to receive a degree classification.