Examination Conventions 2026-27

13. Classification Criteria

To determine the final USM, F, the dissertation is given the weight of three written examinations or mini projects; the final USM, F, is calculated as

F = [(X + Y + A + B + C + 3D)/8]

where X, Y are the best two marks on Schedule II courses, A, B, C are the three highest other marks on written examinations or mini projects, and D is the dissertation mark.

Passes, merits and distinctions, are determined by the following rules:

(i) If any of X, Y, A, B, C, D is less than 50, the candidate is failed.

(ii) If either

(a)     D ≥ 70, and X, Y, A, B, C ≥ 70
or

(b)     D ≥ 80, X ≥ 70, Y ≥ 67 and (X + Y + A + B + C)/5 ≥ 70,

the candidate is awarded a distinction.

(iii) If either

(a)     D ≥ 65, and X, Y, A, B, C ≥ 65
or

(b)     D ≥ 75, X ≥ 65, Y ≥ 63 and (X + Y + A + B + C)/5 ≥ 65,

the candidate is awarded a merit.

(iv) In all other cases the candidate is awarded a pass.

[Note: Conditions (ii)(b) and (iii)(b) permit the examiners to interpret the requirement ‘excellence through­out the examination’ more broadly, to award a distinction or merit for particular excellence on the disser­tation where the mini projects are not uniformly of distinction or merit standard.]