2. Progression Through University Examinations

To qualify for your BA or MMathPhil in Mathematics and Philosophy you must pass a First and Second Public Examination. The First Public Examination in Mathematics and Philosophy is currently called the Preliminary Examination and is taken at the end of the first year. You must pass the Preliminary Examination before you can be admitted to the Second Public Examination.

The Final Honour School comprises three parts. Mathematics & Philosophy candidates for both the BA and the MMathPhil take Part A at the end of the second year and Part B at the end of the third year.  Part A consists entirely of Mathematics subjects.  In Part B both Mathematics and Philosophy subjects are examined.  There is no requirement of a minimum standard to be achieved in Part A in order for a candidate to proceed to Part B.  Candidates are classified on the basis of Parts A and B together.  Though Part A candidates are not classified at that stage, the rules for classification in Parts A + B are included in this document so that Part A candidates are aware how their marks in this examination enter into the classification process for Parts A + B, and since MP Part A candidates are studying Philosophy subjects during that year, the marking conventions for Philosophy are also included.  

Any candidate who wishes to leave at the end of their third year and who satisfies the Examiners may supplicate for a classified BA in Mathematics & Philosophy at the end of Part B with the classification they have received in Parts A and B together. In order to proceed to Part C, a candidate must be awarded an Upper Second Class or higher in the combined classification of Parts A and B.

Candidates for Part C receive a separate classification based on their USMs in the Part C examination. A candidate achieving Honours, that is, an average USM ≥ 40, is permitted to supplicate for the degree of MMathPhil. A candidate who in Part C fails to achieve Honours (that is, any candidate whose average USM in Part C is less than 40) may supplicate for a BA with the classification obtained at the end of
Part B.

Successful candidates may supplicate for one degree only -- either a B.A. or an MMathPhil. Whilst the MMathPhil is doubly classified a candidate will not be awarded both a BA degree and an MMathPhil degree, with two associated classifications.