7. How outcomes in Prelims are determined

After marks for each examination script have been determined (in accordance with section 6 above), outcomes in Prelims are determined from each candidate's weighted overall average mark, average mark in Mathematics and average mark in Philosophy, according to conventions (see below) for each examination.

Decimal points and rounding of averaged marks in the determination of outcomes in Prelims

Averages of marks are calculated to two decimal points, which the examiners need in order to recognize candidates very close to a class borderline, in which case their marks profile needs to be given particular attention, and also for ranking candidates when awarding prizes.  However, at the stage of applying the classification rules to determine a candidate's outcome from their average marks, the averages are then symmetrically rounded to a whole number, so that e.g. 69.50 is rounded to 70 (which, if this is as an overall average, gives that candidate a Distinction), and 69.49 is rounded to 69 (in which case the candidate receives a Pass, subject to the determination of outcomes below, but only in that case after the examiners have carefully gone over the candidate's marks, being so close to a borderline).

Determination of outcomes in the Preliminary Examination

Marks for each individual examination paper will be reported as University Standardised Marks (USMs). The object of the USMs is to allow direct comparison between the results of examinations in different subjects. Raw marks are turned into USMs  by recalibration, sometimes necessary to ensure that all papers are fairly and equally rewarded. The correspondence between the USM ranges and classes is as previously stated in section 6. These marks reflect the qualitative descriptors given in the previous section.

The Preliminary Examination is an unclassified examination in which candidates are awarded a Distinction, Pass, or Fail. Candidates shall be deemed to have passed the examination if they have satisfied the Moderators in all five papers.

Candidate outcomes in Mathematics and Philosophy Prelims are determined by the following conventions:

Denote by

  • M the weighted average of the Mathematics USMs
    \[
    M = \frac{5}{14} MI +  \frac{5}{14} MII + \frac{4}{14} MIII(P)
    \]
  • P the average of the two Philosophy USMs and
  • A the average of M and P.

When M, P, and A have been symmetrically rounded to the nearest integer, as stipulated above, year outcomes will be awarded according to the following conventions:

Distinction: Both A ≥ 67 and either M ≥ 70 and P ≥ 60, or P ≥ 70 and M ≥ 60, and a mark of at least 40 on each paper.

Pass: A candidate not meriting a distinction but with a mark of at least 40 on each paper.

Fail: A candidate achieving a USM of less than 40 on three of more papers, unless the three papers are papers I, II, III(P).

Partial Pass: A partial pass is awarded to candidates who obtain a standardised mark of less than 40 on one or two papers, or each of papers I, II, III(P) and no other paper.  Such candidates will be required to resit the failed paper(s) before being awarded their final year outcome (see section 9 below).