Grade marking and classification
Honours degrees at Solent University, like degrees awarded across the UK, are awarded with a classification or class (ie, first class, upper second class / 2:1, lower second class / 2:2, third class). This page explains grading and classification further.
Assessments grades
Grades awarded for individual assessments are marked using the alphanumeric grade mark system (eg, A3, B1, C2, etc) that relates to the achievement of learning outcomes and related to the assessment criteria set for each assessment in line with the classifications system. This alphanumeric grading approach to mark individual assessments has been in use at Solent for over 10 years.
Assessment work is not graded as a percentage, and are instead put within a classification band (indicated by the letter), and then confirmed as top, middle bottom of that band (indicated by the number) as exampled below:
| A = first class work | 1 = the high end of the band |
| B = 2:1 work | 2 = the middle of the band |
| C = 2:2 work | 3 = the lower end of the band |
| D = third class work | 4 = is also used at the first class classification as the range is larger |
| F = work that has not met the pass threshold |
However, within some assessments that have right/wrong answers such as multiple-choice tests or mathematical calculations, marks are awarded purely with a numeric percentage. In some cases where an assessment is required to specifically measure the achievement of a competence threshold, then a pass/fail outcome may be awarded with no grade attached.
Classification of degrees
To confirm the final classification of a degree, the award average is calculated based on the module grades. To enable this to happen, each module's alphanumeric grade is converted into a specific numerical grade for calculation purposes. There is no banding of alphanumeric grades. Module grades are then calculated based on the weighting of all pieces of assessment on the module.
- an A4 is always 74,
- a B1 is always 68,
- a C2 is always 55, etc.
Before trying to calculate or predict an individual’s final classification, it should be remembered that academic penalties may be applied, for example if work is submitted late, passed following a referred resit, or as a result of academic misconduct being proven.
(Referred resit is where an assessment/exam is capped in their grading, after a failed submission or non submission. A deferred resit is where the student does the assessment/exam again as for the first time, ie, no previous exists. Usually linked to approved Extenuating Circumstances.)
The award average is then calculated by using the best 100 credits of level 6 modules weighted at 70% and the next best 100 credits at level 5 and 6 weighted at 30%, using 2 decimal places.
- A First is awarded when the award average achieved is 69.5% or above,
- A 2:1 from 59.5%,
- A 2:2 from 49.5%.
To get an honours degree, all 360 credits must be passed. An ordinary degree (is a lower exit award) that comes without a classification and is awarded if assessment has been completed in all modules (360 credits), and at least 300 credits have been passed.
Results app
All students can view their results on the results app.
Ian Harris, Solent University, Head of Quality Management
Stefania David, Students' Union, Head of Education
Elysia Shirley, Students' Union, Faculty Rep FBLDT