Common Grading Scale
The Common Grading Scale (CGS) replaced the Common Assessment Scale from September 2014.
The CGS provides a common, alpha-numeric marking scale which is used across the University. This enables you to compare your performance in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment.
| Grade | Band Descriptor | Honour Class | PGT Award | Grade Point | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 | Excellent | First | Distinction | 22.00-18.00 | |
| B1, B2, B3 | Very Good | Upper Second | Commendation | 17.99-15.00 | |
| C1, C2, C3 | Good | Lower Second | Pass | 14.99-12.00 | |
| D1, D2, D3, RP+ | Pass (pass grade = D3) |
Third | Pass | 11.99-9.00 | |
| RF++, E1, E2, E3 | Marginal Fail | Below Third Class Honours | Fail | 8.99-6.00 | |
| F1, F2, F3 | Fail | Below Third Class Honours | Fail | 5.99-3.00 | |
| G1, G2, G3 | Fail, Token, or No Submission | Below Third Class Honours | Fail | 2.99-0.00 | |
| +RP is Resit Pass at Postgraduate Taught level ++RF is Resit Fail at Postgraduate Taught level |
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The Scale comprises 23 discrete Grades grouped into seven Bands with an associated Grade Point for each grade. These Grade Points are used for the purposes of aggregation to (i) determine the overall course mark from a number of components (eg end of course exam and essay mark) and (ii) determine overall honours degree classification.
Each band has associated Descriptors; in looking at the Grade received, you should refer to these descriptors to help you understand your Grade.
- The Common Grading Scale in full, with associated detailed descriptors.
- For information about Undergraduate Degree Classification
- For information about Postgraduate Taught Degree Classification
- Undergraduate students' Frequently Asked Questions about classification and award of degrees.
- Postgraduate students' Frequently Asked Questions about classification and award of degrees.
- Assessments and Exams Explained
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Formative
Ongoing assessment throughout your course to help you and your tutor monitor your progress. Formative assessments do not count towards your final mark. Most of our courses feature some element of formative assessment.
Summative
Assessments that take place at the end of units or at the end of your course to evaluate your understanding of the materials you’ve studied. Summative assessments contribute to the final mark you receive for your course.
Exams
Some courses may involve formal exams that you have to attend in person at the end of your studies.
- Credits Explained
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Credits are an indicative guide to the length of time it takes an average student to complete a course’s learning outcomes.
- 1 credit = 10 hours
One SCQF credit represents an average of 10 hours of learning time, including teaching, private study and assessments.
You may take more or less than 10 hours to complete one SCQF credit, but this will not affect how many credits you receive for completing it. However long you take, you’ll still receive one SCQF credit.