Regulations for awards (taught courses): Section 6

SECTION 6: The Classification of Awards and Course Assessment Meetings (CAMs)

6.1 The classification of Bachelor’s Degrees awarded with honours

6.1.1. In a course leading to the award of a Bachelor’s Degree with honours, classification will be based on a weighted numerical average of marks awarded in graded I and H level credits undertaken in a student’s course of study, with the best marks totalling 100 credits at each level being included in the calculation. Students must have passed all modules leading to the award before being eligible for an honours degree.

6.1.2 In calculating the weighted numerical average for the Bachelor’s degree with honours, the calculation shall be conducted on a pro rata basis with H level credits counting to the calculation carrying a weighting of two, and graded I level credits counting to the calculation carrying a weighting of one, unless the course or a PSRB stipulates otherwise (this should be clearly documented in the programme specification document).

Bachelor’s Degree with Honours
Classification bands		Algorithm
1	69.5%	Calculated using a weighted average comprising of 1x the best 100 I level credits and 2x the best 100 H level credits.
2:1	59.5%
2:2	49.5%
3	40%

6.1.3 For students returning to complete an honours degree having previously accepted and rescinded an interim award, classification will include those intermediate and honours level module grades which formed part of the interim award.

6.1.4. In a course leading to the award of a Bachelor’s Degree with honours where the student has received accreditation for prior learning, the classification will be based on a numerical average of marks awarded in up to 100 graded I and 100 H level credits undertaken in the student’s course of study as a registered student of the University. Students must have achieved a pass mark in all modules.

6.1.5. In cases where APL is awarded, the student will receive the credit but no mark will be recorded. As no mark is recorded, the APL credit will not be used to calculate the final degree classification. Only credit awarded at the University of Huddersfield will be used for classification purposes, if University of Huddersfield credit was part of the APL. If a student is granted APL for part of an award contributing level, the total remaining graded credit at that level will be used to calculate the level average and therefore the final classification.

6.2 The classification of an Integrated Master’s Degree

6.2.1. A student on an Integrated Master’s degree will be awarded using the classification criteria below, unless the course specified differs from the principles outlined in this section. Any exceptions will be identified in the PSD.

Integrated Master’s Degree
Classification bands		Example Algorithm
1	69.5%	As each course may differ, the course administrator will be able to inform you of the algorithm calculation associated with the degree. Example algorithm: 100 I level credits weighted 25%; 100 H level credits weighted 25% and 100 M level credits weighted 50%.
2:1	59.5%
2:2	49.5%
3	40%

6.2.2. Students will normally be classified using an algorithm which combines all modules which contribute to the award (I, H and M level credits). The algorithm calculation may differ for each course and as such, students should contact their course administrator for information on how their degree is classified.

6.2.3. Where a student fails to meet the requirements for an Integrated Master’s Degree, the student will be considered for the award of a bachelor’s degree with honours. This award will be subject to the student having achieved a pass mark in all modules leading to the honours level qualification and will exclude marks awarded in modules taken in the final year of the Integrated Master’s Degree course.

6.2.4. In cases where APL is awarded, the student will receive the credit but no mark will be recorded. As no mark is recorded, the APL credit will not be used to calculate the final degree classification. Only credit awarded at the University of Huddersfield will be used for classification purposes, if University of Huddersfield credit was part of the APL. If a student is granted APL for part of an award contributing level, the total remaining graded credit at that level will be used to calculate the level average and therefore the final classification.

6.3 The classification of a designated Sandwich degree

6.3.1. In the case of a designated sandwich course, weighted marks attached to S level credits may also play a part in determining the classification of a degree with honours. If this is the case, the calculation shall be conducted on a pro rata basis with H level credits counting to the calculation carrying a weighting of two and graded I and S level credits counting to the calculation carrying a weighting of one unless the course or a PSRB stipulates otherwise (this should be clearly documented in the programme specification document).

6.3.2. In cases where APL is awarded, the student will receive the credit but no mark will be recorded. As no mark is recorded, the APL credit will not be used to calculate the final degree classification. Only credit awarded at the University of Huddersfield will be used for classification purposes, if University of Huddersfield credit was part of the APL. If a student is granted APL for part of an award contributing level, the total remaining graded credit at that level will be used to calculate the level average and therefore the final classification.

Designated Sandwich degree
Classification bands		Algorithm
1	69.5%	Calculated using a weighted average comprising of 1x the best 100 I level, 1x best S level credits and 2x the best 100 H level credits.
2:1	59.5%
2:2	49.5%
3	40%

6.4 The classification of Foundation Degrees

6.4.1. In a course leading to the award of Foundation Degree, classification will be based on a numerical average of the overall marks awarded at intermediate level, with the best marks totalling 100 credits at intermediate level being included in the calculation. Students must have achieved a pass mark in all modules.

6.4.2. In cases where APL is awarded, the student will receive the credit but no mark will be recorded. As no mark is recorded, the APL credit will not be used to calculate the final degree classification. Only credit awarded at the University of Huddersfield will be used for classification purposes, if University of Huddersfield credit was part of the APL. If a student is granted APL for part of an award contributing level, the total remaining graded credit at that level will be used to calculate the level average and therefore the final classification.

Foundation Degrees
Classification bands		Algorithm
Distinction	69.5%	Calculated using a weighted average comprising the best 100 I level credits.
Merit	59.5%
Pass*	40%
*Students who pass their award but do not achieve a merit or distinction will not have a classification printed on their certificate.

6.5 The classification of Postgraduate awards and other non-honours qualifications

6.5.1. In a course leading to an award other than an honours qualification or a foundation degree, classification will be based on a numerical average of the overall marks awarded unless the course or a PSRB stipulates otherwise (this should be clearly documented in the programme specification document). For any postgraduate qualification, the pass mark is 50% and for any undergraduate or foundation degree qualification, the pass mark is 40%.

Postgraduate awards
Classification bands		Algorithm
Distinction	69.5%	Calculated using a numerical average of all M level credits.
Merit	59.5%
Pass*	50%
Undergraduate non-honours qualifications
Classification bands			Algorithm
Distinction	69.5%		Calculated using a numerical average of the overall marks awarded.
Merit	59.5%
Pass*	40%
*Students who pass their award but do not achieve a merit or distinction will not have a classification printed on their certificate.

6.5.2. When calculating the classification average for merit or distinction for an interim award, the average to be used must be drawn from the marks achieved for the required modules at the level of study of the award.

6.5.3. In cases where APL is awarded, the student will receive the credit but no mark will be recorded. As no mark is recorded, the APL credit will not be used to calculate the final degree classification. Only credit awarded at the University of Huddersfield will be used for classification purposes, if University of Huddersfield credit was part of the APL.

6.6 The classification of Apprenticeship Awards and End Point Assessment

6.6.1. Apprenticeship courses finish with an End Point Assessment (EPA), the format of which will depend on the apprenticeship standard and will be outlined in the EPA plan on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website and the programme specification document for the course. The EPA will confirm the apprentice is occupationally competent in their role before they receive their apprenticeship certificate. The EPA will determine whether the overall apprenticeship standard has been met.

6.6.2. For integrated apprenticeship courses, where the University is responsible for the teaching of the award and the EPA module is included within the structure of the course (for example a 20-credit final year module), the CAM will confirm all modules and completion of the EPA (and notify this to the Education and Skills Funding Agency). Where the EPA module is ungraded, as specified in the EPA plan, this will be excluded from the calculation of the degree award classification.

6.6.3 For integrated apprenticeship courses, the CAM may exceptionally require an additional external examiner who meets the criteria set out in the EPA Assessment Plan for the course being examined. The CAM and End Point Assessment Panel will make a decision on the award of the degree and its classification and also whether the learner has passed or failed the EPA. The two separate decisions will be based on differing criteria.

6.6.4 For non-integrated apprenticeship courses, the employer will select an approved end point assessment organisation to conduct the EPA. The learner cannot be awarded until there has been confirmation that they have passed their End point Assessment.

6.6.5 For some regulated professions, the apprenticeship standard follows a fully integrated EPA. Students will be informed by the Centre for Apprenticeships if this is the case. The EPA is not included within the structure of the course. The learner can only progress to the CAM once the Gateway requirements, in line with the apprenticeship standard, have been met. The CAM will then confirm the credit, EPA and make a recommendation for the conferment of the award.

6.7 Use of the classification uplift criteria

6.7.1. CAMs must be guided by the relevant classification bands in assigning classifications. There is a 0.5% uplift margin below a higher classification banding. Subject to the published criteria, a CAM should exercise academic judgement by using 6.7.3 and 6.7.4, if the student meets the relevant criteria. The fit to sit and fit to submit policies mean that unretrieved ECs will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, when a student can demonstrate they did not have the capacity to make an informed decision about their ability to sit or submit for an exam or assessment.

6.7.2. In cases where a student profile includes a module with an unretrieved approved extenuating circumstance (granted in exceptional circumstances only), a 1.5% uplift margin will apply provided that at least one other criterion is satisfied. Students must have achieved a pass mark in all modules and meet the criteria specified in 6.7.3 or 6.7.4.

6.7.3. Undergraduate honours award uplift criteria

If a student is in the 0.5% margin they must demonstrate one of criteria 1-4;
If a student is in the 1.5% margin they must demonstrate one of criteria 1-3 plus unretrieved ECs (granted in exceptional circumstances only) at I or H level (criteria 4).

50% or more of the total credits at H level are in the higher band;
The H level average (based on the full 120 H level credits) is in the higher classification category;
The mark for the major piece of final year work (as defined by the Course Leader in advance of the CAM) is in the higher classification category;
There is an unretrieved EC (granted in exceptional circumstances only) in at least one module at either I or H level.

6.7.4. Postgraduate award and other non-honours award uplift criteria

If a student is in the 0.5% margin they must demonstrate one of criteria 1-3;
If a student is in the 1.5% margin they must demonstrate one of criteria 1-2 plus unretrieved ECs (granted in exceptional circumstances only) at M level (criteria 3).

50% or more of the total credits at the level of award are in the higher classification category;
The mark for the major piece of work (as defined by the Course Leader in advance of the CAM) is in the higher classification category;
There is an unretrieved EC (granted in exceptional circumstances only) in at least one module included in the classification calculation.

6.8 The purpose and role of a Module Assessment Meeting (MAM) and a Course Assessment Meeting (CAM)

6.8.1 The Module Assessment Meeting exists to quality assure the performance of every course module and allow corrective action to be taken, should it be appropriate, prior to the Course Assessment Meeting (CAM). The MAM exists;

To allow course teams to check all module marks are present and correct before individual student profiles are considered at the CAM.
To evaluate and scrutinise Module Mark Analysis Reports to consider the relative performance of a module over time, where data is available.
To evaluate any discernible trends based on agreed criteria.
To identify and record any anomalies in module marks in accordance with past performance. If anomalies are found, to provide an opportunity for scaling adjustment or moderation review, if appropriate and recommend any module improvements needed.
To identify which modules may not be considered for potential scaling due to PSRB reasons.

6.8.2 The CAM (formally known as Course Assessment Board) will not change moderated marks brought for ratification but has responsibility:

To ratify the outcomes of the performance in modules (passed, referred, deferred, condoned or failed), based on the moderated marks brought forward to the CAM. These decisions are made in accordance with the Regulations for Awards.
To ratify student progression between stages of the course, in accordance with the Regulations for Awards.
To ratify degree classifications and conferment of awards, in accordance with the Regulations for Awards.
To confirm the application of the uplift criteria on student profiles as set out in section 6.5 of the Regulations for Awards (Taught).
To confirm that the course team has properly carried out its assessment responsibilities, including internal and external moderation, where appropriate.
To record student outcomes.

6.8.3 No other body has authority to recommend conferment of an award, nor to amend the decision of an approved and properly constituted CAM acting within its terms of reference and in accordance with the regulations for the courses of study. A CAM may, however, be required to review a decision or may have that decision annulled where a student submits a successful Results Appeal.

6.8.4 In exceptional cases, the Chair has the authority to act on behalf of the CAM which includes progression and the conferment of an award. However, this decision must be reported to the External Examiner for written confirmation prior to any result being released. The action must be recorded and reported to the next available CAM meeting for official documentation.

6.8.5 CAMs may be responsible for either a single course or for two or more closely related courses which may have a similar structure and a high proportion of common modules.

6.8.6 The CABs are appointed in accordance with procedures determined by the Senate and are accountable to that body for the fulfilment of their terms of reference (see APPENDIX THREE - Course Assessment Board Terms of Reference).

6.8.7 Where a breach of the University’s academic misconduct regulations is suspected, the assessment meeting will not reach a decision on the student's performance until the investigation has been closed and the facts have been established to report at the next available CAM.

6.8.8 In the unlikely event that an error with a decision has been made at a CAM, this will be remedially corrected via Chair’s Action, subject to the External Examiner’s approval. Students will be notified via email and receive an updated confirmation of results as soon as the External Examiner has agreed to the correction.

6.9 The membership of a CAM and quoracy

6.9.1. The membership of each CAM will normally comprise;

The Chair nominated by the Dean of School (academic staff member), who will be independent of the course being considered;
The Course Leader(s);
The course administrator

Module Leader(s) are not required to attend.

The following staff members may be in attendance;

A member of the course administration team will record the CAM’s decisions;
The Director of Registry (or nominee) may attend to provide guidance on the regulations.

6.9.2. The Chair, Course Leader and Course Administrator should be in attendance for the CAM to be quorate. The External Examiner is not required to attend the meeting however no recommendation for progression or the conferment of an award may be made without their written consent. This will normally be provided before the CAM but, in the event of a delay, must be issued as soon as possible following the meeting before results are released and conferment lists can be produced.

6.9.3. In all other cases, the CAM may not proceed in cases where it is not quorate.

6.9.4. Arrangements must be made to appoint a secretary to each CAM who will maintain accurate records of outcomes.

6.9.5. Any members who have a private relationship with any student to be considered must declare their interest at the start of the CAM and may be required to leave the meeting at the point of consideration of that student or that student’s cohort.

6.9.6. No student may be a member of a CAM or attend the meeting.

6.10 Module Leaders responsibilities for the CAMs

6.10.1 The responsibility for managing the completed assessment of modules shall lie with the designated Module Leader. The Module Leader will be responsible for:

The collation of marks;
Oversight of any second marking and other moderation procedures required to ensure the full and proper assessment of student performance;
Authorisation and arrangements for tutor reassessments in appropriate components of assessment;
Ensuring that the External Examiner has access to all necessary; information and scripts to enable them to carry out full and proper moderation of students’ work on the module;
Ensuring that the External Examiner has detailed knowledge of the moderation processes undertaken by the module teaching team;
Confirming a final and complete set of marks with the agreement of the external examiner.

6.11 External Examiners responsibilities for the CAMs

6.11.1 External Examiners are not required to attend the CAM. However, no recommendation for the progression of a student or conferment of an award may be made without written approval from an External Examiner that all marking and moderation has been carried out to their satisfaction in line with sector standards.

6.11.2 On any matter which the External Examiner(s) have declared a matter of principle, the decision of those examiner(s) shall either be accepted as final by the CAM or shall be referred to the Chair of University Teaching and Learning Committee. Any unresolved disagreement between External Examiners shall be referred to the Senate.

6.11.3 External Examiners may be assigned to one or more courses. As part of their role, before they consent for results to be released, External Examiners will exercise both an oversight of students’ overall performance and carry out a responsibility for monitoring the comparability and fairness of the assessment processes for all the modules which comprise the Course.

6.11.4 The External Examiner will not comment on the marks awarded to individual students when seen as part of a Sample selection but will:

Undertake moderation of student performance within modules;
Assure and comment on the comparability of marks between the modules ascribed to them;
Monitor the effectiveness of the processes used to moderate scripts, and, where necessary, make recommendations to improve or develop these processes.

6.11.5 External Examiners need not be associated with the assessment of performance at foundation level or pre-foundation level with the following exceptions:

Where foundation level or pre-foundation level modules lead to a University award – an External Examiner must be appointed to the course;
In the case of foundation level modules, when examining modules on foundation degrees.

6.12 Appeal against a decision of a CAM

6.12.1 The Director of Registry (or nominee), under delegated authority of Senate, may in the following circumstances require a CAM to reconsider its decision:

If a student requests such a reconsideration and establishes to the satisfaction of the Senate or appropriate nominee that their performance in the assessment was adversely affected by illness or other factors which the student was unable, or for valid reasons unwilling, to divulge before the CAM reached its decision. The student’s request must be supported by medical certificates or other documentary evidence deemed acceptable as referenced in section 9 of the Regulations for Taught Students
If the Senate or appropriate nominee is satisfied on evidence produced by a student or any other person that there has been a procedural administrative error, or that the assessments were not conducted in accordance with the current regulations for the course, or that some other procedural irregularity relevant to the assessments has occurred.

6.12.2 Disagreement with the academic judgement of a CAM in assessing the merits of an individual piece of work or in reaching any assessment decision based on the marks, grades and other information relating to a student’s performance cannot in itself constitute grounds for a request for reconsideration by a student.

6.12.3 If after reconsideration due to a successful Results Appeal, the CAM does not modify its decision, the Senate may annul that decision, if in its opinion, due and proper account has not been taken of those circumstances.

6.12.4 In cases of procedural or other irregularity, or where it is not possible to reconvene a CAM, the Senate shall have power to annul a decision of the CAM without making a prior request for reconsideration. If an error or irregularity is found to have affected more than one student, the Senate may annul the whole assessment or any part of it.

6.12.5 When a decision has been annulled it is the responsibility of the Senate to take action, including if necessary the appointment of new External Examiners, to ensure that recommendations are made to it in respect of the student(s) concerned by an approved CAM.

{{subitem.title}}