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Common questions for undergraduate courses

If you're on an undergraduate or integrated masters course, get answers to frequently asked questions relating to our examination and assessment regulations.

1. How do I pass my degree?

Your degree has been designed to provide a coherent learning experience, enabling you to meet the course learning outcomes and achieve an award of the University. Your course is made up of a number of individual modules, each worth a set number of credits. As an undergraduate student, you must register on modules worth 120 credits per stage (i.e. per academic year, if studying full-time). To progress to the next stage or be awarded a degree, you must achieve 120 credits in the stage, as well as the required stage mean (40% on foundation and undergraduate courses at FHEQ levels 3-6 and 50% in the final stage of an undergraduate integrated masters courses at level 7, unless your course has a higher progression threshold). (Please refer to 'Progression Regulations' and 'Award Regulations'). The exam board may award up to 30 credits per stage via compensation, trailed credit or condoned credit. (Further information is provided below).

2. How do I pass a module?

Modules are usually assessed by more than one assessment, designed to test the module learning outcomes.  These marks are combined to produce a conflated mark.  To pass the module you need to achieve a conflated mark at or above the pass threshold (40% on foundation and undergraduate courses at FHEQ levels 3-6 and 50% on undergraduate integrated masters courses at level 7).  Some courses have additional Professional and Statutory Body (PSB) requirements for passing the module.  If you pass the module you will be awarded the credit for that module.  (Please refer to 'Module Grades').

3.  How is my classification calculated?

For undergraduate students who achieve the credit required your degree classification is based on the stage means that contribute to your grand mean (usually stage 2 is weighted at 40% and stage 3 is weighted at 60%).  (Please refer to 'Award Regulations'). 

4.  Is there a borderline zone?

The exam board will give consideration to students falling within a borderline area of one percent below each classification boundary as follows:

69-70 Boundary for 2:1/1^st

59-60 Boundary for 2:2/2:1

49-50 Boundary for 3rd/2:2

39-40 Borderline Fail/3rd

Where you fall within a borderline area of one percent (as above) and have achieved 50% of credit which contributes to classification in the higher class (e.g. 69 plus 50% of credit above 70) you will be automatically reclassified. Where you fall within the borderline area of one percent, but have not achieved 50% of credit in the higher class (e.g. 69 plus 33% of credit above 70) the exam board has the discretion to reclassify based on the individual student profile, as shown on the marks array, for all stages of study contributing to the award. (Please refer to 'Award Regulations').

Resits/sits and repeat year opportunities

5. What happens if I fail a module?

You need to achieve the requirements set out in 1 above to progress to the next stage or to achieve your award. If you fail a module, your exam board may give you a resit or a sit opportunity depending on your circumstances. You may also be given credit via compensation/condoned credit (please see below for details). You will usually be given a resit/sit of the component that you have failed – resit/sit details will be published on your Module Results page and Timetable in Sussex Direct.  The resit assessment will be capped at the pass mark and then conflated with any other marks.

See information on the Student Hub on resitting an assessment.

6. What is the difference between a 'resit' and a 'sit'?

If you fail a module at the first attempt you will be given a resit to enable you to pass the module and gain the credits. Resit marks are capped at the pass threshold (40% on modules at FHEQ levels 3-6 and 50% at level 7) for the purpose of calculating your final classification, but the marks transcript you receive after graduation will show the uncapped mark (please refer to 'Assessment Regulations'). In cases where there are accepted exceptional circumstances and you are offered a sit, the mark will not be capped. It is important to note that the mark you achieve for a resit or a sit will stand for progression and/or award, even if it is lower than the original mark you achieved.

7. What are the implications of having my resit assessment mark capped?

Each module mark contributes towards your stage mean (the overall mark for the year). If your mark is capped it will affect your stage mean to a greater or lesser extent depending upon the weighting of the resit assessment and the credit volume of the module. For example, a capped mark weighted at 30% of a 15 credit module will have less impact on the stage mean than a capped mark worth 70% of a 30 credit module. The marks transcript you receive after graduating will show the uncapped mark you achieve on the resit.

8. How many times can I attempt to pass a module?

The cycle of assessment consists of a first attempt and a resit attempt at each stage of your studies. The exam board also has discretion to offer a second and final resit for one or more failed modules for a capped mark, provided 60 credits have been achieved in the stage. (Please refer to 'Assessment Regulations). If you fail the stage you may be given an opportunity to repeat the stage. (Please refer to ’Retrieving credit in the following academic year'). It is not possible to repeat a stage which you have passed or which the exam board has enabled you to pass through the award of compensated or condoned credit.

9. When will I be given a resit/sit opportunity?

Resits are scheduled in the resit assessment period - see term dates for resit assessment periods. Any second resit opportunities will be scheduled in the relevant resit assessment period of the next stage. If you wish to take a second resit opportunity sooner, you may request this using the form ‘Application form for A3 resit to be scheduled in A1 or A2’. This form cannot be used for first resits.

10. What is a repeat stage/semester and when will it be offered?

A repeat assessment cycle consists of one further cycle of first attempt (where marks are uncapped) and a resit attempt (where marks are capped) in the next academic year.  A repeat is considered by the Resit exam board in September, provided your course of study is running in the next academic session. (See 'Retrieving credit in the following academic year').

If you are a first year student and you have failed the stage after being given a resit opportunity, you have the automatic right to repeat the stage. For all other stages the Resit exam board will consider giving a repeat stage, usually where a stage has not previously been repeated, and normally where more than 30 credits have been failed after resits have been given.

Students on a repeat year will need to abide by the conditions set out in the University Repeat Year Learning Agreement.

Please note that by repeating a semester or stage there will be financial implications and that any marks from the previous attempt will not be.used for progression or award purposes.

11. Can I choose to repeat the stage instead of taking the resit(s) given?

If you do not wish to take the resits offered by the exam board in the summer you may apply for a repeat stage by completing the form ‘Application to repeat UG stage instead of resits’.  Please note that there is a deadline for applications to be sent to schools which is included on the form. If you miss this deadline and are not offered a repeat year by the Resit exam board by the exam board, you may request one via an appeal. See more information on the appeal process.

12. WIll I be able to take a repeat stage if I am an international student?

See visa information on the Student Hub.

You must always seek advice from an International Student Adviser if you are given a repeat year.

Compensation, condoned and trailed credit

13. How many credits can be compensated, trailed or condoned?

A combined maximum of 30 credits may be compensated or condoned in the final stage, or on a foundation year. A combined maximum of 30 credits per stage may be compensated or trailed if you are in stage 1 or 2.

14. What is compensated credit and when is it given?

This allows for your overall performance to compensate for a marginal fail on a module.  Up to 30 credits of modules can be compensated in each stage of your course if:

• the mark achieved on the module is a marginal fail, i.e. 35-39% (on modules at Level 3-6), or 45-49% for students on modules at Level 7 in the final stage of an integrated masters degree and
• you achieve an overall mean mark for the stage at the relevant pass threshold (40% for undergraduate students or 50% for students in the final stage of an integrated masters degree); and
• you have not failed more than 30 credits (including marginal fails); and
• you are not on a course which excludes automatic compensation, to comply with Professional and/or Statutory Body requirements.

Compensation will be applied by the exam board in the summer. No resit is then required but you will normally be offered an optional resit. Compensation will not be applied for students who are not registered on an award at the University (e.g. visiting and exchange students).

(i) Should I take the resit if I have a mark in the compensation zone?

You should consider the following if you have a module mark in the compensation zone:

1. If you take the resit the mark you get will stand, so you need to be confident that you can improve your module mark. If your new module mark is lower and is not in the compensation zone, this will mean that the module will not be compensated.
2. Resit assessment marks are capped at the pass threshold (40% modules at Levels 3-6 and 50% for Level 7 modules for students in the final stage of an integrated masters degree). Sit marks are not capped.
3. The weighting (the percentage of the overall module mark made up from the resit/sit) will determine how much the mark for the module can be improved by taking a resit/sit. To check the percentage weighting of the resit/sit offered, click on the resit assessment mode in the ‘Assessed By’ column of your module results table in Sussex Direct.
4. A maximum of 30 credits can be compensated per stage, where the criteria are met.

Please contact your School if you would like to discuss your academic progress and any resits offered.

(ii) What if I want to resit a failed module/s that has been compensated by the summer exam board?

Where compensation has been applied you will be offered a single opportunity to take an optional resit/sit to achieve the pass threshold for your transcript. (You may need to achieve the pass threshold on all your modules for accreditation purposes.) You will need to ’accept’ the optional resit by the deadline published on your Sussex Direct ‘Module Results’ page.

15. What is condoned credit?

The exam board has discretion to consider your overall performance and decide that a module/s that has been failed does not need to be retaken.  No resit is then required but you will normally be offered an optional resit.  Up to 30 credits of failed module(s) can be condoned in the final stage of the award (or on a foundation year) if:

• you achieve an overall mean mark for the stage at the relevant pass threshold (40% for undergraduate students or 50% for students in the final stage of an integrated masters degree); and
• you achieve a fail mark of at least 1% on the module(s) to be condoned; and
• the course learning outcomes have been met.

(i) Should I take an optional resit where a module has been condoned?

You should consider the following:

1. The mark you get on the resit/sit will stand.
2. Resit assessment marks are capped at the pass threshold (40% for undergraduates modules at Levels 3-6 and 50% for Level 7 modules for students in the final stage of an integrated masters degree). Sit marks are not capped.
3. The weighting (the percentage of the overall module mark made up from the resit/sit) will determine how much the mark for the module can be improved by taking a resit/sit. To check the percentage weighting of the resit/sit offered, click on the resit assessment mode in the ‘Assessed By’ column of your module results table in Sussex Direct.
4. You should bear in mind that achieving a slightly higher module mark will not significantly increase your stage mean and therefore will normally mean that you are unable to achieve a higher class. However, your transcript will show the higher mark if achieved.

(ii) What if I want to resit a condoned failed module/s?

Where condoned credit has been applied you will be offered a single opportunity to take an optional resit/sit to achieve the pass threshold for your transcript. (Please note that you may need to achieve the pass threshold on all your modules for accreditation purposes.) You will need to ’accept’ the optional resit by the deadline published on your Sussex Direct ‘Module Results’ page.

16. What is trailed credit and when is it given?

Trailed credit is considered by the Resit exam board if you did not pass your resits. The exam board has discretion to give a trailed resit so that you can progress to the next stage of your course whilst trailing a failed module/s (up to a maximum of 30 credits) provided that the Stage Mean requirement has been met. If the exam board gives a trailed resit, the resit will be scheduled in the next stage of study. (Please refer to ’Retrieving credit in the following academic year’).  You need to take the trailed resit to achieve the credit for the module.

(i) Can I take a different module instead of the one I have failed?

You can ask your School if you can take an alternative non-core module to the one you have failed. Your request will need to be approved by the Director of Teaching and Learning and will be subject to timetabling. You cannot request to take an alternative to a core module.

(ii) Can I attend teaching for trailed modules?

Normally you will not be allowed to attend teaching unless you are taking a different module OR if your School agrees that you can attend teaching sessions.

(iii) When will I be assessed for the trailed module?

If you take a trailed resit of the same module you will be given the resit in the resit assessment period for the module. (You can apply to take this earlier along with the next cohort i.e. in the semester 1 or 2 assessment period subject to practical and academic requirements being met. Please ask your School about the form ‘Application form for A3 resit to be scheduled in A1 or A2’). If you take an alternative module, you will take the main cycle of assessment, for example coursework and an examination, along with the next cohort. If you are given a trailed resit during the final stage, the resit may be scheduled in the resit assessment period after graduation.

(iv) What if I fail the trailed resit?

The exam board may condone a failed module which has been trailed, provided that you achieve 120 credits on the modules taken in the final stage and have achieved a mark greater than zero on the failed module, and the course learning outcomes have been met.

Graduation and pass lists

17. I have been given an award and a sit opportunity after the graduation ceremony.  Does this mean I will not be able to graduate with my class?

You can still attend graduation with your class, be included on the pass list and receive your degree certificate.  Classifications are not read out at graduation.  If, after your sit, you gain a higher classification you will be asked to return your certificate and be sent a new one for the higher class. This also applies if you have been given condoned/compensated credit and you register to take the resit and achieve a higher class.

18. I have been given an Ordinary award but not an Honours award. Can I graduate with my class?

The exam board will normally give you an Ordinary award where you have achieved 300 credits including 60 credits at level 6 in the final stage.  An Ordinary degree is an unclassified degree without honours. ‘This is an exit award granted in recognition of student learning where insufficient credit has been achieved to award an undergraduate honours degree in the subject.’ (extract from the University’s Academic Framework).  An Ordinary award is given so that you can attend graduation with your cohort, if you have planned to do so.  At Graduation, your name will be included in the programme and you will cross the stage to shake hands with the University's Chancellor - no mention will be made of the Ordinary degree.  The exam board will also give you a resit/s to be taken in the resit assessment period.  After completing the resit/s the exam board will reconsider you for an Honours degree.  If you do not take the resit/s the Ordinary award will stand as your final award. 

19. I have been given a resit/sit opportunity and not been given an award.  When will I be able to attend graduation?

You will be able to attend the next graduation ceremony (Summer or Winter) provided that you have met the criteria for an award.

Assessment

20. What should I do if I have an essay deadline and an exam on the same day?

You should aim to complete the essay well before the day of the exam so that you have plenty of time to revise for your exam. Schools will usually provide essay titles/assessment tasks in good time before the submission deadline. This is so that you can carry out any research and preparation required, complete your work in good time and plan your workload effectively. You will also need to plan your workload carefully if you have more than one submission deadline or exam on a single day. 

21. When are marks and feedback published?

See the following on the Student Hub:

• when marks and feedback are published
• where to get marks and feedback.

22. What happens if I miss an assessment deadline?

Should you miss an assessment submission deadline (for whatever reason) you may submit by the published late submission deadline, where late submission is possible. This will incur a penalty, as follows:

• Work submitted up to 24 hours late shall incur a penalty deduction of 5 percentage points (not 5% of the actual mark).
• Work submitted after 24 hours and up to 7 days late shall incur a penalty deduction of 10 percentage points ( not 10% of the actual mark)
• No work shall be accepted after the late submission period has passed

These penalties are applied automatically without the need for you to provide any reason for the lateness. (Please see 'Assessment Regulations').

Late submission is available for most assessment submissions. However, late submission will not be available on all submissions (please see your Timetable in Sussex Direct). Late submission is not available for any student on Group Written Submissions or Take Away Papers. (For students with Reasonable Adjustments agreed via the Student Support Unit an extended deadline of an addition 4 or 8 hours will be given for Take Away Papers).

If you do not attend an unseen examination or in-person assessment or if you do not submit your work within the published late submission period an absence/non-submission and a mark of zero will be recorded for the assessment.

23. What should I do if I've been asked to do jury service?

The normal expectation of Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS) is that everyone summoned for jury service will serve at the time for which they are summoned. However, it is possible to seek a deferral where jury service is likely to interfere with your study or assessment.  The Jury Central Summoning Bureau evaluates any requests for deferral and may agree a deferral, usually for no longer than 12 months.

If you are summoned for jury service, please contact your School Director of Student Experience immediately to discuss your application for deferral. Applications for deferral from students during term-time, and particularly during examination or assessment periods, will normally be agreed once. However, applications to be excused entirely from jury service will normally only be agreed in extreme circumstances. When you apply for a deferral you should give dates that you would be available within the next 12 months, for example, during a vacation period.

Find out more about jury service on GOV.UK

Placement year

24. What are the placement year assessment regulations? (please refer to 'Progress and Award Regulations')

(i) What do I need to achieve to go on a placement year?

If you are on a 4 stage course including a placement year you need to achieve 120 credits and an overall mean of 40% in stage 2. Appendix G(a) sets out courses with a higher progression threshold. Appendix G(b) sets out higher progression thresholds required on integrated masters courses.

(ii) What do I need to achieve during a placement year?

To continue into the final stage of your course you need to achieve an overall mean of 40% on the placement year assessment. If you do not achieve 40% on the placement year after a resit opportunity you will be transferred to the course title without the suffix ‘with a placement year’.

(iii) Does the mark I achieve on my placement year go towards my degree classification?

Award classification for a voluntary placement year shall be calculated according to the grand mean based on a ratio of 40:60 for stages 2 and 4. Therefore, the voluntary placement year will not contribute to classification.

Award classification for an integrated placement year shall be calculated according to the grand mean based on a ratio of 40:25:60 for stages 2, 3 and 4.  Therefore the marks achieved on the placement year will contribute to classification based on the lowest of the weightings. Appendix G(c) lists courses where this applies.

(iv) Will the placement year be included in my course title?

If you complete and pass the placement year you will have the placement year recognised in the degree certificate as ‘Degree title (with Professional/Industrial Placement Year)’, provided that you have met the criteria for the award. If you fail to complete or pass the placement year you will transfer to the course title excluding ‘with a Professional/Industrial Placement Year’. If you do not pass the placement year the mark achieved will not contribute to your classification.

More information

More guidance

You can also go to:

- your Academic Advisor: for academic advice related to your studies.

- the Student Life Centre: for non-academic advice, welfare support and information regarding support available on campus and in the local area

- the Student Support Unit: SSU is a team of specialist advisors who support students with disabilities and mental health issues

ADQE office

See a glossary of key words and their meanings used in the Examinations and Assessment Regulations 2019/20.