D2 Pre Sept 2022

1. Bachelor’s Degrees

If you are studying Medicine you should refer to Regulation C5 (Medical Bachelor’s Degrees)

1.1 Progression from Level 4 to Level 5

1.1.1 You can progress to Level 5 if you meet one of the following requirements:

(a)    You are awarded 120 credits at Level 4; or

(b)    (if you are a Single Honours student) you are awarded a minimum of 90 credits at Level 4, provided you still have an assessment attempt remaining on any compulsory and optional modules you have failed; or

(c)    (if you are a Combined Honours student) you are awarded a minimum of 90 credits at Level 4, provided you still have an  assessment attempt remaining on any compulsory and optional modules you have failed and you fail no more than 15 credits in each subject.

1.1.2 You must be awarded credit for all modules failed at Level 4 (1.1.1b or 1.1.1c) either over the summer reassessment period or whilst studying at Level 5.  

(a)    Compulsory and optional modules credits must be awarded within the maximum allowed two assessment attempts, or your studies will be terminated. The exception to this is where further reassessment is allowed owing to agreed exceptional circumstances, which is explained in Regulation B3 (Exceptional Circumstances).

(b)   A failed elective module can be replaced by studying and being awarded credits for a different elective module undertaken during your Level 5 studies.

(c)    You will not be permitted to progress to Level 6 until you have been awarded 120 Level 4 credits.

1.1.3 If you do not meet any of the progression thresholds set out in 1.1.1 above but are offered summer reassessment to meet them, your progression outcome will be confirmed once the reassessment outcome is known.

1.1.4 If you cannot meet any of the progression thresholds set out in 1.1.1 above or you have already taken summer reassessment but still not met the thresholds, you will be given one of the following progression outcomes:

(a)   If you have not already repeated Level 4, you will be offered the following repeat year options:

i.        Repeat Level 4 in full.  You will attend a full 120 credits of Level 4 modules in the next academic year and the results from these modules will replace the results of all Level 4 modules you have previously taken, whether or not you have been awarded credit for them.

ii.       Repeat only failed Level 4 modules.  You will keep the marks from the Level 4 modules where you have been awarded credit and will attend the required number of modules in the next academic year to replace the Level 4 modules you have failed.

If you still have assessment attempts remaining upon all your failed modules you will, in addition to options i and ii, be given the following option:

iii.        Repeat only the assessment of failed Level 4 modules.  You will keep the marks from the Level 4 modules where you have been awarded credit and will take reassessment only, in the next academic year without attendance, of the Level 4 modules you have failed.  You must be awarded credit for these failed modules within the maximum allowed two assessment attempts, including any attempts you have previously taken.

(b)    If you have already repeated Level 4, we will normally terminate your studies. 

1.2 Progression from Level 5 to Level 6 

1.2.1 You can progress to Level 6 if you meet one of the following credit thresholds:

(a)  You are awarded 120 credits at Level 4 and 120 credits at Level 5; or

(b)   You are awarded 120 credits at Level 4 and a minimum of 105 credits at Level 5, provided you still have an assessment attempt remaining on any compulsory or optional module you have failed.

1.2.2 You must be awarded credit for the module you have failed at Level 5 (1.2.1b) either over the summer reassessment period or whilst studying at Level 6.  

(a)   Credit for compulsory and optional modules must be awarded within the maximum allowed two assessment attempts, or your studies will be terminated.  For reassessment resulting from exceptional circumstances see regulation B3.

(b)   A failed elective module can be replaced by studying and being awarded credits for a different elective module during semester one of your Level 6 studies.

(c)  If you are not awarded credit for your failed Level 5 module, or for a replacement Level 5 elective module, whilst studying at Level 6, you will not be able to obtain a degree award and your studies will be terminated.

1.2.3 If you do not meet either of the progression thresholds set out in 1.2.1 above but are offered summer reassessment to meet them, your progression outcome will be confirmed once the reassessment outcome is known.

1.2.4 If you cannot meet either of the progression thresholds set out in 1.2.1 above or you have already taken summer reassessment but still not met the thresholds, you will be given one of the following progression outcomes:

(a)   Provided you have not failed a compulsory or optional Level 4 module after the maximum allowed two attempts and have not already repeated either Level 4 or Level 5, you will be offered the following repeat year options:

i.          Repeat Level 5 in full.  You will attend a full 120 credits of Level 5 modules in the next academic year and the results from these modules will replace the results of all Level 5 modules you have previously taken, whether passed or failed.

ii.          Repeat only failed Level 5 modules.  You will keep the marks from the Level 5 modules where you have been awarded credit and will attend the required number of modules in the next academic year to replace the Level 5 modules you have failed.

If you still have assessment attempts remaining upon all your failed modules you will, in addition to options i and ii, be given the following option:

iii.          Repeat only the assessment of failed Level 5 modules.  You will keep the marks from the Level 5 modules where you have been awarded credit and will take reassessment only, in the next academic year without attendance, of the Level 5 modules you have failed.  These must be passed within the maximum allowed two assessment attempts, including any attempts you have previously taken.

If you still have a failed compulsory or optional Level 4 module with an assessment attempt remaining, or a failed elective Level 4 module, you will be permitted to undertake this reassessment and must be awarded credits for this module whilst repeating Level 5 study.  

(b)  If you have failed a compulsory or optional Level 4 module after the maximum allowed two attempts or you have already repeated Level 4 or Level 5, we will normally terminate your studies.

1.3 Degree classification - all Bachelor’s Degrees, except:

• BA International Governance and Public Policy programme with Beijing Foreign Studies University (see 1.4)
• BSc Post-Registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes for pre-September 2016 starters (see 1.5)

1.3.1 Provided you have met the credit requirements to obtain your degree, your degree will be classified based upon the marks you obtain at both Level 5 and Level 6, using a weighted average module mark, which is calculated in four steps as described in section 1.3.2 below.  In the calculation, the following rules apply:

(a)      This average module mark will be weighted, based upon the credit value of each module; so for example, a 30-credit module will carry twice the weight of a 15-credit module.

(b)      In cases where, either at Level 5 or Level 6, more than 120 credits of modules are required, the 120 credits with the highest module marks will be used in the calculation process.  

(c)       If you repeat a year of study at Level 5 or Level 6, the marks you obtain from the modules taken in the repeat year will be used in the calculation process.

(d)      If your degree programme includes two years of study at Level 6, the average of the marks from the 240 credits of modules studied will be used in the calculation process.

(e)      The marks you obtain from any Level 5 modules whilst undertaking a semester study abroad will be used in your degree classification.

(f)       The mark/s you obtain from any modules studied during an International Year, Placement Year or Entrepreneurship Year will not be used in your degree classification.

1.3.2 Your weighted average module mark and degree classification are determined as follows:

Step 1: A Level 5 average module mark will be calculated, based upon the marks you obtain from your Level 5 modules.

Step 2: A Level 6 average module mark will then be calculated, based upon the marks you obtain from your Level 6 modules.

Step 3: A weighted average module mark will be calculated, based upon the sum of one third of your Level 5 average module mark and two thirds of your Level 6 average module mark.  

Step 4: This weighted average module mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with marks of 0.5 or above rounded up) and will be used to determine your degree classification, as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 70%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 67%  AND at least 60 Level 6 credits with a mark of 70 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 60%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 57% AND at least 60 Level 6 credits with a mark of 60 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 50%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 47% AND at least 60 Level 6 credits with a mark of 50 or higher

THIRD CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 40%

PASS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 35%

1.3.3 If you are studying a Bachelor’s Degree programme which uses 120-credit modules, then your award will be classified as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 70%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 67% AND a mark of at least 70 in the Level 6 module

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 60%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 57% AND a mark of at least 60 in the Level 6 module

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 50%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 47% AND a mark of at least 50 in the Level 6 module

THIRD CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 40%

PASS

• Not awarded

1.3.4 If you study only Level 6 modules on your Keele degree programme, your degree will be classified based upon the average mark you obtain on those modules.

(a)      Your average module mark will be calculated based upon the credit value of each module; so for example, a 30-credit module will carry twice the weight of a 15-credit module.

(b)      In cases where more than 120 credits of modules are required at Level 6, the 120 credits with the highest module marks will be used in the calculation process.  

(c)       If you repeat a year of study at Level 6, the marks you obtain from the modules taken in the repeat year will be used in the calculation process.

(d)       If your degree programme includes two years of study at Level 6, the average of the marks from the 240 credits of modules studied will be used in the calculation process.

Your average module mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with marks of 0.5 or above rounded up) and used to determine your degree classification, as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• An average module mark of at least 70%
• OR an average module mark of at least 67% AND at least 60 Level 6 credits with a mark of 70 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• An average module mark of at least 60%
• OR an average module mark of at least 57% AND at least 60 Level 6 credits with a mark of 60 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• An average module mark of at least 50%
• OR an average module mark of at least 47% AND at least 60 Level 6 credits with a mark of 50 or higher

THIRD CLASS HONOURS

• An average module mark of at least 40%

PASS

• An average module mark of at least 35%

1.4 Degree classification - BA International Governance and Public Policy programme with Keele University and Beijing Foreign Studies University

1.4.1 Your degree will be classified based upon the marks you obtain from all 120 credits of Level 5 modules and the 90 credits of Keele Level 6 modules (as assigned in the Programme Specification), using a weighted average module mark, which is calculated in four steps as described in section 1.4.2 below.  In the calculation, the following rules apply:

(a)      This average module mark will be weighted, based upon the credit value of each module so for example, a 30-credit module will carry twice the weight of a 15-credit module.

(b)      If you repeat a year of study at Level 5 or Level 6, it will be the marks you obtain from the modules taken in the repeat year that will be used in the calculation process. 

1.4.2 Your weighted average module mark and degree classification are determined as follows:

Step 1: A Level 5 average module mark will be calculated, based upon the marks you obtain from your 120 credits of Level 5 modules.

Step 2: A Level 6 average module mark will then be calculated, based upon the marks you obtain from your 90 credits of Keele Level 6 modules.

Step 3: A weighted average module mark will be calculated, based upon the sum of half of your Level 5 average module mark and half of your Level 6 average module mark.  

Step 4: This weighted average module mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with marks of 0.5 or above rounded up) and used to determine your degree classification, as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 70%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 67%  AND at least 45 Keele Level 6 credits all gained from modules with a mark of 70 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 60%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 57% AND at least 45 Keele Level 6 credits all gained from modules with a mark of 60 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 50%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 47% AND at least 45 Keele Level 6 credits all gained from modules with a mark of 50 or higher

THIRD CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 40%

PASS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 35%

1.5 Degree classification - BSc Post-Registration Nursing and Midwifery programmes for pre-September 2016 starters

1.5.1 Your degree will be classified based upon the sum of the marks you obtain from all 15-credit Level 6 modules studied on your degree programme.   In the calculation, the following rules apply:

(a)      Where you have studied one or more 30-credit modules, the mark upon these modules will be doubled when calculating the sum of your marks.  

(b)      Where you have been granted Accreditation of Prior Learning based upon Level 6 modules you have already studied at Keele prior to commencing your degree programme, the marks you obtained from these modules will also be included in the sum of your marks.

1.5.2 The sum of your module marks is referred to as your ‘aggregate mark’ and will be used to determine your classification, as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• An aggregate mark of at least 560
• OR an aggregate mark of at least 520 and at least 75 Level 6 credits with a mark of 70 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• An aggregate mark of at least 480
• OR an aggregate mark of at least 440 and at least 75 Level 6 credits with a mark of 60 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• An aggregate mark of at least 400
• OR an aggregate mark of at least 360 and at least 75 Level 6 credits with a mark of 50 or higher

THIRD CLASS HONOURS

• An aggregate mark of at least 320

PASS

• Not awarded

 

2. Integrated Master’s Degrees

2.1 Progression from Level 4 to Level 5 study

The rules for progression from Level 4 to Level 5 are stated in 1.1 above.

2.2 Progression from Level 5 to Level 6 study

The rules for progression from Level 5 to Level 6 are stated in 1.2 above.  In addition, to progress from Level 5 to Level 6 of an Integrated Master’s Degree Programme, you must also achieve a minimum average module mark at Level 5 of 50%.

2.3 Progression from Level 6 to Level 7 study

2.3.1 To progress from Level 6 to Level 7 you must at least satisfy the requirements under Regulation C3 for the award of an Honours Degree in the Lower Second Class Honours category.

2.3.2 If you do not meet this requirement, but could meet this after being awarded credit from any available summer reassessment, you must take that reassessment and your progression outcome will be confirmed once the reassessment outcome is known.

2.3.3 If you cannot meet this requirement by being awarded credit from any available summer reassessment, or you have already taken summer reassessment but still not met this requirement, then you shall revert to Honours Degree candidature and be considered for the award of an Honours Degree under the provisions of Regulation C3 and which will be classified as stated in section 1.3 above. The honours degree award title shall be such as is specified in the relevant programme specification.

2.4 Degree classification

2.4.1 Your degree will be classified based upon the marks you obtain from your Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7 modules, using a weighted average module mark, which is calculated in five steps as described in sections 2.4.2 below.  In the calculation, the following rules apply:

(a)      Your average module mark will be calculated based upon the credit value of each module; so for example, a 30-credit module will carry twice the weight of a 15-credit module.

(b)      In cases where, either at Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7, more than 120 credits of modules are required, the 120 credits with the highest module marks will be used in the calculation process.  

(c)       If you repeat a year of study at Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7, the marks you obtain from the modules taken in the repeat year will be used in the calculation process.

(d)      If your degree programme includes two years of study at either Level 6 or Level 7, the average of the marks from the 240 credits of modules studied will be used in the calculation process.

(e)      The marks you obtain from any Level 5 modules whilst undertaking a semester study abroad will be used in your degree classification.

(f)       The mark/s you obtain from any modules studied during an International Year, Placement Year or Entrepreneurship Year will not be used in your degree classification.

2.4.2 Your weighted average module mark and degree classification are determined as follows:

Step 1: A Level 5 average module mark will be calculated, based upon the marks you obtain from your Level 5 modules.  

Step 2: A Level 6 average module mark will be calculated, based upon the marks you obtain from  your Level 6 modules.

Step 3: A Level 7 average module mark will be calculated, based upon the marks you obtainfrom your Level 7 modules.

Step 4: A weighted average module mark will be calculated, based upon the sum of 20% of the average module mark obtained at Level 5, 30% of the average module mark obtained at Level 6 and 50% of the average module mark obtained at Level 7.

Step 5: This weighted average module mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with marks of 0.5 or above rounded up) and used to determine your degree classification, as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 70%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 67%  AND at least 60 Level 7 credits with a mark of 70 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 60%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 57% AND at least 60 Level 7 credits with a mark of 60 or higher

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 50%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 47% AND at least 60 Level 7 credits with a mark of 50 or higher

2.4.3 If you are studying the MPharm Master’s Degree programme, then your award will be classified as follows:

FIRST CLASS HONOURS

• A weighted average module mark of at least 70%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 68% AND a mark of at least 70 in the Level 7 module

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division I)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 60%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 58% AND a mark of at least 60 in the Level 7 module

SECOND CLASS HONOURS (Division II)

• A weighted average module mark of at least 50%
• OR a weighted average module mark of at least 48% AND a mark of at least 50 in the Level 7 module

3. Foundation Degrees

3.1 Progression from Level 4 to Level 5 study

The rules for progression from Level 4 to Level 5 are stated in 1.1 above

3.2 Degree classification

Foundation Degrees are not classified.

4. Postgraduate Master’s Degrees

4.1 Progression

There is no formal progression point to the dissertation stage of a postgraduate Master’s programme unless otherwise detailed in the Programme Specification

4.2 Degree classification

4.2.1 An average module mark will be calculated based upon all Level 7 modules you study on your Masters Degree programme.  

(a)    Your average module mark will be weighted, based upon the credit value of each module. For example, a 30-credit module will carry twice the weight of a 15-credit module.

(b)   Where you have been granted Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)‌ based upon Level 7 modules you have already studied at Keele prior to commencing your degree programme, these modules will also be included in the calculation.

4.2.2 This average module mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with a mark of 0.5 or above rounded up) and used to determine your degree classification.  Your degree will be classified with either Distinction or Merit if you meet the average mark thresholds noted below, provided you have not been granted compensation on any failed modules:

DISTINCTION - an average module mark of at least 68% calculated in accordance with any weightings specified in the relevant Programme Specification AND a mark of at least 70 in at least 60 credits used to calculate your award.

MERIT - an average module mark of at least 58% calculated in accordance with any weightings specified in the relevant Programme Specification AND a mark of at least 60 in at least 60 credits used to calculate your award. 

5. Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates

5.1 Progression

There is no formal progression point on either a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate Programme.

5.2 Award classification

Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates are not classified.

6. Posthumous and Aegrotat Awards

6.1 Posthumous Award

6.1.1 Any taught award of the University may be conferred posthumously where the death of a student occurs prior to their completion of the requirements for their award. The award conferred in such circumstances will normally be as a minimum the next exit award for which the student would have been eligible, based on the stage of the programme of study they had commenced at the discretion of the Vice-Chancellor in their capacity as Chair of Senate. All posthumous awards are unclassified. 

6.1.2 If the death of a student occurs after they have completed all the requirements for an award the award will not be considered posthumous and will, therefore, be classified.

6.2 Aegrotat Award

6.2.1 An Aegrotat award for incomplete study is an unclassified award that may be conferred in exceptional circumstances, such as in cases where a student's ability to complete an award is permanently compromised by severe illness once the exceptional circumstances processes have been fully considered and followed as applicable. All taught awards are available as Aegrotat awards, with the exception of degrees which are subject to fitness to practice requirements. The Pro Vice-Chancellor in their capacity as Chair of University Exam Board may exercise their discretion to recommend conferment of an Aegrotat award. Acceptance of an Aegrotat award completes your study on a programme.