Final degree classification!!

I am a final year LLB student at the University of Sunderland and was wondering how they determine the grades and if they round off or not.

I am freaking out because i will most likely end up with a 2:1 and I truly need a first class. I have 4 more modules to go and I haven’t been scoring well on my essays recently.

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Anonymous

It's a pretty complex calculation, so brace yourself! (The below is assuming you're doing a standard Bachelor’s Degree with Honours and not an integrated Master's or a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours which includes a placement year. If so, different rules apply.)

See section 6.5.2 of Sunderland's Undergraduate Regulations 2024-2025 which states:

"Bachelor’s Degree with Honours
An Honours degree is awarded on the basis of the best calculation out of two separate calculations.

The first calculation is a weighted mean average of:
• the marks for the best 100 credits obtained at Stage 2 and
• the marks for the best 100 credits obtained at Stage 3.

The mean average for the best 100 credits at each Stage is obtained and then weighted so that the Stage 2 marks are worth 20% and the Stage 3 marks are worth 80%. A final mean average is obtained based on this weighting, and this determines the first degree calculation.

The second calculation is a weighted mean average of the best 100 credits obtained at Stage 3 only and this determines the second degree calculation. This is also how ‘top-up’ (direct entry into Stage 3) degree awards will be calculated.

The highest weighted mean average will be used to determine the classification of the Honours degree.

For all honours degrees, a 2% borderline will apply to the classification boundaries (i.e., if the student achieves 58-59.99% or 68-69.99% in the credit-weighted average). Where a result is borderline, the student will be moved into the higher classification if sixty or more credits are at the higher level (1st class, 2:1, 2:2).

Note: Sunderland host their Academic Regulations in SharePoint, which (as is fairly typical if Microsoft products) completely ignores standards when it comes to URLs. So don't be surprised if the link above doesn't work.

Reply 2

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I am a final year LLB student at the University of Sunderland and was wondering how they determine the grades and if they round off or not.
I am freaking out because i will most likely end up with a 2:1 and I truly need a first class. I have 4 more modules to go and I haven’t been scoring well on my essays recently.

Hey,

It’s completely understandable to feel stressed about this, especially in your final year when every mark counts. The way grades are determined can vary between universities, but generally, they calculate your overall degree classification based on the weighted average of your module scores. Often with more weight given to your final-year modules.

Some universities do round up final degree classifications, but others don’t, so it’s best to check your university’s regulations or reach out to your course leader, academic advisor, or student support team for clarification. If Sunderland has a service similar to Salford’s AskUs, they might be able to guide you through the grading policy.

Since you have four more modules left, there’s still time to pull up your average. If you’re struggling with essays, it might help to book a session with your university’s academic support team or reach out to lecturers for feedback on how to improve. Also, if you haven’t already, looking at past first-class essays or marking criteria can give you a clearer idea of what’s expected.

Try not to panic, there’s still time to make a difference, and even if things don’t go exactly as planned, a high 2:1 is still an excellent grade. Wishing you the best for the rest of your modules!

Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative