Student Handbook - The School of Language, Linguistics and Film

The mean for 3-year students is calculated as follows:
(year 1 average x 1) + (year 2 average x 2 ) + (final year average x 4) / 7
Classifying your degree according to your mean
A mean mark in the middle of the range will immediately be awarded the appropriate class
of degree (e.g., 65% will be an Upper Second). However the College’s regulations allow for
a degree of flexibility. If your mean is just below a borderline, your case is examined in
detail.
Positive factors will be looked for, such as the range and level of the modules taken, and
elements of ‘higher class’ performance within your profile. This includes the number of
modules that have a higher class mark and how many of these modules are at level 6. If you
have had unspent extenuating circumstances (that is extenuating circumstances for which
you were not offered a first sit or re-take – see section 4.2 EXTENUATING
CIRCUMSTANCES) they will be brought to the attention of the Examination Board who has
the discretion to recommend a higher class of degree if it sees fit. Please note that the
presence of extenuating circumstances does not automatically mean that you will be
awarded a higher class of degree. External Examiners attend the classification meeting and
their judgement on the borderline cases, which are fully discussed, is considered very
important.
Degree titles
The Queen Mary Academic Credit Framework applies to all students who entered the
College in 2008 or later. The QMACF states that students’ degree titles are determined by
the title of their programme of study and this will only differ where there is an approved
alternative exit title for that degree programme. If your interests change in the course of your
studies, you should change programme to reflect this. You should discuss the possibility
with your Adviser as soon as possible. If you have taken modules outside of the subject
named in your degree programme these modules will be listed on your transcript but will not
be named in your degree title unless you actively change your degree programme by
submitting a change of programme form. You will only be able to do this if you fulfil all the
programme requirements for your new degree programme. You should always discuss any
changes with your Adviser.
Final Year language students who entered the College before 2012 and who meet the overall
requirements to graduate, but fail to pass the core final year language module will be
awarded the approved alternative degree exit title including ‘French Studies’, ‘German
Studies’, ‘Spanish Studies’ or ‘Russian Studies’ as appropriate. All other students must pass
all core modules before they can be classified.
5.4 MARKING CRITERIA AND SUBJECT BENCHMARKS
Marking scheme for undergraduate work
The standard (numerical) marking scheme used for all undergraduate work in the School is
as follows:
Module mark Grade
70 or above grade A
60-69.9 grade B
50-59.9 grade C
45-49.9 grade D
40-44.9 grade E
0-39.9 grade F (fail)
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