Extended Common Marking Scheme

This page sets out the schemes used by the University in the marking of assessments.

Common Marking Schemes

The University operates the following Common Marking Schemes:

  • CMS1: Undergraduate degree assessment (except BVM&S and MBChB)
  • CMS2: Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S)
  • CMS3: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
  • CMS4: Postgraduate Assessment Mark

CMS 1: Undergraduate Degree Assessment (except BVM&S and MBChB)

HONOURS - Honours ClassHONOURS - Mark (%)NON-HONOURS - GradeNON-HONOURS - Description
1st90-100A1Excellent
1st80-89A2Excellent
1st70-79A3Excellent
2.160-69BVery Good
2.250-59CPerformance at a level showing the potential to achieve at least a lower second class honours degree
3rd40-49DPass, may not be sufficient for progression to an honours programme
Fail30-39EMarginal Fail
Fail20-29FClear Fail
Fail10-19GBad Fail
Fail0-9HBad Fail
    
    

Classification of results

Column 1 applies to all final honours assessment that is classified and is to be used for the overall classification of honours degrees. The notation in columns 1, 2 or 3 may be used for the classification of each paper or discretely identified unit of assessment employed by the Board of Examiners in determining the overall classification.

CMS2: Assessment for Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S)

Mark (%)GradeDescription
70-100AExcellent
60-69BVery Good
55–59CGood
50-54DSatisfactory
46-49EMarginal Fail
35-45FClear Fail
0-34GBad Fail

CMS2 applies to all assessments including all professional degree examinations in Veterinary Medicine. The marks, grades and descriptions in those columns apply both to the overall result and to individual units of assessment contributing to the overall result. Professional degrees may be awarded with distinction in Veterinary Medicine, but are not otherwise classified.

CMS3: Assessment for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

Mark (%)GradeDescription
90-100AExcellent
80-89BVery Good
70-79CGood
60-69DPass
50-59EMarginal Fail (can be compensated where appropriate)
0-49FFail

This scheme applies to all examinations related to the MBChB. There is the potential for exemption for specific items of assessment. Professional degrees may be awarded with honours in Medicine, but are not otherwise classified.

CMS4:Postgraduate Assessment Mark

Mark (%)GradeDescription
90-100A1An excellent performance, satisfactory for a distinction
80-89A2An excellent performance, satisfactory for a distinction
70-79A3An excellent performance, satisfactory for a distinction
60-69BA very good performance
50-59CA good performance, satisfactory for a masters degree
40-49DA satisfactory performance for the diploma and certificate, but inadequate for a masters degree
30-39EMarginal Fail
20-29FClear Fail
10-19GBad Fail
0-9HBad Fail

Approved by CSPC on 7 June 2011 For use from academic year 2011/12

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