Requirements
To pass the MSc students must take 8 taught modules and submit a project. The pass mark for taught modules and the project are both 50%. The final weighted average is calculated as 2/3 times the mean of the 8 taught modules plus 1/3 times the project mark (all marks in %).
The normal requirements for a pass are 8 passes in the taught modules plus a pass in the project. However, 2 condoned passes (i.e. not less than 40%) of taught modules are permitted provided that the final weighted average is not less than 50% and the project is passed.
Examinations
Detailed information about examinations, extenuating circumstances, missing examinations, results etc, can be found on our Examinations page.
Reassessment
A student who fails one or more written examinations at the first attempt will be permitted one reassessment attempt. Reassessment will take the form of a resit or repeat depending on the volume of failure. Students who fail 60 credits or fewer will be required to resit the failed modules in the Late Summer Assessment Period. Students will not pay any additional fees. Students who fail more than 60 credits will be required to repeat the failed modules in the following academic year. Tuition fees will be charged pro-rata to the number of credits being repeated. Resit and Repeat marks will be capped at the Pass Mark (50%).
Student who fails the project at the first attempt will normally resit by 31 January. Exceptionally the Exam Board may decide that the extent of failure is such that the student needs to repeat the project with tuition and fees.
MSc Awards
There are three possible MSc awards: Distinction, Merit and Pass
Distinction
An award of Distinction will be made if the average mark for the 8 taught modules is 70% or greater and the mark for the dissertation is 70% or greater. A maximum of 2 condoned passes (i.e. not less than 40%) is permitted.
Merit
An award of Merit will be made where the overall mark is 60% or greater and the mark for the dissertation is 60% or greater. A maximum of 2 condoned passes (i.e. not less than 40%) is permitted.
Pass
An award of Pass will be made where the overall mark is 50% or greater, the mark for the dissertation is 50% or greater. A maximum of 2 condoned passes (i.e. not less than 40%) is permitted.
Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate
Students that are not eligible for the MSc award can be offered a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.
A Postgraduate Diploma will be offered to the students that have completed 8 taught modules (120 UCL credits) and obtained an overall average mark of 50% or greater. A maximum of 2 condoned passes (i.e. not less than 40%) is permitted.
A Postgraduate Certificate will be offered to the students that have completed 4 taught modules (60 UCL credits) and obtained an overall average mark of 50% or greater. A maximum of 1 condoned pass (i.e. not less than 40%) is permitted.