New approach to considering borderline final class degree classifications

Starting now, if your final classification mark at the end of your undergraduate Honours degree or undergraduate Integrated Masters degree programme falls within 2% of a classification boundary, we will review your academic performance at the final level of study and consider you for a classification uplift.

If your final level of study weighted average mark falls within the next classification boundary, you would be granted the higher final classification. The exact criteria can be found on our Academic and Student Regulations and Procedures webpage.

This change is designed to recognise the knowledge and skills that you are graduating with and bring Surrey in line with many other UK universities who already adopt similar approaches.

Who does this impact?

All undergraduate Honours and undergraduate Integrated Masters students, including those graduating this summer, except students on Medicine and Veterinary Medicine courses.

Examples of how this could impact you

1. Laura, a final year Undergraduate student, finishes her programme with a 68.8% classification mark giving her a 2:1. As this is within 2% of the next grade boundary (70%), Laura’s classification mark is in the borderline zone and she would be automatically considered for an uplift. 
   Laura’s performance across her final level of study will then be reviewed to see if it meets the criteria for an uplift: is the weighted average mark in her final level of study at or above 70%? In this case it is, therefore justifying the uplift to the next classification boundary, awarding Laura a First Class degree (1:1).
2. Ali, another final year Undergraduate student, finishes his programme with a 56.0% classification mark, giving him a 2:2 (Lower second).
   As this is not within 2% of the next grade boundary (60%), Ali’s classification mark is not within the borderline zone, and he would not be considered for an uplift – he would retain his 2:2 classification.
3. James, another final-year student, finishes his programme with a 48.7% classification mark, giving him a Third Class degree. As this is within 2% of the next classification boundary (50%), he will automatically be considered for an uplift. 
   However, unlike Laura, his weighted average mark in his final level of study is not in the higher classification boundary for a 2:2, but is instead in the 40s. This means his overall degree classification remains a Third Class.

What do I need to do to be considered?

Nothing. If your classification grade falls within the borderline zone you will be considered automatically.  

Who makes the decision?

The decision is automatically applied if you meet the criteria. It is not subject to any individual decisions, including module leaders and tutors.

How will I know if I have been successfully uplifted?

Your Surrey Self Service, certificate and transcript will automatically show the classification awarded based upon the criteria.  

Where can I find more information about this new award classification regulation?

More detail and information can be found on our Academic and Student Regulations and Procedures webpage.