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This guide provides you with:
Guidance to help you interpret your modular examination results
Information on the regulations regarding repeats
It includes:
• Definitions of key terms
• An explanation of each grade
• The actions you need to take for certain situations
• Guidance on grade point capping
STUDENT GUIDE
Examination Results and Repeats
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SECTION A
Interpreting Modular Examination Results
This section defines some of the terms contained in your examination results transcript.
Stage 1 Status: ‘Complete’ or ‘Incomplete’
COMPLETE
Stage 1 completed, with 60 earned credits
This means that you have completed Stage 1 and have attained a specified number of credits - 60. You will have passed 12 modules.
Once the Programme Requirements have been fulfilled, you can progress on to Stage 2 and enrol before the commencement of the next academic year.
INCOMPLETE
If you have received an 'incomplete' status, this means that you have not achieved the credit requirements for your Stage and you have earned less than 60 credits.
Depending on the number of credits you have earned, there are different options open to you:
1: If you have earned 50 OR 55 credits:
You may be able to progress to Stage 2 and carry modules into the next Stage provided that:
• You have completed the requirements for progression in your particular programme.
ACTION: PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR PROGRAMME OFFICE.
• It is possible to meet the requirements for completion of Stage 1 through repeat or substitute modules that can be accommodated by your timetable in Stage 2.
ACTION: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN FIT ANY
CARRY FORWARD MODULES INTO YOUR TIMETABLE FOR THE
FOLLOWING STAGE.
ADVICE: You should carefully assess the potential negative impact of carrying forward modules into Stage 2. Stage 1 requirements must be fulfilled before you can progress to Stage 3. You should seriously consider the option of taking repeats for failed modules in the 2006 Autumn Examination session so that you can concentrate on your Stage 2 modules in the next academic year.
2: If you have earned 45 credits or less:
In this case you must repeat, as you will need at least 50 credits to progress to Stage 2.
EARNED CREDITS Earned Credits indicates the number of credits that have been successfully attained (passed or exempted on prior learning) for Stage 1.
ATTEMPTED Attempted Credits indicates the total credit value for modules
CREDITS attempted in Stage 1. This includes the credit value for all Stage
Modules regardless of the grade awarded (normally 60 credits for a single stage).
GRADE POINT Your GPA is the average of the grades you achieve. There are
AVERAGE - GPA three types - Stage GPA, Semester GPA and Compensation GPA.
STAGE GPA The Stage GPA is only calculated when the Stage credit requirements (normally 60) have been fulfilled. The Stage GPA is calculated by multiplying the grade point value for each module by the number of credits assigned for the module; summing the resultant values; and dividing by the total number of credits for the stage (as indicated in the table below).
This student has been awarded 12 A+ grades and achieved the maximum Stage GPA of 4.2.
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Module Grade Value Credits Points
Earned
1 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
2 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
3 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
4 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
5 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
6 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
7 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
8 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
9 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
10 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
11 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
12 A+ 4.2 X 5 21
Totals 60 252
Stage GPA calculated (252 / 60 = 4.2) 4.2
Key Terms Explained
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SEMESTER GPAs The GPA scores for each of the Semesters in Stage 1 are listed in your results sheet. The Semester GPAs (which are different to
Stage GPA) are based on the number of attempted credits in each Semester.
COMPENSATION GPA The Compensation GPA is calculated by summing the grade point values multiplied by the credit values for all of the modules that constitute the Stage, including all passed modules, together with those graded at E, F, IP and WL. The summed value is then divided by the total credits for the attempted modules (usually 60).
Where grades of W (withdrawn), WX (withdrawn owing to extenuating circumstances), I (incomplete temporary), IX
(incomplete owing to extenuating circumstances), or NW
(no work submitted) are recorded these grades are treated as neutral and are excluded from the compensation calculation.
COMPENSATION Compensation is where your performance across all the modules you have attempted is assessed to see if it can compensate for the modules you have failed. If it can, your E grades are converted to the pass grade PC (pass by compensation) and assigned a Grade Point Value of 2.0.
UNDERGRADUATE The performance in Modules is listed in tabular form on your
COURSE WORK results sheet, indicating for each module the CRN (course
(i.e. Module Grades) reference number), Subject Code, Module Code, Module Title,
Final Grade, Credit Value, Semester Number and Stage Number.
Key Terms Explained
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Your Grades Explained
Grades are those listed in the UCD Modular Grade Scale as follows:
DESCRIPTION
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Pass
Marginal Fail, may Compensate
Permanent E, not eligible for Compensation
Pass with Compensation
Fail
GRADE GRADE-POINT
A+ 4.2
A 4.0
A- 3.8
B+ 3.6
B 3.4
B- 3.2
C+ 3.0
C 2.8
C- 2.6
D+ 2.4
D 2.2
D- 2.0
E 1.8
EP 1.8
PC 2.0
F 0
PASSING GRADES - As, Bs, Cs and Ds
As, Bs, Cs and Ds are passing grades that are awarded on satisfactory completion of the module assessments. The credits available for the modules are converted to credits earned.
Note: Passed modules cannot be repeated.
E GRADE (GRADE POINT VALUE 1.8)
E grades have a grade point value of 1.8. These E grades may convert to PC (pass with compensation) only where you have completed and obtained passing grades in modules accounting for 75% or more of the total credit required to successfully complete the stage (usually 9 modules) and the compensation GPA for the attempt at the stage is 2.25 or greater. Provisional E grades are then considered compensated and final grades of PC are awarded. The grade of PC carries a grade point of 2.0.
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Your Grades Explained
PC (PASS BY COMPENSATION) (GRADE POINT VALUE 2.0)
PC grades (pass with compensation) are awarded where E grades have been compensated.
E grades are then converted to PC grades and carry a grade point value of 2.0.
For compensation, you must:
1. Be attempting to complete a stage.
2. Have completed and obtained passing grades in modules accounting for 75% or more of the total credit required to successfully complete the stage
(usually 45 credits or 9 modules).
3. Have a Compensation GPA for the attempt at the stage that is 2.25 or greater.
NOT PASSABLE BY COMPENSATION
Some modules are designated as ‘not passable by compensation’, such as, for example, foundation modules that are pre-requisites for further study in some languages.Where this is the case, the E grades remain and are designated EP (E permanent) and retain the value of 1.8.
F GRADE
F is a failing grade. If you receive an F grade for a module, you will have to repeat the module assessment in the 2006 Autumn Repeat Examination, unless you are otherwise advised by your Programme Office.Where modules are repeated, the grade point is capped at 2.0, irrespective of the actual grade awarded, i.e. an A grade can be awarded for the repeat attempt, but the value remains at 2.0.
GRADES FOLLOWED BY (R), e.g. A+(R)
Where grades are followed by (R) this indicates that the module was assessed in repeat mode. The grade A+ is awarded on the basis of the repeat assessment, but the grade point value is capped at 2.0 (equivalent to D-).
DS, PX AND FX GRADES
Where module outcomes cannot be assessed at this level of detail, the results may be returned as pass/fail, or distinction/pass/fail.
GRADE GRADE-POINT DESCRIPTION
DS Neutral Passed with Distinction
P Neutral Pass
F 0 Fail
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Your Grades Explained
NW, I, IX, IP,W,WX,WL GRADES
These grades signify particular circumstances or outcomes. The table below indicates the grade point value for each and describes the context for such grades.
GRADE GRADE POINT DESCRIPTION
NW Neutral No work: No work was submitted and there was no evidence of attendance. No credit is awarded and a subsequent attempt at that module is treated as a first attempt.
I Neutral Incomplete (temporary): The student passed the assessments, but did not satisfactorily complete some activities that must be completed and passed separately.
Credit will not be awarded unless these activities or equivalent activities prescribed by the Programme Board are satisfactorily completed within a set period prescribed by the Programme Board, but not exceeding one calendar year.
Where the outstanding activities are satisfactorily completed within the prescribed time, the credit, final grade and the full grade point associated with that grade are awarded, and the INCOMPLETE removed from the transcript.
ACTION: The outstanding assessment tasks must be agreed with the
School/Module Co-ordinator and completed within the agreed timeframe.
IX Neutral Incomplete (owing to documented extenuating circumstances): Awarded where documented extenuating circumstances indicate that the student was unable to complete some of the assessments, and where satisfactory completion of those assessments is needed to allow the student to attain a passing grade.
Credit will not be awarded unless these assessments or equivalent activities are satisfactorily completed within a set period prescribed by the Programme Board, no later than the end of the subsequent semester.
ACTION: The outstanding assessment tasks must be agreed with the
School/Module Co-ordinator and completed within the agreed timeframe.
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Your Grades Explained
NW, I, IX, IP,W,WX,WL GRADES continued
These grades signify particular circumstances or outcomes. The table below indicates the grade point value for each and describes the context for such grades.
GRADE GRADE POINT DESCRIPTION
IP 0 Incomplete (permanent): Awarded where a student failed to remedy an I or IX grade within the period prescribed by the
Programme Board. No credit is awarded and a subsequent attempt at that module is treated as a repeat attempt.
W Neutral Withdrew: Returned where a student withdrew within the first 6 weeks of the semester. No credit is awarded, and a subsequent attempt at that module is treated as a first attempt.
WX Neutral Withdrew (extenuating circumstances):
Returned where a student withdrew from a module after the first 6 weeks of the semester, but provided medical or other certification according to a UCD proforma indicating that they had an incapacitating illness or circumstance that prevented them from completing the module and/or associated assessments. No credit is awarded, and a subsequent attempt at that module is treated as a first attempt.
WL 0 Withdrew (late): Returned where a student withdrew from a module after the first 6 weeks of the semester, but failed to provide evidence that satisfies the Programme
Examination Board that the grade WX should be awarded. No credit is awarded, and a subsequent attempt at that module is treated as a repeat attempt.
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SECTION B
Repeating Modules
This section provides you with the information you need with regard to repeating modules.
ACTION: You should consult your Programme Office for advice in the first instance; individual Schools will provide specific advice in relation to repeat assessment tasks.
General Rules on Repeating
PASSING GRADES - As, Bs, Cs, and Ds
Remember that passed modules cannot be repeated. The credit has been earned.
PC GRADES
PC is a passing grade. However, where a PC grade does not fulfil the requirement for entry into Stage 2 the module may be repeated or reassessed to improve the grade.
This grade point is capped at 2.0.
REPEATS AND REASSESSMENTS
Failed Core Modules must be repeated. Optional and Elective modules may be repeated or in particular circumstances, substituted by others.
Modules may be re-assessed in Autumn 2006, or may be carried into the next academic session (up to a maximum of 10 credits, subject to meeting Programme Board progression requirements).
Re-assessment of failed modules means that the grade point values that are awarded on completion are capped at 2.0.
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SECTION B
Repeating Modules
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have passed my continuous assessments/coursework?
• If you have completed and passed continuous assessments or coursework components of the module at the first attempt, the grades for these components will be carried forward and treated as part of the repeat attempt.
What if I have been awarded low grades (lower than D minus) in continuous assessments/coursework? • If you have completed the continuous assessment or coursework components of the module at the first attempt, but have been awarded a low grade (lower than D minus) for these components, you will have some difficulty in attaining a passing grade for the repeated module assessment. To allow you an opportunity to make good such deficiencies you should be allowed to:
Either
• Repeat the original assignments (where this is possible within the resources available to the module).
Or
• Complete equivalent or alternative pieces of work. Such assignments are not required to replicate the original assessment task in its type or volume. The important principle is that the repeat assignments should assess the same learning outcomes as the original coursework and therefore provide a valid and reliable means of testing how well you have achieved the relevant learning outcomes.
• The submission date for repeat coursework or assignments will be determined by the School delivering the module, but will be no later than 5pm on Tuesday,
8 August 2006.
ACTION: Deadline for submission of repeat assignments - no later than 5pm on Tuesday, 8 August 2006.
• The grades for the repeated coursework or continuous assessment (where they benefit the student) will contribute to the final grade. Overall passing grades in repeats are capped at a Grade Point Value of 2.0.
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SECTION B
Repeating Modules
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have failed to submit coursework and continuous assessments, but completed the terminal examination?
• Where you have failed to submit coursework and continuous assessments, but completed the terminal examination, you must:
Either
• Complete the original assignments (where this is possible within the resources available to the module).
Or
• Complete equivalent or alternative pieces of work. Such assignments are not required to replicate the original assessment task in its type or volume. The important principle is that the repeat assignments should assess the same learning outcomes as the original coursework and therefore provide a valid and reliable means of testing how well you have achieved the relevant learning outcomes.
• The submission date for such coursework or assignments will be determined by the School delivering the module, but will be no later than 5pm on Tuesday,
8 August 2006.
ACTION: Deadline for submission of repeat assignments - no later than 5pm on Tuesday, 8 August 2006.
• The grades for the coursework, continuous assessments or equivalent assessments will contribute to the overall repeat grade. Overall passing grades in repeats are capped at a Grade Point Value of 2.0.
SUBSTITUTING MODULES
(carried into next academic session)
If you have failed an elective or an optional module, you may substitute it with another module. For this to happen however, it must be compatible with your Stage 2 timetable.
Substitution of modules must be agreed by the Programme Board:
• You may substitute new elective modules for those electives failed in Stage 1.
Availability depends on timetable, space and any prior learning requirements.
• It may be possible for you to substitute optional modules from your programme for those optional modules failed in Stage 1. Availability depends on timetable, space and any prior learning requirements and must be agreed by the Programme Board.
• Grade point values for the new elective or optional modules are not capped at 2.0, since these are first attempts.
ACTION: You should consult your Programme Office for advice, and further information on fee implications.