Each module you take will be assessed either by coursework (usually essays, projects, lab work etc.), a written exam, or a mix of both. Coursework will normally be undertaken and submitted during the trimester as the module is taught, while exams are normally held at the end of that trimester.
For modules that include a placement component, the placement will usually be undertaken in a practice-setting over a defined period of time (eg six weeks or an entire trimester). You will normally be assessed on your placement performance throughout the duration of the placement and by a submitted written component (eg a Practice Assessment Document).
Details of individual module assessment briefs are posted within associated GCU Learn module sites and outlined in module handbooks.
Please be aware that your programme may have exceptions to the University’s standard pass mark, if there is a Professional, Statutory, Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement to achieve a particular pass mark. The advice below relates solely to the University’s standard regulation position; you should confirm with your Programme Leader, if you have any questions related to your programme of study.
For undergraduate students
- You need to achieve an overall mark of 40% or higher to pass a module, and at least a mark of 35% in each coursework element and exam associated with the module.
As an indication of how this works in practice, please see the scenarios outlined below based on a module with two pieces of assessment, each worth 50% of the overall mark.
Scenario 1
Assessment Weighting 50:50 | Mark | Observations |
Assessment 1 | 36% | Mark exceeds minimum mark threshold |
Assessment 2 | 50% | Mark exceeds minimum mark threshold |
Module Mark | 43% (P) | Student passes the module |
Scenario 2
Assessment Weighting 50:50 | Mark | Observations |
Assessment 1 | 36% | Mark meets minimum mark threshold |
Assessment 2 | 36% | Mark meets minimum mark threshold |
Module Mark | 36% (F) | Student fails the module – the pass mark is not reached. In this scenario, the student may be eligible for compensation, dependent on their overall profile. If compensation is not awarded, then the student will have to resit BOTH Assessment 1 and Assessment 2. See Compensation regulations within the Assessment Regulations for further details. |
Scenario 3
Assessment Weighting 50:50 | Mark | Observations |
Assessment 1 | 28% | Mark does not meet minimum mark threshold |
Assessment 2 | 54% | Mark exceeds minimum mark threshold |
Module Mark | 41% (F) | Student fails the module, Assessment 1 mark does not meet threshold and therefore the student will have to resit Assessment 1. |
For postgraduate students
- You need to achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher to pass a module, and at least a mark of 45% in each coursework element and exam associated with the module.
As an indication of how this works in practice, please see the scenarios outlined below based on a module with two pieces of assessment, each worth 50% of the overall mark.
Scenario 1
Assessment Weighting 50:50 | Mark | Observations |
Assessment 1 | 46% | Mark exceeds minimum mark threshold |
Assessment 2 | 60% | Mark exceeds minimum mark threshold |
Module Mark | 53% (P) | Student passes the module |
Scenario 2
Assessment Weighting 50:50 | Mark | Observations |
Assessment 1 | 46% | Mark meets minimum mark threshold |
Assessment 2 | 46% | Mark meets minimum mark threshold |
Module Mark | 46% (F) | Student fails the module – the pass mark is not reached. In this scenario, the student may be eligible for compensation, dependent on their overall profile. If compensation is not awarded, then the student will have to resit BOTH Assessment 1 and Assessment 2. See Compensation regulations within the Assessment Regulations for further details. |
Scenario 3
Assessment Weighting 50:50 | Mark | Observations |
Assessment 1 | 38% | Mark does not minimum mark threshold |
Assessment 2 | 64% | Mark exceeds minimum mark threshold |
Module Mark | 51% (F) | Student fails the module, Assessment 1 mark does not meet threshold and therefore the student will have to resubmit Assessment 1. |
The first thing to remember is that no mark is confirmed until your Progression and Award Board (PAB) has met, after which your final marks will be made available via the Student Portal (until that point, any marks that you have received are provisional).
If you do fail a module, your PAB can allow you the opportunity to resit. Normally, the University permits a maximum numbers of attempts at each module, as follows:
For undergraduate students
If you are studying at 1st, 2nd or 3rd year, you may be permitted up to three attempts to pass.
If you are studying at Honours level (4th year), you may be permitted up to two attempts to pass.
For postgraduate students
If you are studying at taught postgraduate level (Masters), you may be permitted up to two attempts to pass.
Additionally, and at the discretion of your PAB, taught postgraduate students may be entitled to a third, extraordinary attempt to pass a module. This is only where all other modules (including the Project/Dissertation) have been passed, where there is evidence of full engagement and participation and – importantly – solely at the discretion of your PAB. Please see Assessment Regulation 14.2 for further details.
In all instances please bear in mind, however, that resit attempts are at the discretion of your PAB at all times. This means that the PAB may take into account factors such as your engagement throughout the module, when deciding whether to allow a resit.
If you fail at first diet, you will normally be required to re-enter at the re-assessment diet. If you fail at second diet, this might impact on your ability to progress to the next level of your course. You should review the Assessment Regulations to understand this fully, however, your progression will be determined on the basis of the amount of credit outstanding. It might also be the case that your failed module(s) are pre-requisite to study at the next level of your course; this means that you may be unable to progress until you successfully complete failed modules.
The University sees feedback as an integral part of the student learning experience and strives to provide feedback that is timely, fit for purpose and designed to enhance future learning. The University’s feedback policy outlines eight feedback principles, intended to support you to understand the mark that you have received and to reflect, to enhance future performance.
The University recognises that there may be circumstances beyond your control which might impact on your performance. The Fit to Sit Policy allows students to advise the University when they are not fit to sit/submit, within set deadlines. This can be up to 5 days before an exam/hand-in date and up to two days after, allowing for some reflection time. There is also a process in place for more complex cases – the Extreme and Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances (EEEC) process. Please take some time to review the dedicated webpage which outlines the Fit to Sit Policy and FAQs, to ensure that you fully understand how this all works.
