Changes to policy and curriculum

Changes to the postgraduate pass mark and classification scheme

Warning: the content within this page reflects what was communicated to students in the 2014/15 academic year. As such, this information may no longer be factually accurate.

Changes to our taught masters’ pass mark and classification scheme

We are planning to make some changes to the pass mark and classification scheme for all postgraduate modules that can lead to a taught masters degree:

• The pass mark for these modules will change from 40 per cent to 50 per cent.
• A uniform classification scheme will be introduced to allow different levels of achievement to be recognised; instead of simply distinguishing between a pass or fail the new scheme will allow the award of higher classifications, such as merits and distinctions.

Changing the pass mark doesn’t mean we’re changing our standards

We aren’t changing our standards or making it harder to get a pass. Our external examiners tell us that the criteria students have to meet to achieve a pass mark of 40 per cent with the Open University are already equivalent to the criteria that achieve to a 50 per cent pass rate at other institutions. Those criteria will stay the same, but the percentage of marks awarded when students meet the required standard for a pass will increase.

Who this will affect

Students will only be affected if they are in the middle of their studies towards a taught masters qualification when the changes occur. We don’t yet know how or when the changes will happen –not for a year or two, and the changes may be phased in – but when they do we will ensure that no one is disadvantaged in any way.

Why this is happening

We want to make the changes for a number of reasons:

• To align the Open University’s pass mark with other higher education institutions, most of which apply a 50 per cent mark when the pass criteria are met.
• To provide consistency between students who are directly registered on Open University modules (and currently get a pass mark of 40 per cent) and students on modules which are validated by the Open University but which they are studying at other institutions (with a pass mark of 50 per cent).
• To offer a classification scheme that lets us recognise student success more fully and which provides evidence of levels of achievement that will be understood by students and employers.
• To make our student results more transparent to other education providers in the event that students wish to transfer credit, or to apply for research degrees.

What do I need to do?

There is no action that students need to take. We are still working out the details of how and when these changes will be implemented and we expect to come back to students with more information in June 2016. We will be keeping students and staff informed throughout.

Please talk to your Student Support Team if you need any further information. You can find out how to contact them on Contact the OU.