Degree classification: statement of intent

20 May 2019

Regulation of higher education Student experience

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The UK higher education sector is committed to protecting the value of UK degrees. This statement represents that commitment.

The statement of intent calls on providers to meet four specific commitments:

Ensure assessments continue to stretch and challenge students
Review and explain how final degree classifications are calculated
Support and strengthen the external examiners system
Review and publish data and analysis on students’ degree outcomes

It is signed by sector representative groups and endorsed by the UK Standing Committee for Quality Assessment.

This statement builds on the findings and recommendations of the research report ‘Degree classification: transparent, consistent and fair academic standards’ and the outcomes of the associated consultation presented in ‘Transparency, reliability and fairness in degree classification: consultation report’.

Degree classification consultation

The UK Standing Committee for Quality Assessment (UKSCQA) launched a consultation in November 2018 on proposals for higher education providers in the UK to develop and adopt a sector-wide statement of intent to protect the value of qualifications over time.

The consultation was designed to gather views on the proposed statement, including its potential implementation in each of the UK nations, and where there was need for refinement and/or clarity.

A summary of the consultation analysis of the consultation, Degree Classification: transparent, consistent and fair academic standards - consultation analysis has been published alongside the statement of intent.

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