The changes apply to:

• master's degrees
• postgraduate diplomas
• postgraduate certificates.

These changes are for:

• greater certainty
• an earlier start to the dissertation
• a more consistent student experience across the institution.

What is changing

Changes for master's degrees

• You will no longer need to achieve 120 credit points to progress from taught units to the research stage.
• Some master's degree programmes may have accreditation or health and safety requirements.
  • These may require you to pass a single specified taught unit before you can start the research unit.
  • Requirements are set out in the 2024/25 specifications within the programme catalogue.
• If you do not pass your taught units (apart from required units), you will still be able to progress to the research unit, but for a lower award.

Changes for all postgraduate taught 

• You will be allowed two attempts to ‘pass’ a taught unit in PGT programmes.
• If you do not pass your taught units (excluding specific units), you will still be able to continue with your programme, but for a lower award.

Changes to classification method

Classification will be based on the total programme mark. This is calculated as the weighted average of all marks achieved in the programme:

• Distinction: final mark of 70 and over 
• Merit: final mark of 60 to 69 
• Pass: final mark of 50 to 59 
• Fail: final mark of 49 or less 

Who these changes will apply to

The changes will apply to you if:

• you are a new entrant onto a PGT programme from the 2024/25 academic year.
• you are an existing student who first registered on a PGT programme before 2024/25.

Existing students

We will check to make sure you are not disadvantaged by the change in the classification method. For example, if you would have been awarded a higher classification under the 2023/24 regulations, your classification will be raised .

Non-standard programmes

There are a small number of PGT programmes that are non-standard. These may have a different approach within their own specific regulations (pdf).

• MA Law
• MSc Social Work
• MRes Economics
• programmes in Clinical Neuropsychology
• postgraduate certificate in Education
• MSc in Veterinary Sciences / postgraduate diploma in Veterinary Clinical Practice
• postgraduate diploma in Orthodontic Therapy

The 2024/25 version of regulations for these programmes that sets out arrangements for progression, award and classification will be published in August 2024. This will be available on our on our website. In the meantime contact the relevant school for more information.