Quick summary
You may still be able to graduate if you fail a module.
Final compensatory credit allows a small amount of failed credit (up to 30 credits) to count towards your award if you meet strict criteria.
- You do not need to apply
- Your results will confirm if it has been applied
- Your classification may be affected in some cases
- If you have a choice, you must respond before any deadlines
On this page:
- Can I still graduate if I fail a module?
- When is final compensatory credit considered?
- What does this mean for your results?
- Will my award classification change?
- Will this affect my graduation ceremony?
- Important information for Student visa holders
Can I still graduate if I fail a module?
Possibly.
You may still be able to graduate if you fail a module and are awarded final compensatory credit.
This may be considered if:
- You have failed up to 30 credits, and
- You meet the criteria set out in the regulations and your programme
All decisions are made by the Programme Board of Examiners in line with UPR AS14 and any programme-specific regulations.
You do not need to apply. If final compensatory credit is awarded, this will be confirmed in your results.
When is final compensatory credit considered?
Final compensatory credit is considered at the point of final award by the relevant Programme Board of Examiners.
It may be applied where:
- You have achieved the required total credit for your award, except for a limited amount of failed credit, and
- Your overall performance demonstrates that you have met the programme learning outcomes
- The failed module(s) fall within the compensable range defined in the UPR AS14
- The module(s) are eligible for compensation under the regulations and programme specification
What does this mean for your results?
If final compensatory credit is awarded:
- You may still be eligible to graduate without retaking the module.
- The module will still show as a fail on your academic record
- The credit will count as achieved for award purposes
- Your overall classification may be adjusted to reflect the compensated credit
The exact impact of final compensatory credit will depend on your individual results profile and the amount of compensated credit awarded.
Will my award classification change?
It might.
A penalty of 2.5 is applied for every 15 credits of final compensatory credit awarded, up to a maximum of 30 credits.
This means:
- In many cases, your classification will not change. In some cases, it may result in a lower classification outcome.
- If your marks are close to a classification boundary, it may be affected particularly where performance in other modules is strong.
In the event of your classification being affected, if you have reassessment opportunities remaining:
- The Programme Board of Examiners will normally contact you
- You may be asked to choose between:
- accepting final compensatory credit and resulting classification, or
- taking reassessment in the failed module
What you should do
- Read any communication from your Programme Team carefully
- Make sure you understand how your classification could change
- Respond before any deadlines
Will this affect my graduation ceremony?
Your graduation depends on your decision and meeting deadlines.
If you are eligible for an award:
- Accepting final compensatory credit will not prevent you from attending your planned ceremony
However:
- You must meet graduation booking deadlines
- If you are asked to make a choice on whether to accept or decline final compensatory credit, you must respond by the deadline given.
Your options:
- Accept on time: attend your planned ceremony (if eligible)
- Miss the deadline: you will usually be invited to a later ceremony
- Choose reassessment: this will delay the completion of your award, and you may need to attend a future graduation ceremony.
Important information for Student visa holders
If you hold a student visa, choosing to undertake reassessment (rather than accept final compensatory credit) may delay your course completion date.
This could have implications for your eligibility for the Graduate Route visa or whether you may need to extend your visa. As individual circumstances vary, you should contact the Student Immigration Team for advice before making a decision.