Hi, this really is basic and I should probably know, but.... what's the pass mark for a MSc? I understand how an undergrad scoring system works, but what about a Masters. Is that simply a pass or fail?

Many thanks - Mark

I'm basing this on my MA experience, but I think it's the same sort of picture for MScs:

Usually it's distinction, pass or fail - with distinction being comparable to an undergraduate 1st and pass being comparable to a 2:2. Sometimes there's a "merit" classification too, for people who do very well but miss out on the distinction - i.e. "high 2:1" type candidates.

Look carefully at the criteria for each classification on your course, as they can vary widely. For instance, you might need to get, say, 70+ overall to get a distinction, or you might just need to get 70+ on your dissertation or some specified proportion of modules and achieve some minimum standard on the rest.

Excellent, thanks for the reply Magictime. It does make sense to have different grades, it's just not something I hear people mention, hence the question. People tend to make a point of saying they have a 1st or honours with an undergrad, but simply say a 'Masters' for above. Maybe they don't have a distinction!!

Thanks - Bono