The paper sets out a proposal for taking forward a university-wide consultation on two important aspects of the Code of Assessment: the operation of discretion and rounding. Initial soundings have largely been supportive of undertaking a review of these two policy areas. If ASC is in agreement with the proposal, it will be necessary to undertake a wide consultation across Schools and Research Institutes. It is envisaged that further background information would be provided (e.g. detail of external examiner comments received on the issue). Any observations that ASC members wish to make at this time would be welcome.

Academic Standards Committee is asked to consider whether a University-wide consultation should be taken forward on:

• Reviewing zones of discretion in the award of Honours and Masters degree classifications.

• Amending grade point average thresholds for the award of degree classifications.
• Calculating programme grade point average on the basis of aggregated assessment component grades rather than overall course grades.
  

If a review is agreed, the Clerk of Senate and Senate Office will make arrangements for the consultation to be taken forward.

No direct resource implications have been identified.

It is anticipated that any agreed changes would be introduced in academic session 2020-21.

No specific implications identified.