04.5.5 Calculation of Course Averages

The calculation of course averages will (from semester 2 of 2025) be using a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) for all courses apart from the BD and research degrees. The WAM is commonly used in higher education. The weighting is based on the number of credit points for each unit, which correspond with the volume of learning in the unit. In the case of the BTh and BTh/ThM, there is a level weighting with the third and final years having a greater weighting.

This is the formula that is used to calculate the WAM is:

SUM(Unit Score x Unit Credit Points x Unit Level Weight)

       SUM(Unit Credit Points x Unit Level Weight)

BTh & BTh/ThM level weightings

Year 1 stage                          level weight: 1

Year 2 stage                          level weight: 1

Year 3 stage                         level weight: 2

Year 4 (ThM) stage              level weight: 3

All other courses have a level weight of 1 for all units.

Only units with a final overall score are used to calculate the WAM. The score for failed units is included in the calculation, including for failed withdrawals. Compassionate withdrawals are not included. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory units, audited units, non-award units and cross-credited units are not included in the calculation.