Is 40 A Pass At Unisa?
Knowing how the grading system works is very important for every Unisa student.
Earning a good grade takes dedication and perseverance, and knowing the pass mark keeps you on track for academic success.
So, is 40 a pass at Unisa? Let’s find out.
Is 40 a pass at Unisa?
The general passing mark for most modules at Unisa is 50%.
This applies to the final summative assessment mark, which is a combination of your exam mark and your year mark (marks from assignments and other coursework).
What is a sub-minimum mark at Unisa?
Unisa has a concept called a sub-minimum mark.
This is a minimum mark you need to achieve in the exam (summative assessment) for your year mark to contribute to your final grade.
The sub-minimum mark for undergraduate and honours coursework, as well as postgraduate certificates and diplomas, is 40%.
This is how the sub-minimum mark works:
- If you score below 40% in the exam, your year mark will not be considered when calculating your final mark. In this case, you will have failed the module regardless of your year mark.
- If you score 40% or higher in the exam, your year mark will be combined with your exam mark to determine your final mark.
Can I pass with a 40% in my exam at Unisa?
Scoring exactly 40% in your exam might result in a pass, but only if your year mark is high enough to pull your final mark above 50%.
For example, let’s say your exam mark is 40% and your year mark is 60%.
The weighting of these marks can vary depending on the module, but in a typical scenario with a 50/50 weighting, your final mark would be (40% x 0.5) + (60% x 0.5) = 50%.
In this case, you would get through with a pass.
It’s important to remember that relying solely on a 40% exam mark is risky.
A slightly lower year mark or a different weighting of marks could result in you failing the module.
What happens if I get a 40% in my Unisa assignments?
Assignments and other coursework contribute to your year mark, but achieving a specific mark in them doesn’t guarantee a pass.
A 40% in your assignments might not be enough to significantly boost your year mark, especially if there are many assignments or other forms of coursework.
Your focus should be on understanding the material and performing well in all aspects of your assessment, not just aiming for a specific mark in assignments.
How can I find out the passing mark for my specific Unisa module?
The general passing mark is 50%, but there could be slight variations for specific modules.
The best way to confirm the passing mark for your module is to consult the following resources:
- Tutorial Letter: This official document from Unisa outlines the specific assessment criteria for your module, including the weighting of exams and coursework, and any variations from the general passing mark.
- MyUnisa Portal: Your MyUnisa portal might have information specific to your registered modules, including assessment details.
- Contact your Faculty: If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the faculty or department responsible for your module. They can clarify any doubts regarding the passing mark.