Results
Results 2023 Frequently Asked Questions
This page covers a wide range of frequently asked questions about your module and degree results. All students are sent personalised emails about their results and it is vital students monitor their University of Reading email account in order to take any necessary action.
For more general queries about exams, including sitting your exams, online exams, past papers and special arrangements please visit our webpages.
Results
Q. When are results released?
A. The publication of results vary, depending on your level of study. A full list of when results are released can be found on the publication of results webpage.
Q. Where can I find my result?
A. Students are sent an individualised email to their University email address containing their overall result and module results.
Your results are also released on the RISIS webportal. You can view your submodular results by going to Information>Programmes and Modules>Submodular marks report. A copy of your results email is held on the web portal, under Information>Exam Info.
Q. Will I get a provisional result?
A. Only finalists finishing their degree in Summer are sent a provisional result. This is to enable finalists enough time to access the Post-Result Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process in enough time for the University to know who will be attending Graduation in July. Finalist students are sent confirmed results once the PREC process is complete and the University Awarding Board has met.
All non-finalists are sent one results email only. This contains their modular results and, in the case of Undergraduate students and MArch students, their progression outcome. The progression outcome indicates if a student is able to progress onto the next part of their degree.
Finalists completing their degree in order to be eligible for Graduation in December are sent finalised results only, they are not sent provisional results. These students are able to access the Post-Result Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process once they receive these results in November.
Q. I am unsure about what my results mean for me. Who can I talk to?
A. If you are not clear what your results mean you should speak with your Academic Tutor or an academic member of staff in your School/Department. They can help guide you and discuss what you can do if you have any concerns about your results. You should also talk to your Academic Tutor if you have queries about individual marks or modules.
RUSU’s Advice Service is also available for free and confidential academic advice.
Q. What is the difference between failed and not qualified, for undergraduate non-finalists students?
A. A Failed progression outcome means that you have not met the University Wide Threshold progression rules and must be reassessed in at least one module to be able to successfully progress onto the next Part of your degree.
A Not-Qualified progression outcome means that you have met the University Wide Threshold progression rules but you have NOT met the progression requirements of your specific degree programme. This is because for some degree programmes you may need to get 40% in a specific module, for example. If your result is Not-Qualified you will need to be reassessed in at least one module in order to progress onto the next Part of your current degree programme. You may be eligible to transfer to a different degree programme and, therefore, not need to take any reassessments. If you want to know more about your transfer options you should contact your Student Support Co-ordinator (or the HBS School Office/ISLI Helpdesk as appropriate) as soon as possible.
You can view the progression requirements of your degree programme on the Programme Specification webpages.
For more details on the University Wide Threshold Requirements and the rules associated with progression please see Section 15 of the Assessment Handbook.
Q. I think I have passed because I got above 40% in all my modules - but my results email says I need to choose my reassessments. Can you explain?
A. Although you may have met the standard pass mark for modules (normally 40% for undergraduate students and 50% for postgraduate modules), your degree programme may require a higher pass mark for either the whole module or for a submodular piece of assessment. This is normally due to accreditation requirements by a Professional, Regulatory or Statutory Body.
You can view the specific requirements of your degree programme on the Programme Specification webpages or on the Module Description webpages. You can also talk to either your Academic Tutor or your Programme Director.
Q. I am unhappy with my results. Can I have my work remarked?
A. In the first instance you should talk to your Academic Tutor or an academic member of staff within your School/Department. Read about the University’s Appeal of Results process.
Q. I have a result of No Recommendation. What does this mean?
A. A result of No Recommendation means that you have an outstanding tuition fee debt of more than £50 and are therefore not eligible to receive your overall result. You are also not eligible to undertake reassessments until your debt is cleared. Once the debt is cleared the Exams Team will release your results. If relevant you will also be offered your reassessments, but only if you have cleared your tuition fee debt within 18 months of the end of your degree programme. If you have any enquiries about outstanding tuition fee debt please email studentcreditcontrol@reading.ac.uk in the first instance.
Q. I have a result of Result Not Yet Available (RNYA). When will I get my result?
A. Normally where your overall result is Result Not Yet Available this is because at least one of your submodular marks is missing. This may be due to an extension, a delay in marking or outstanding academic misconduct. When the missing mark is sent from your School/Department to the Exams Team your result will be calculated and a new results email will be sent to you via email.
Q. I have failed for the second time. What are my options?
A. If you have failed at the second and final attempt of your degree programme, you will normally be required to leave the University. We would recommend you talk to your Academic Tutor about any other options available to you, including the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC), more details of which can be found below.
If you have failed at second attempt, you are able to seek advise and support from the University’s Careers Team. You can contact them by email (careers@reading.ac.uk) or by telephone (0118 378 8359). They are open throughout the year and are offering appointments via Skype and telephone as well as in person. Appointments are free of charge and confidential, and you can access the service for up to a year after you leave the University of Reading. More details about the Careers Team can be found on Essentials.
In line with the University credit and qualifications framework, if you are eligible for an award based on the credits you have achieved, we will process this award in due course.
Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances
Q. I feel my results were affected due to issues beyond my control. What should I do and how do I request Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC)?
A. If after results publication you believe that your performance in your centrally timetabled examinations has been affected by an extenuating circumstance, you will have five working days to use the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances process to request to take the examination again. This is known as ‘Deemed Not to Have Sat’ (DNS). If granted you will have the opportunity to have a further attempt to sit your exam/s as if it is the first time you have taken the exam. If you are already at your second attempt, you will have a further attempt but this will still be classed as a second attempt. Please see Essentials for the deadlines to submit your request.
Please read the guidance carefully and discuss your results with your School/Department representative as soon as possible within these five working days to give you enough time to make the best decision. If you are unsure who to speak to, please contact your Support Centre (or Henley Helpdesk or ISLI Admin Office).
For further information, and the deadline by when you need to submit a Post-result Exceptional Circumstances request, please visit Essentials.
If your overall result is Result Not Yet Available, due to an outstanding Academic Misconduct case or any other reason, you should still follow the PREC guidelines and deadlines outlined on Essentials.
Guidance on requesting ‘Deemed Not to Have Sat’ through the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances process
If you decide to request your results to be DNS and therefore request a further attempt through the Post-results Exceptional Circumstances, your earlier module mark will appear as a 0 DN.
Your decision to request DNS may have important implications. Your further attempt will replace your earlier mark. This means that your original mark will be deleted, and will be replaced by the mark for your further attempt, even if it is lower. You do NOT get the better of the two marks and your DNS attempt mark will count even if you fail. It is important to note that once a further attempt has been requested and granted, you cannot then choose not to do the examination. A mark of zero will be given for any examination not sat. This is a particularly important consideration if you have already achieved the grades that will allow you to progress or complete your degree. Please see further information about Post-results Exceptional Circumstances.
It is important that you do not make any decisions until you have sought academic advice from your School/Department.
Please read this guidance carefully and discuss your results with your School/Department representative as soon as possible within these five working days to give you enough time to make the best decision. We want to make sure you receive the best academic advice possible before you make any decisions. Your School/Department will give you personalised, programme-specific advice on the best course of action, including advantages and disadvantages of requesting DNS.
Information about who will be available to speak to and when during these five working days will be sent to you by your School/Department in advance. However, if you are still not sure whom to contact then please contact your Support Centre, or the HBS School Office/ISLI Helpdesk as appropriate.
For any students who were granted to be ‘Deemed Not to Have Sat’ (DNS) in their examinations prior to the exam period but subsequently chose to take their exams then please note the marks from that exam will be included in your overall results calculation.
Q. What is the difference between a reassessment/resit and a taking an exam after being granted ‘Deemed Not to Have Sat’ (DNS)?
A. Being reassessed is different to being ‘Deemed Not to Have Sat’ (DNS).
A reassessment or a resit is a second attempt of assessment and is offered to students who need to undertake reassessment, normally, so they can finish their degree or progress onto the next Part their degree. This reassessment appears on a transcript as a second attempt and be subject to capping in classification. For more details about reassessment and the rules that apply to your specific level and type of study, please refer to Section 28 of the Assessment Handbook.
A ‘Deemed Not to Have Sat’ (DNS) is where a student has been granted a further attempt to sit their exam/s as if it is the first time they had taken the exam. Granting of a DNS means the original mark will be deleted and will be replaced by the mark for the further attempt, even if it is lower. Students do NOT get the better of the two marks and the post DNS attempt mark will count even if it means a student fails. If a student is already at their second attempt, they will have a further attempt but this will still be classed as a second attempt.
Q. I want to apply for a DNS via the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process. Do I have to choose my reassessments?
A. Yes, you should choose your reassessments at the same time as making your application for a DNS and waiting for the outcome. This includes requests for repeat years. If you are successfully granted a DNS under PREC the attempt number of your assessment will be updated in RISIS.
Q. I have been granted a DNS via the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process. What happens now regarding my assessments?
A. After you are successfully granted a DNS under PREC, RISIS will be updated to reflect this, including the change in attempt number, if relevant. Your overall result will be updated to Deemed Not to Have Sat and a grade of DN will show against the relevant module.
Depending on the module you have been granted a DNS in you may find what pieces of assessment you need to take vary. For example in one module the assessment for both first (DNS) and second (reassessment) attempts are the same e.g. 100% exam. Alternatively, in one module the assessments for the first (DNS) and second (reassessment) attempts are different e.g. 50% coursework and 50% exam for first attempt, 100% exam for second attempt. If you have any queries about the structure of your DNS module please contact your Academic Tutor or the Module Convenor.
Q. I have been granted a DNS via the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process but I think I also need to be reassessed in other modules. What happens now regarding my assessments?
A. If you are a postgraduate student or an undergraduate non-finalist you can normally be reassessed in a module at the same time as the same as be reassessed in a module where you have been granted a DNS. You may find that after you are granted your DNS you no longer wish to be reassessed in some modules you have chosen to resit. Your Academic Tutor can provide you with advice as to what you need to take to progress onto the next Part of your degree or successfully complete your degree. If you change your mind about what you wish to be reassessed in, please email examinations@reading.ac.uk as soon as possible.
If you are an undergraduate finalist student you cannot be assessed in a DNS module and a second attempt module at the same time (unless your DNS is at a second attempt). You must complete all your DNS modules first and receive an overall classification during the next result period (normally June or November). If you then have a result of Fail or Pass (e.g. a non-honours degree classification) you will be offered the opportunity to be reassessed then.
Please note that if you are granted a DNS in one submodular element you may also be entitled to resubmit for any other submodular element (in the same module) where you have not passed (normally a mark of 40% for foundation and undergraduate students and a mark of 50% for postgraduate students). If you are successfully granted a DNS, you will need to check what you may be able to additionally submit. Please check the Submodular mark page on RISIS portal (under Information – Programmes and Modules by clicking on the link “Module marks and sub modular assessment”) and liaise with your School/Department.
Q. I have accepted a repeat year under the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process. What does this mean for my assessments?
A. If you have accepted the offer of a repeat year, RISIS will be updated and any associated reassessments will be removed from your record. Please note that if the exam timetable has already been published (or is imminently due to be published) you may still appear in the timetable even if you have now decided to accept your repeat year and, therefore, not undertaken any reassessments.
If you have been offered a repeat year but have not yet confirmed if you are accepting the repeat year, your underlying result will continue to show on RISIS and, if relevant, you will be entered for relevant reassessments.
Q. My request for a DNS via the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances (PREC) process was rejected. What does this mean for my failed modules?
A. For a module where you had originally failed and you have subsequently had a PREC rejected, you may need to be reassessed in the module at a second attempt in order to progress onto next Part of your degree or in order to successfully complete your degree. If you are unsure if you need to be reassessed in a module you should talk to your Academic Tutor in the first instance.
If you do wish to be reassessed in a module but have previously chosen not to be reassessed via the RISIS webportal reassessment choice task (or a form sent to the Exams Team) you need to email examinations@reading.ac.uk urgently so you can be re-entered for that reassessment.
If you do wish to be reassessed in a module and have already selected to be reassessed via the RISIS webportal reassessment choice task (or a form sent to the Exams Team) you do not need to take any further action as you have already been entered for the reassessment.
If you wish to be reassessed in the module and did not complete the RISIS webportal reassessment choice task (or a form sent to the Exams Team) you will have been automatically entered for the reassessment and do not need to take any further action.
Q. I have pending Academic Misconduct case and an overall result of Result Not Yet Available. If I want to submit a request for a DNS under the Post-Results Exceptional Circumstances process, when do I submit the request?
A. You must submit a request for a DNS under PREC in line with the standard deadlines for the modules in which you do not have an academic misconduct case pending. When the outcome of your Academic Misconduct case is known and your revised mark is released, and you wish to request a PREC against this mark you should contact your Student Support Co-ordinator to understand if you are eligible for a DNS in this module.
Reassessments, including resitting exams
Q. I need to select my reassessments. How do I do this?
A. Most students will have received a link in their results email to select their reassessments. You can select your reassessments on the RISIS webportal. To select your reassessment modules, log into the RISIS webportal and select the button "Select your resits" on the front page or go to Information - Exam Info.
In some cases the Exams Team will have written to you via email with a form to complete and return to examinations@reading.ac.uk.
The deadline for choosing your reassessments is Monday 2 October 2023 at 5pm for non-finalist students who received results on Thursday 14 September 2023.
Q. Who can help me in choosing my reassessments?
A. It is your responsibility to ensure that your reassessment choices allow you to successfully progress onto the next Part of your degree, or successfully complete your degree programme. Your Academic Tutor can help you in choosing your reassessments. In addition to your Academic Tutor, you can seek advice from any academic member of staff in your School/Department.
Please note you may not have to be reassessed in all the modules you have failed in order to successfully progress onto the next Part of your degree, or in order to successfully complete your degree. Therefore it is vital you seek advice on selecting which modules to be reassessed in. The rules about what you need to complete your degree programme or progress to the next Part of your degree are outlined in the Programme Specification.
Students are given a single opportunity to be reassessed in failed modules. If you decline a reassessment on this occasion, you will not be offered the opportunity again. If you do not choose reassessments that enable you to successfully progress onto the next Part of your degree, or successfully complete your degree programme, you will not be able to choose these reassessments at a later date. This may mean you cannot continue on your current degree programme or successfully complete it.
Where you decline a reassessment your first attempt mark will appear on your transcript and will be used towards the calculation of your overall progression for the current Part, or your overall degree result.
Q. When is the next exam period?
A.The next exam period is 15 April to 7 June 2024 inclusive . The timetable will be published in early April 2024. Students will be notified via email when the timetable is ready to view on the RISIS webportal.
I am being reassessed in coursework or an in-class test. When will I find out details and deadlines for this?
For any pieces of assessment which are not an exam but are required to be submitted as part of a second attempt at a module (or first attempt at a module where an alternative assessment/extension has been granted), deadlines for these pieces of work will be communicated to you by your School or Support Centre. Information about reassessment should also be available on Blackboard. This may be once you have confirmed your reassessment choices.
Q. How many pieces of assessment will I be reassessed in?
A. The reassessment for some modules has multiple parts. For example, a second attempt at a module could involve both a resit exam and a coursework assessment. Please see the relevant Module Description for more details – or contact your School or Department (Module Convenor) or Support Centre/HBS/ISLI Helpdesk via Ask a Question on the RISIS webportal.
Q. Will I be charged a fee to be reassessed?
A. No. For modules studied in 2022/23 no reassessment charges apply.
If you are sitting a module from 2021/22 or earlier please visit our webpages for more information on how reassessment fees apply.
Q. What do I do if I do not wish to be reassessed in any module and wish to withdraw from the University?
A. You are advised to discuss this with your Academic Tutor as soon as possible. Further guidance can be obtained from your Support Centre/Henley Helpdesk and on Essentials.
If you decide that you do not wish to be reassessed in any modules or you wish to withdraw from the University, you must still follow the link and complete the task, which gives you the option to indicate your wish to withdraw.
Q. What happens if I don’t complete the reassessment choices process by the deadline?
A. If you don’t tell us your reassessment choices by the deadline stated in your email we will presume you want to be reassessed in all your failed modules.
Q. What do I do if I change my mind about which modules I want to be reassessed in?
If you have already completed the reassessment task or returned your choices form to the Exams Team but wish to change your choices, please email examinations@reading.ac.uk as soon as possible. Please note that if the exam timetable has already been published (or is imminently due to be published) you may still appear in the timetable even if you have now decided to decline the chance to resit an exam.
Q. I have had an email saying I did not complete the reassessment choices task on the RISIS webportal but I think I did complete it.
A. To complete the reassessment choices task on RISIS you must either select or decline for all your failed modules. You must also select the “Confirm your reassessment modules” button on the final page of the task. To check if you have completed the task you can log into the RISIS webportal and select the button "Select your resits" on the front page or go to Information - Exam Info. You must complete your selection by the deadline stated in your email.
Q. How many times can I be reassessed?
A. If you have failed overall (including not qualified for progressing students) you have the right to be reassessed on one occasion only. The exception to this is the dissertation module where the right to be reassessed is restricted (see Section 28 of the Assessment Handbook).
Q. If my reassessment mark is lower than my first attempt mark, which mark will be used?
A. If your reassessment mark is lower than your first attempt mark then it is the first attempt mark that will be used for calculating your progression and/or your overall degree result.
Q. Will my reassessment mark be capped?
A. Your reassessment mark will be capped at the pass mark only when calculating your overall classification. The mark you achieved for your reassessment will be shown on your transcript uncapped.
Q. I have passed my degree overall or have passed in order to progress to the next Part of my degree. Am I allowed to be reassessed to improve my marks?
A. No, if you have Passed overall you are not entitled to be reassessed, except for undergraduate students who receive a classification of Pass. These students will be offered the opportunity to be reassessed in failed modules or graduate with their Pass degree.
Q. I need to do some reassessments. Can I also be reassessed in modules I have passed?
A. No, you cannot be reassessed in modules you have passed overall.
However, within a module you have failed you are eligible to be reassessed in a submodular element that you have passed, if your degree programme allows it. You should seek advice from your Academic Tutor first and, if you wish to be reassessed in a passed submodular element in a failed module you must email examinations@reading.ac.uk as soon as possible.
Q. What happens if I am a non-finalist student and get an outcome of failed or not qualified in September but I still have an additional attempt?
A. If you are an undergraduate or foundation or Master of Architecture student, and have not progressed after the August/September 2023 exam period (i.e. you have a result of Deemed Not to have Sat) but you are allowed a further attempt at any reassessment in 2023/24 you must suspend your registration for the whole of the 2023/24 academic year and so effectively leave the University for 2023/4, taking your next attempt at the next appropriate occasion (for exams the earliest is the Summer term 2024).
Suspension for an academic year may have funding implications; if you are in this position you should seek advice from the Student Support Coordinators in the Support Centres (or for Henley Business School degrees, from the Programme Administrators). If you are studying in the UK on a Tier 4 / Student Route visa you should also speak with the International Student Advisory Team in the Carrington Building or via email to immigration@reading.ac.uk regarding the implications of suspension on your Tier 4 / Student Route visa status.
Q. I am a part-time student on an undergraduate degree. When do I need to be reassessed?
A. Undergraduate part-time students who are not in the final Part of their degree are offered the opportunity to be reassessed in failed modules immediately after their modular results have been released. They do not need to wait until they have completed all modules in a Part before being reassessed.
For undergraduate part-time students who are in the final Part of their degree, they will not be offered reassessments until all modules in the final Part have been completed. These students will only be eligible for reassessments if they Fail their degree overall, or receive a classification of Pass.
Other queries
Q. I have now passed overall and can progress onto the next part of my degree. When do I need to enrol?
A. For information on enrolling for the 2023/24 academic year, you can find out more information about the process on the enrolment page.
Q. I think some of my module marks are missing.
A. For most types of students all marks should be available. This may include marks of 0 Result Not Yet Available (RN). Where a student has a mark of RN or an overall result of Result Not Yet Available this means marks are not yet ready. As soon as your School/Department provide a mark to the Exams Team your result will be processed and a new result issued via email.
For postgraduate non-finalists, overall module marks may not be available for modules where not all elements of assessment have been completed. Where a module is not yet complete it is not possible to calculate the overall module mark yet.
Q. Where can I find out more information about graduating?
A. For more information about graduating please visit our dedicated web pages.
Q. Where and when can I see my submodular results on RISIS?
A. Shortly after your results are released via email, you will be able to view your sub-modular breakdown of results on the RISIS portal under Information – Programmes and Modules by clicking on the link “Module marks and sub modular assessment”.
Q. I am studying at the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM). Who can I talk to about the arrangements for reassessment?
A. Please contact the UoRM Exams Team by emailing UoRM-Examinations@reading.edu.my
Q. I am studying at an international partner. Who can I talk to about the arrangements for reassessment?
A. Please contact the administrator at the international partner in the first instance. If you are studying as part of the NUIST-Reading Academy you can contact them via email.
Q. I’m IFP student. Who should I contact for support, including changing my intended degree?
A. In addition to talking to your Academic Tutor you can contact the ISLI team by via email.
Q. What happens if I hold a Tier 4/Student Route visa? Are there any implications if I am sitting further assessments?
A. If you hold a Tier 4/Student Route visa and are interested in the Graduate Route Scheme, you should contact the International Student Advisory team to discuss how extending your expected course end date and any deadline extensions could affect your eligibility for the Graduate Route Scheme. You should contact the team in good time before the exam period commences to discuss eligibility criteria for the Graduate route and if this affects your post study visa options.