What is the minimum pass mark for a degree?

At the University of Sierra Leone (USL), it is 40%. At Njala University, it is usually 50%. Always check your specific institution's requirements.

Is a 'D' grade a pass?

For undergraduates, a 'D' (35-39%) is sometimes considered 'Barely Passing' but usually requires the student to improve their CWA. For postgraduates, it is typically a fail.

What is 'Second Class, Upper Division'?

It is the equivalent of a UK 2:1 and indicates a high level of academic achievement (typically 60-69%). This is often the minimum requirement for postgraduate study abroad.

Are results credit-weighted?

Yes. A 4-credit module affects your average more than a 2-credit module. This calculator uses credit-weighted calculations.

How many credits is a standard year?

Usually between 30 and 40 credits depending on the faculty.

What is a 'Reference' exam?

A 'Reference' is the local term for a resit or supplementary examination. If you fail a module, you may take a Reference exam. The resulting grade may be capped at a 'Pass' (40% or 50%) depending on faculty-specific regulations.

How are Sierra Leone degrees viewed internationally?

A Sierra Leonean 'First Class' is equivalent to a UK 1st Class degree. A 60% average (Upper Second) is generally accepted for UK Master's entry (2:1). For US applications, credential evaluators (WES/ECE) typically convert the 70% 'A' to a 4.0 GPA.

Is 50% considered a poor grade?

No! In Sierra Leone, 50% is a solid B (Good) and is sufficient to graduate with a Second Class degree. The 40% pass mark means the scale is different from systems where 70% is the pass mark. Aiming for 70%+ is the threshold for elite 'First Class' performance.

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Sierra Leone Degree Classification Calculator

Calculate your final degree classification based on module grades, credits, and year weightings. Sierra Leone uses UK-style Honours classifications with 70% for First Class.

Sierra Leone Degree Classifications at a Glance

First (1st)

70%+

Upper Second (2:1)

60-69%

Lower Second (2:2)

50-59%

Third Class

40-49%

Fail

Below 40%

Year Weightings

Set how much each year counts toward your final classification

Year 1 Weight (%)

Year 2 Weight (%)

Year 3 Weight (%)

Quick presets:

Module Grades

Enter your module grades and credit values

Module Name (optional)	Grade (%)	Credits

Module 1

Grade (%)

Credits

Year 1 Average:No valid data

Total Credits:0

Your Results

Final degree classification

Enter module grades and credits to see your classification

Classifications may vary by university. Some institutions use borderline rules, discretionary marks, or different weighting schemes. Always verify with your university's regulations.

Sierra Leone Higher Education: Grading and Degree Classification

Sierra Leone's university grading system is a legacy of the British model but has evolved into a localized credit-based system. Results are typically calculated using a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) based on percentage marks, which then determines your degree classification (First Class, Second Class Upper/Lower, Third Class/Pass).

Quick Facts

Typical Scale	0 – 100% (percentage-based) or GPA (4.0 / 5.0)
Typical Pass Mark	40% (USL) or 50% (Njala)
Assessment Structure	CA (30–40%) + Final Exam (60–70%)
Resits / References	Available; grade may be capped at Pass

University of Sierra Leone Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade	Description	Status
70% – 100%	A	Excellent	Pass
60% – 69%	B+	Very Good	Pass
50% – 59%	B	Good	Pass
45% – 49%	C+	Satisfactory	Pass
40% – 44%	C	Pass	Pass
35% – 39%	D	Barely Passing (UG) / Fail (PG)	Conditional
0% – 34%	F	Failure	Fail

Source: University of Sierra Leone (USL) grading scale. Njala University uses a similar scale with 50% as the standard pass mark.

Degree Classification (Honours)

The final CWA (Cumulative Weighted Average) determines your class of degree. Sierra Leone uses UK-style percentage bands.

Classification	Percentage Range	GPA Equivalent (approx.)
First Class Honours	70% – 100%	3.75 – 4.0 / 4.5 – 5.0
Second Class, Upper Division (2:1)	60% – 69%	3.25 – 3.74 / 4.0 – 4.49
Second Class, Lower Division (2:2)	50% – 59%	2.75 – 3.24 / 3.0 – 3.99
Third Class / Pass	40% – 49%	2.00 – 2.74 / 2.0 – 2.99
Fail	Below 40%	Below 2.00

Student guidance

Students often assume a 50% mark is "average" or "poor" because of the 100-point scale. In Sierra Leone, 50% is a solid B (Good) and is sufficient to graduate with a Second Class degree. Aiming for 70%+ is the threshold for elite "First Class" performance.

How the Calculation Works

Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA)

CWA = Σ(Percentage Mark × Credits) ÷ Σ(Total Credits). This calculator uses the same formula. Enter your percentage per module (from your transcript) and set year weights if applicable. The result maps to the Honours bands above.

Example: 4 modules totaling 13 credits. Grades: 72% (A), 58% (B), 65% (B+), 45% (C+). Credits: 3, 3, 4, 3. Weighted = (72×3 + 58×3 + 65×4 + 45×3) / 13 = 60.38% → Second Class, Upper Division (2:1).