When your exam results are released, it’s important to know how to access them, understand what they mean, and take the right next step. This page explains how to check your results, what different outcomes mean, and what to do if you need to resit, resubmit, or query your grade.
Accessing your results
Your provisional exam results are usually released around three weeks (21 days) after your exam, once internal moderation has been completed. You’ll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view.
Please note that all results released at this stage are provisional and may change following final approval. Release dates can be affected by bank holidays, college closures, or moderation delays.
Once grades are confirmed, your final results will be available through your awarding university’s system:
- University of Greater Manchester (formerly University of Bolton): via the E-vision portal
- St Mary’s University: via MySMU
- Buckinghamshire New University: via BNU Connect
Understanding your results
Your grade shows how you performed in your module or assessment.
Use this guide to interpret your outcome:
| Outcome | Meaning | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | You have met the required learning outcomes. | You progress to your next module or level. |
| Refer | You did not pass this attempt but are eligible for a resit or resubmission. | Follow the resit or resubmission instructions below. |
| Defer | Your assessment was delayed or postponed due to approved mitigating circumstances. | Await your rescheduled assessment date. |
| Fail | You have not met the assessment requirements and are not eligible for another attempt. | Contact Student Services for guidance. |
| Incomplete | Your result cannot yet be determined. | Contact Student Services for clarification. |
Understanding the grading scale
- Undergraduate pass mark: 40% (Levels 3–6)
- Postgraduate pass mark: 50% (Level 7)
Late submissions, academic misconduct, or mitigating circumstances may affect your final grade.
Each of our university partners sets its own marking and classification rules. Check the assessment regulations of your awarding partner for full details.
Resits and resubmissions
If you’re given a refer result, you have another opportunity to complete your assessment or exam.
How to apply for a resit or resubmission:
- Wait to receive your referral email
- Check the deadline and assessment type (exam, coursework, or presentation)
- Complete the resit or resubmission by the date provided, usually within 3–4 weeks of receiving your results
- Pay any applicable fees (if required) through the Student Finance Office
- Attend resit support sessions or tutorials offered by your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)
Key points:
- You’ll be told which modules are eligible for resubmission
- Normally, only one resit opportunity is allowed per assessment
- Your resit mark may be capped at the pass mark unless mitigating circumstances apply
- Final decisions and resit rules are set by your awarding university
Partner-specific guidance:
- University of Greater Manchester: Assessment Boards determine eligibility and capping
- Buckinghamshire New University: Students are allowed two attempts
- St Mary’s University: Students have up to three attempts in Level 3 modules
Queries, appeals and support
If you believe there has been an error in marking or recording, you have the right to query your result.
How to query a result:
- Contact Student Services within 10 working days of receiving your results.
- Explain your concern clearly and include any relevant supporting evidence.
- If necessary, a formal review or appeal will be initiated in accordance with your awarding university’s appeals procedure.
Support available
- Personal Academic Tutor (PAT): Academic advice and progression planning. Contact your PAT via email or MS Teams. If you don’t know who your PAT is, contact Student Services.
- Wellbeing and Disability Support team: Wellbeing and emotional support if results have affected your confidence or wellbeing. Email wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk.
- Student Services: Guidance on results, appeals, and deadlines. Email studentservices@rcl.ac.uk.
