To be admitted to the fourth year of the Honours degrees, students must achieve an overall mark of 40% in third year, with examinations taken at the first attempt. In addition, it is necessary to pass at least 80 credits' worth of courses. In combined degrees, the Board of Examiners may consider that a clear fail in one half of the degree will debar the candidate from progressing to fourth year. Further, failure on certain courses (notably the major practicals) may reduce the candidate's BCS exemptions (see below).
Candidates who fail at the May diet may take re-sit examinations in the August diet to try to achieve an Ordinary degree. Students needing to resit should consult their Directors of Studies to make sure they are registered for the examinations. Students are not expected to resit papers that they passed in May, as the mark from the May examination will be carried forward. Candidates are not permitted to re-do coursework.