Stockholm university

Grading scales and grade distribution

As a rule, Stockholm University shall use a seven-point scale related to the learning objectives of the course. The grading scale relates to the intended learning outcomes of the course, which are defined in the syllabus.

 

Grades

Here we describe the seven grades and some specific grading scales.

Passing grades

(in descending order)

  • A = Excellent
  • B = Very Good
  • C = Good
  • D = Satisfactory
  • E = Adequate

Failing grades

  • Fx = Fail, some additional work required
  • F = Fail, much more work required

The syllabus shall specify which grading scales are used and for which components of the course they are used and whether or not a student who receives the grade Fx may complete an additional assignment in order to receive a passing grade.

Grading scale for the Study Programme in Law

The following grades are used only for courses within the Study Programme in Law (in descending order).

  • Cum laude approbatur (AB) - Med beröm godkänd (AB)
  • Non sine laude approbatur (BA) - Icke utan beröm godkänd (BA)
  • Approbatur (B) - Godkänd (B)

Grading scales for VFU courses within teacher education worth more than three higher education credits

For courses covered by the national rule above, passing grades are Pass with Distinction and Pass; a failing grade is Fail.

General exceptions to the rules concerning grading scales

In addition to the principal rule (seven-point grading scale) and the specific rule for VFU courses (three-point grading scale) within teacher education, the following general exceptions are permitted:
• a course or course component that included less than 4.5 higher education credits,
• a course or course component, regardless of the credit range, predominantly consisting of laboratory work, internships or excursions, etc.

For such courses or course components, either a two-point grading scale (Pass/Fail) or a three-point grading scale (Pass with Distinction, Pass/Fail) can be used. However, in a course that is graded using a seven-point scale, the number of highereducation credits assessed according to a two- or three-point scale must not exceed half of the credits on the course.

 

ECTS Grading Table

According to the ECTS Users’ Guide, which has been adopted by the EU, each European higher education institution can use its own grading scales, but should complement these grade distribution tables of passing grades awarded in its courses. At a later stage, these tables can be compared to the grade distribution in equivalent courses at another European university. The ECTS Grading Table (EGT) should be based on a period of at least two academic years. On 20.10.2009, the General Assembly of the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions adopted recommendations for how EGT should be used in Sweden.

Students can have EGT included in their study certificates upon request. The Ladok certificate then shows (for courses with results for at least two years) the number and proportion of students per grade. Only passing grades awarded before or on the same date are included in the grade distribution.

 

Grades in the degree certificate

In the degree certificate, the grading scale for each course is presented in a footnote.
•    Only grades of completed courses can be included in the degree certificate
•    Transferred credits are never graded
•    No overall grade is awarded for a degree and students are not ranked. For example, Grade Point Average (GPA) and other ranking systems are not used in Sweden.

Degree Office

Email: examen@su.se
Phone: 08-16 10 85
Phone hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10.00–11:00

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