The academic standards in the UK are pretty stringent. Although different universities have their specific rules and regulations, the pressure is almost the same for everyone. Whether it’s a bachelor’s degree or a PhD doctorate program, the expectations are immense for every student. Besides, most universities work on a merit-based system, which is why having a high GPA is crucial. But mishaps can happen and there is no guarantee that you will pass the exams with flying colors.
Sometimes, despite studying hard, students fail in one or more university modules in the UK. Although it will have an impact on the final academic grades, there are workarounds. If you fail any university module, you will be allowed to retake the exam or resit the entire session. That being said, we have prepared a detailed guide here about retaking exams in the UK after failing a university module.
What does failing a university module in the UK mean?
As a student studying in the UK, you should first understand what failing a university module means. It will not only help you take the proper precautions but also prevent such events from occurring. So, every university decides a minimum passing score for all the courses. It usually depends on the course type, like mandatory or optional, university regulations, and the module’s significance.

If your examination score is less than this minimum cut-off threshold, you will fail the module.
- For undergraduates, the minimum passing mark required in the UK universities is 40%. Any score below this will be considered a fail.
- 50% is the cut-off threshold for most postgraduate courses in the UK. If you score below this, you will fail the concerned university module.
What happens if you fail a university module in the UK?
Reassessment or Resits
Failing a university module can occur due to numerous reasons. Most students cannot cope with the immense academic pressure and the high university standards. Besides, navigating around subject complexities also adds up to the struggles. That’s why universities allow students who have failed in the module to sit for a reassessment.
Most resitting sessions are fixed, usually during the summers. You will have to apply for the reassessment through the university’s official portal. It’s like a re-exam on the same module that you have to pass. Minimum cut-off marks remain the same. For undergraduates, it will be 40% while for postgraduates, it will be 50% approximately depending on the university regulations.
Retaking the module
If you score below the minimum threshold during the reassessment of the module, you will have to retake it. In other words, the concerned module will be added to your academic list for the next session. You will have to pay additional fees for retaking the module according to your university regulations. Regular classes will be held just like the previous session. So, you will need to attend the lectures, complete the assignments, and even submit any project if given.
Some universities can cap the grade at a minimum percentage, provided the module is optional or doesn’t hold much significance. However, for mandatory modules, a full score grade will be applied. You can discuss this further with your module teacher or the university admin to gain more clarity.
What impact does failing a university module have on the degree progression?
According to most university regulations, failing a core module can have a significant impact on your degree. You may not be allowed to proceed to the next academic year unless you clear the module through reassessment. The number of resits you can have for a specific module is not the same for all universities. Some may allow you to sit for multiple reassessments till you score a passing grade. On the contrary, some universities can limit the number of resits.
Also, if you have a history of too many failed modules, you may not be awarded the intended degree. For instance, you will be given a diploma degree instead of that of a full-course program.
How to avoid failing in a UK university module?
- You should gather full understanding of the UK university modules. These will include the grading criteria, assignment deadlines, and the assessment types involved.
- You also need to identify the core topics that will carry maximum score weightage.
- Since most UK universities give multiple assignments during each academic year, planning strategically can help avoid last-minute stress. For example, breaking down the assignments into smaller segments will help in faster and hassle-free completion.
- Take help from a professional UK university assignment help service. It will help you focus on your core competencies easily.
- Prepare comprehensive study notes by using different information sources. Do not stick to books only. To understand a specific topic, you can refer to online videos, tutorials, and other sources.
Conclusion
Although meeting the academic standards in the UK is not easy, you have to give your hundred percent. From planning your studies to managing time efficiently, there are ways in which you can avoid failing in a university module. On top of this, you can also seek help from a professional assignment writing service provider in the UK, like Digi Assignment Help. At least then, you will have enough time to catch up with the classroom sessions and avoid falling behind.