What happens if I fail?
Failing an assessment does not usually mean that you have failed the whole subject. However, it does mean you will need to work particularly hard to ensure you do well in your remaining assessments.
Make sure you read all the feedback you get on your assessments so that you can improve on the next one. If you do fail the subject (receive a total grade less than 50%), then this subject will not help you progress towards completing your award (course).
Failing is definitely not the end of the world, and you can retake this subject at a later date. However, it is essential that you continue to progress towards completing your award. If you fail 50% of your units for one semester, or if you fail a core unit, you will receive a letter with an academic management plan, we call this an intervention letter.
This plan is to help get you progressing in your award again. If you receive an intervention letter two semesters in a row, you may be asked to show why you should be allowed to continue in this award, as it may be better to take up studies in a less academically rigorous award.
Higher Education Grading System
It is important to understand that this grading system can be quite different from the way you were graded in school, or in your home country if you are an International Student. The following descriptions of each grading level should help you understand this system better:
High Distinction: This grade denotes performance which meets all subject objectives in such an exceptional way and with such marked excellence that it deserves the highest level of recognition
Distinction: This grade denotes performance which clearly deserves a very high level of recognition as an excellent achievement in the subject
Credit: This grade denotes performance which is substantially better than would normally be expected of competent students in the subject
Pass: This grade denotes performance which satisfies subject objectives
Fail: This grade denotes performance which does not meet subject objectives