Average Grade
Calculation of average grade
The average grade is calculated only in the event of a differentiated grading system where letters are transformed into numbers as follows: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1, F = 0, ‘not present’ without good reason = 0./
Non-differentiated grading results (‘passed’ and ‘failed’) are not taken into account upon calculating the average grade. If the result ‘not present’ is received on a course which ends with a pass/fail exam, it does not influence the average grade.
Differently from the calculation method, an arithmetical and weighted average grade and average grade calculated on the basis of all results or positive results are used.
What is the difference between the arithmetical average and the weighted average?
The weighted average grade is calculated on the basis of examination grades as well as the credit points received for courses. The grade of a course that gives more credit points has a greater weight (for instance, an A received for a 6-ECTS course has twice the weight of an A received for a 3-ECTS course).
Let us suppose that Anna and Matthew take the course ‘History of Religions’ which gives 6 ECTS. Anna gets an A in the exam and Matthew gets a C. Both also take the course ‘Basics of Ethics’, which gives 3 ECTS. Matthew gets an A, while Anna gets a C for this exam.
The arithmetical average of them both is 4.0.
(5+3) / 2 = 4.
However, upon calculating the weighted average, the number of credit points must also be taken into account (grade × credit points), which must be divided by the total of the credit points.
Anna:
(5x6 + 3x3)/9= 4,3
Matthew:
(3x6 + 5x3)/9=3,6
Thus, the weighted average differs significantly from the arithmetical average.
What is the difference between the average grade calculated on the basis of all results and positive results?
Upon granting study allowances, the weighted average grade of the student in the previous semester is looked at based on all results. That is, negative examination results are also taken into account when calculating the average grade.
Let us suppose that Lisa is a first-semester student and took the course ‘Physical Concept of the World’ which is worth 6 ECTS. However, Lisa started studying for the exam at the very last minute and got an F the first time and a C for the repeat exam. Lisa also took the course ‘General Chemistry’ which is worth 3 ECTS. For this exam she got a B.
Lisa’s weighted average over all grades:
(0x6 + 3x6 + 4x3)/15=2,0
results taken into account: 3, credit points taken into account: 15.
Weighted average grade based on positive results:
(3x6 + 4x3)/9=3,3
results taken into account: 2, credit points taken into account: 9.
The weighted average grade based on positive results is important for obtaining cum laude.
How is the weighted average grade calculated if you have grades expressed in numbers as well as letters (if the student studied at the university at a time when a numerical grading system was used as well as a letter-based grading system)?
A separate average grade is calculated for each grading system and explanations of both systems are added. Two separate grading systems are also indicated in the diploma supplement in this event.