One of Singapore’s leading autonomous educational institutions, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) was established in 2005 and attained university status in 2017. The institute is noted for its focus on applied education in the social science domain and provisions for flexible learning opportunities. SUSS offers full-time as well as part-time learning programs that allow both freshers & professors to gain access to their world-class services & faculties.
Here, in this writeup, we are taking a deep dive into the Singapore University of Social Sciences grading system. The system follows the industry-standard model of the grade point average model with corresponding letter grades, and we will have a look at every nuance & aspect of it. This guide is intended for students looking to get into and carve their niche in SUSS & all the info within is sure to come in handy as they strive for excellence.
Let’s get started.
Overview of the SUSS Grading System
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) grading system uses a Grade Point Average (GPA) model based on a 5-point scale, where letter grades from A+ (4.5 to 5.0) to F (0.0) correspond to specific GPA values. Grades are cumulative, so the overall GPA reflects a student’s performance across all completed courses. A minimum GPA is required for graduation, and certain GPA thresholds determine eligibility for honors classifications. SUSS adopts a non-curved grading approach, meaning students are evaluated based on established performance standards rather than relative comparison with peers, ensuring a fair and consistent assessment process.
The SUSS grading system is calculated based on the Grade Point Average (GPA), where each course grade corresponds to a specific grade point value on a 5-point scale. To calculate the GPA, the grade points for each course are multiplied by the number of credit units (CU) for the course, and the total grade points are divided by the total credit units taken. The formula is:
**GPA = (Total Grade Points) / (Total Credit Units)**
This gives an average score reflecting the student’s overall academic performance, with higher grades contributing more to the GPA.
Importance of Understanding Grading Systems
Now, before we go any further, take a moment and think, why do you need to learn all of this? As a student, you can just focus your efforts on studying diligently and the best grades will flow in automatically. So, what’s the point of digging into the workings of the SUSS grading system?
Well, the importance is actually multi-faceted! Getting a good idea about the grading procedures of their school can help students →
Set clear academic goals and plans effectively
Monitors academic progress over time
Motivate self-improvement and effort
Meets academic requirements and eligibility for programs
Provides feedback on learning and skill development
Enhances career and higher education opportunities
Facilitates time and stress management
Promotes transparency and fairness in assessment
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) grading system uses a Grade Point Average (GPA) model based on a 5-point scale, where letter grades from A+ (4.5 to 5.0) to F (0.0) correspond to specific GPA values. Grades are cumulative, so the overall GPA reflects a student’s performance across all completed courses. A minimum GPA is required for graduation, and certain GPA thresholds determine eligibility for honors classifications. SUSS adopts a non-curved grading approach, meaning students are evaluated based on established performance standards rather than relative comparison with peers, ensuring a fair and consistent assessment process.
SUSS Letter Grades and Corresponding Grade Points
The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) uses a 5-point grading scale, where letter grades correspond to specific grade points. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the SUSS letter grades and their corresponding grade points:
– A+ (4.5 – 5.0)
Excellent performance, exceeding expectations with outstanding quality of work.
– A (4.0 – 4.49)
Very good performance, meeting and often surpassing expectations with high-quality work.
– A- (3.7 – 3.99)
Good performance, meeting the criteria with a strong level of quality and effort.
– B+ (3.3 – 3.69)
Above average performance, with some room for improvement but still a solid result.
– B (3.0 – 3.29)
Satisfactory performance, meeting the basic expectations but lacking in certain areas.
– B- (2.7 – 2.99)
Fair performance, with some gaps in quality and understanding.
– C+ (2.3 – 2.69)
Below average performance, showing limited understanding and effort in some areas.
– C (2.0 – 2.29)
Marginal performance, meeting the minimum requirements but with notable shortcomings.
– C- (1.7 – 1.99)
Unsatisfactory performance, barely meeting basic expectations.
– D+ (1.3 – 1.69)
Passing grade, but well below the expected standard, with significant areas of improvement needed.
– D (1.0 – 1.29)
Barely passing, with major weaknesses and concerns in the overall work.
– F (0.0 – 0.99)
Fail, where the work does not meet the minimum requirements for passing.
– Pass/Fail (P/F): Some courses may be graded on a pass/fail basis, and these do not contribute to the GPA calculation.
– Incomplete (I): This grade indicates that the student has not completed all required coursework but may be given the opportunity to finish.
– Withdrawn (W): If a student withdraws from a course after a certain period, they receive a “W” grade, which does not affect the GPA.
The GPA is calculated based on these grade points, and it is crucial for fulfilling graduation requirements and determining honors classification at SUSS.
How do these grades affect the overall CGPA?
-A+ (4.5 – 5.0): Contributes the highest grade points, significantly boosting the GPA.
– A (4.0 – 4.49): Adds strong grade points, positively impacting the GPA.
– A- (3.7 – 3.99): Still a high grade, slightly lower than A but still contributes well to the GPA.
– B+ (3.3 – 3.69): Above average, adding moderate grade points to the GPA.
– B (3.0 – 3.29): Satisfactory performance, contributing solid points but not as much as higher grades.
– B- (2.7 – 2.99): Fair performance, contributing lower grade points that bring down the GPA slightly.
– C+ (2.3 – 2.69): Below average, contributing lower grade points and having a more noticeable negative effect on the GPA.
– C (2.0 – 2.29): Marginally passing, with a more significant negative impact on the GPA.
– C- (1.7 – 1.99): Unsatisfactory, negatively affecting the GPA and making it harder to maintain a high average.
– D+ (1.3 – 1.69): Passing but poor performance, significantly lowering the GPA.
– D (1.0 – 1.29): Barely passing, with a strong negative effect on the GPA.
– F (0.0 – 0.99): Failing, which contributes zero grade points and severely impacts the GPA.
In essence, higher grades (A+, A) have a positive effect on the GPA, while lower grades (C and below) reduce it, with an F having the most detrimental impact.
SUSS GPA vs Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
GPA** (Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) are both measures of a student’s academic performance, but they differ in the scope of what they represent. GPA is semester-specific, while CGPA is cumulative, reflecting the student’s entire academic performance across all terms or courses completed.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
GPA represents a student’s academic performance in a single semester or term.
It is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned in that specific semester by the total credit units of courses taken. It considers performance for a short, individual period (e.g., one semester or term).
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)
CGPA is the average of all the GPAs a student has earned throughout their entire academic program.
It is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned in all semesters (including all courses) by the total credit units taken across all semesters. The CGPA reflects the student’s overall academic performance across all courses and semesters completed to date.