Rules for obtaining the epithets Cum laude and Summa cum laude

The Board of Examiners of the Top Master Programme in Nanoscience may decide to grant the epithet (Summa) Cum Laude (= with distinction) to a Master diploma. The following criteria are applicable in this decision. When special personal circumstances apply (for example study delay due to unfortunate personal circumstances), when the student shows exceptional performance in other ways, or for any other valid reason, The Board of Examiners is free to deviate from these criteria for reaching their decisions.

The Board of Examiners for Nanoscience has adopted the following regulation:

When determining if a student receives the (Summa) Cum Laude distinction (judicium) the Board of Examiners is mainly guided by the weighted average grade (G). G is determined by averaging the marks of all parts of the final assessment, bearing in mind the study load of each examination part. The total result G is not rounded off.

The following rules apply: Cum Laude can be awarded if G is above 8.0 and no individual mark is less than 7.0. Summa Cum Laude can be awarded if G is above 9.0 and no individual mark is less than 8.0.

In addition, all exams must have been passed without resits for a distinction to be awarded.

The Board of Examiners decides on these rules annually and they are documented in the Rules and Regulations of the Boards of Examiners, see: https://student.portal.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/fse/faculty-sp-content/snel-naar/examencommissies (only accessible for students/staff).