KNUST grading system: Learn how to calculate your GPA/CWA

KNUST grading system: Learn how to calculate your GPA/CWA

In Ghana, the KNUST grading system calculates a student's average mark. Grading is categorising something on a scale according to its quality, rank, size, or progression. Exams are no exception, as they are also classified based on the number of points earned.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology logo and a graduating student.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology logo (L) and a graduating student (R). Photo: @KNUSTksi (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The KNUST Ghana grading system is a one-of-a-kind marking system used at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
  • It is one of the few colleges in Ghana that uses the Cumulative Weighted Average, or CWA, as a grading system.
  • GPA is calculated per semester and reflects performance for that term, while CWA is a cumulative score representing the weighted average of all courses taken throughout a program.

KNUST grading system

The KNUST grading system evaluates students' marks using the Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA). The system bases a student's weighted average grades, from which the final grade can be calculated and expressed as a percentage.

What is the grading scale of KNUST?

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology employs the Cumulative Weighted Averages Grading System. The institution previously used the GPA (Grade Point Average) to evaluate students' grades.

The new Weighted Averages (WA) system considers a student's assessment scores, which grade it out of 100%.

How does the CWA KNUST grading system work?

The CWA for a first-year and first-semester student divides the total cumulative weighted marks by the cumulative credits. Then, multiply the score/marks percentage by the course credit hours.

What is a credit hour?

It is a unit of measurement for how much credit a student receives for attending a course. The credit should correspond to the hours per week spent in that course.

For example, if a student enrolls in a class that meets for one hour on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, that course is worth three credit hours.

KNUST students in the classroom and others in the library.
KNUST students in the classroom (L). Students in the library (R). Photo: @knust.gh (modified by author)
Source: UGC

How do you calculate your CWA?

If you are wondering how to calculate your CWA, then the sample calculation below should guide you.

Formula: [Sum (Unit Credit Hours × Mark%)] / [Sum (Unit Credit Hours)]

Unit Credit HoursMark (%)
Unit 12575
Unit 212.568
Unit 32564
Unit 412.570

First: Multiply the credit hours by the marks

  • 25 * 75 = 1875
  • 12.5 * 68 = 850
  • 25 * 64 = 1600
  • 12.5 * 70 = 875

Therefore: [Sum (Unit Credit Hours × Mark %)] / [Sum (Unit Credit Hours)] =

  • 1875+850+1600+875 / 25+12.5+25+12.5 = 5200 / 75 = 69.33

The calculated CWA in this example is 69.33.

KNUST grading system for WASSCE

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a standardised test. Students who pass the exam receive a certificate proving their completion of secondary school.

The students who pass can apply for positions in colleges or universities like KNUST. To qualify for admission, applicants must get grades between A and C6. Unfortunately, applicants with grades of D7, E8, or F9 are not accepted.

Here is the KNUST grading system for WASSCE below, according to KNB.

Grade classificationsComments
A1Excellent
B2Very Good
B3Good
C4, C5, C6Credit
D7, D8Pass
F9Fail

KNUST grading system for master's

The KNUST grading system percentage for a master's degree incorporates the universal grading system. Universally, a typical master's degree is graded using the following credits.

  • Distinction: 70% or above
  • Merit: 60-69%
  • Pass: 50-59%
  • Borderline pass/fail: 40-49%

KNUST grading system for undergraduate students

If you are an undergraduate student wondering how your grades are assessed, then worry not. Below is an explanation of the KNUST undergraduate grading system.

  • First Class: CWA of 70.00 and above.
  • Second Class Upper: CWA of 60.00 to 69.99.
  • KNUST Second Class Lower: CWA of 50.00 to 59.00.
  • Pass: CWA of 40.00 to 49.99.

So, what is the highest CWA in KNUST? The highest accreditation at the University is the first class, which is a CWA of 70 and above.

Students having a discussion outside and others doing an exam using their laptops.
Female students having a discussion outside (L). Students doing an exam using their laptops (R). Photo: @knust.gh (modified by author)
Source: UGC

KNUST grading system for diploma

Diploma programmes are quick programmes of study that frequently result in credentials at the undergraduate, graduate, and vocational levels. Here is how the programme is graded in general.

  • Pass with distinction: Grade 1 (80-100) and grade 2 (75-79)
  • Pass with credit: Grade 3 (70-74) and grade 4 (60-69)
  • Pass: Grade 5 (50-59) and grade 6 (40-49)
  • Fail: Grade 7 (0-39)

What is GPA?

GPA is a grading system in which the average result of all your grades is calculated based on a 4-point grading system. The basic formula for calculating GPA is to divide the total points earned in a programme by the total number of credits attempted. The resulting figure is the GPA for that programme.

What is KNUST's grading system for first class?

A First Class Honours degree is awarded to students who achieve a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 70.00% or above upon completion of their undergraduate program.

Below is a table illustrating GPA according to the GPA Calculator.

GradeMarks (%)GPA scale
A80-1004.0/Excellent
B+75-793.5/Very Good
B70-743.0/Good
C+65-692.5/Very Fair
C60-642.0/Fair
D+55-591.5/Satisfactory
D50-541.0/Barely Satisfactory
E0-490/Unsatisfactory

What is KNUST's grading system for Second Class Upper?

A second-class upper GPA is between 3.00 and 3.59.

Distinction Grade
First Class3.60 – 4.00
Second Class (Upper Division)3.00 – 3.59
Second Class (Lower Division)2.00 – 2.99
Third Class1.50 – 1.99
Pass1.00 – 1.49
Fail (No award)0.00 – 0.99

What grade is 70% at University?

According to Imperial College London, attaining 70% and above is equivalent to a First Class Honours.

What is the GPA for 67 CWA?

A 67 CWA would correspond approximately to a GPA of around 3.3 to 3.4, which places the student comfortably within the Second Class Upper division.

What CWA is second class upper in KNUST?

A Second Class Upper Honours degree is awarded to undergraduate students who achieve a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) between 60.00 and 69.99 upon completion of their academic program.

KNUST students posing for photos
KNUST students. Photo: @knust.gh (modified by author)
Source: UGC

UCC grading system

According to the University of Cape Coast, the UCC grading system is used to evaluate student performance. The University uses a combination of continuous assessment (40%) and end-of-semester examination (60%).

The University assigns letter grades and numerical weightings to reflect the level of performance.

ScoreGradeGrade PointInterpretation
80 – 100A4.0Excellent
75 – 79B+3.5Very Good
70 – 74B3.0Good
65 – 69C+2.5Average
60 – 64C2.0Fair
55 – 59D+1.5Barely Satisfactory
50 – 54D1.0Weak Pass
Below 50E0Fail

The KNUST grading system evaluates student grades using the Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA). The system is based on a student's weighted average grades, from which the final grade is calculated and expressed as a percentage.

Yen.com.gh published an article about the list of Ghanaian teacher training colleges. Knowing the available teacher training colleges will be helpful if you want to become a teacher in Ghana. Learn about the application process as well as the admission requirements.

If teaching is your passion, these top teacher training colleges will provide you with the best service available in Ghana.

Source: YEN.com.gh

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Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over three years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at chrisndetei@gmail.com

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John Ouma (Lifestyle writer) John Ouma is a journalist with six years of experience. He has published sharply argued think pieces that live at the intersection of power, politics, and society. He was awarded the FirstGen scholarship by Biola University and a merit-based scholarship by AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in January 2021. He has worked for The Standard and Nation Africa as an opinion columnist between 2018 and 2022. He is currently working on his first novel—a literary fiction that traces the life of a contemporary Kenyan artist. Email: gervasjohn97@gmail.com

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